Perimenopause May Be the Best Time to Address Heart Disease Risk

A study published in May 2026 found that perimenopause, the years leading up to menopause, may be the best time for women to address cardiovascular risk factors. Researchers say the hormonal changes during this period make the body more responsive to lifestyle interventions.

The study, covered by Healthline, found that women who made changes to diet, exercise, and stress management during perimenopause showed better long-term heart health outcomes than those who waited until after menopause.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States. Doctors have historically focused on heart disease prevention in older women, but this research suggests earlier action is more effective.

The researchers recommend that women in their 40s and early 50s talk to their doctors about cardiovascular risk screening, even if they feel healthy. Key risk factors include blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and body weight.

Exercise plays a central role. A separate study published the same week found that adults may need to exercise significantly more than current guidelines recommend to achieve meaningful heart health benefits. Current guidelines call for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week; the new research suggests that amount may need to be much higher for substantial benefit.

Doctors say the two studies together point to the same conclusion: women should not wait for symptoms to appear before taking heart health seriously.

"Perimenopause is not just about managing symptoms," said one cardiologist quoted in the Healthline report. "It is a chance to reset your cardiovascular trajectory."

The American Heart Association has not yet updated its guidelines in response to the new findings.