Does perimenopause affect your cardiovascular health?

Yes. A 2026 nationwide analysis published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that perimenopausal women were twice as likely to have a low overall cardiovascular health score compared to women still having regular menstrual cycles. The decline was largely driven by higher cholesterol and blood sugar levels, not just symptoms like hot flashes. Researchers describe perimenopause as a "window of opportunity" for proactive cardiovascular care, not just a phase to get through.

What the research actually found

The study, which analyzed health data from more than 9,200 women between the ages of 18 and 80 using the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 framework, found that median cardiovascular health scores declined from 73.3 out of 100 in premenopausal women to 69.1 in perimenopausal women, and to 63.9 in postmenopausal women.^[1] Perimenopausal women were found to be 76% more likely to have a low cholesterol score and 83% more likely to have a low blood sugar score than women who were still cycling regularly.

"Nutrition can be a central factor for early and proactive intervention," said Dr. Garima Arora, the study's senior author.^[1]

Why perimenopause specifically

Fluctuating estrogen during perimenopause affects more than mood and cycles. Estrogen plays a role in insulin sensitivity, blood vessel function, and how the body processes cholesterol, so as hormone levels become less predictable, those metabolic systems can shift too. This is a hormone topic, not a hormone claim: the research describes an association between the perimenopausal transition and metabolic changes, not a specific mechanism any supplement can alter.

"The midlife transition has really been forgotten historically in women's healthcare."

— Jessica Nazzaro, DO, FACOG, NCMP, Board-Certified OB-GYN and National Certified Menopause Practitioner

What a "window of opportunity" actually means

The researchers behind the study framed perimenopause as a critical opportunity for screening and lifestyle changes, before cardiovascular risk factors become more entrenched.^[1] That means requesting a full lipid panel, having blood pressure checked regularly, and paying attention to nutrition and physical activity during this specific window, not waiting until postmenopause.

Nutrient density during a metabolic transition

Since diet consistently scored lowest across the eight Life's Essential 8 factors in the study population, nutrient-dense whole foods deserve real attention during perimenopause. Beef Organ Complex, a whole-food blend of grass-fed liver, heart, kidney, and female-focused organ powders, supplies naturally occurring CoQ10, B-vitamins, and heme iron, nutrients traditionally valued in whole-food nutrition for supporting cardiometabolic and cellular energy needs.† It's the first beef organ supplement in its category to earn the Clean Label Project Purity Award, tested for more than 400 contaminants at ISO-accredited labs.

Building a foundation, not chasing a fix

Our beef organ supplement formulated specifically for women is cGMP-certified and formulated with input from an expert advisory panel of OB/GYNs and registered dietitians, designed to complement, not replace, the lifestyle and screening steps your provider recommends.

"So many women are told to just push through midlife changes quietly. I want women to know their bodies deserve attention now, not just after something goes wrong, and that belief is woven into everything we build, backed by both faith and science."

— Amy Suzanne Upchurch, Founder and CEO of Pink Stork

Practical steps supported by the research

• Ask for a full lipid panel, including ApoB if available, during perimenopause specifically, not just at your annual physical
• Request blood pressure checks at every appointment during this transition
• Ask about a hemoglobin A1c or fasting glucose test to catch early insulin resistance
• Prioritize a heart-healthy dietary pattern, such as the DASH diet, alongside regular aerobic and strength-training activity

For a deeper look at heart-healthy habits specific to this stage, see our companion guide, how to support your heart health naturally during perimenopause.

Frequently asked questions

Does perimenopause cause heart disease?

No single stage causes heart disease. The research shows an association between perimenopause and lower cardiovascular health scores, driven largely by cholesterol and blood sugar changes, but this reflects increased risk factors, not a guaranteed outcome.

What is the Life's Essential 8 score?

It's the American Heart Association's standardized framework for measuring cardiovascular health across eight factors: diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, sleep, weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.

At what age does perimenopause typically start?

Perimenopause typically begins in the mid-to-late 40s and lasts an average of four years before menopause is confirmed, though timing varies by individual.

Can diet alone offset the changes described in this research?

Diet is one of eight factors in the Life's Essential 8 framework, and it scored lowest across the study population, so nutrition is a meaningful lever, but it works best alongside physical activity, sleep, and regular screening with your provider.

Is Beef Organ Complex a substitute for cardiovascular screening?

No. Beef Organ Complex is a whole-food nutrient supplement, not a diagnostic or treatment tool. Regular cardiovascular screening with your healthcare provider remains essential during perimenopause.

† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or while managing a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children.