Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a group of health conditions that raise your risk for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
Metabolic syndrome is a group of health conditions that raise your risk for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Metabolic syndrome is the presence of three or more of these factors: central obesity (increased waist circumference), elevated triglyceride levels, low HDL-C, elevated blood pressure, or elevated fasting glucose level(according to the Menopause Society). Inline content unavailable
**What are these factors?
Central Obesity (belly fat): This means carrying extra weight around your waist. It’s often measured using waist circumference — over 35 inches for women is a red flag. After menopause, body fat tends to shift toward the abdomen, which can increase this risk.
High Triglycerides: Triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood. High levels (150 mg/dL or more) may not cause symptoms but can be found in a routine blood test. They often rise after menopause and are linked to dietary habits, lack of activity, or insulin resistance.
Low HDL-C: HDL helps clear “bad” cholesterol from your blood and return it to the liver. Low HDL (under 50 mg/dL for women) may result in less protection against heart disease. Menopause-related hormone changes can lower HDL levels.
High Blood Pressure: A reading of 130/85 mm Hg or higher may count toward metabolic syndrome. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so regular checks are key. Blood pressure tends to rise with age and after menopause.
High Fasting Glucose (blood sugar): A fasting glucose level of 100 mg/dL or higher suggests your body may not be handling sugar well — a sign of insulin resistance. Hormonal changes during and after menopause can make this worse.
Why it matters:
Metabolic syndrome doesn’t cause symptoms on its own, but it increases your risk for serious health problems. The drop in estrogen during menopause plays a role in weight gain, insulin resistance, and changes in cholesterol — all of which can raise your risk.
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How to treat it:
Lifestyle changes are the first step:
Eating a heart-healthy diet
Getting regular exercise
Managing weight
Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol Sometimes, medication is needed to treat individual factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or high blood sugar. Inline content unavailable
What Causes Metabolic Syndrome?
One of the main causes of metabolic syndrome is insulin resistance. This means your body doesn’t respond well to insulin — the hormone that helps control your blood sugar. When your cells don’t use insulin properly, it’s easier to gain weight, especially around the abdomen. This increases your risk for health problems like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
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Are Some People More at Risk?
Yes — genetics and family history may also increase your chances of developing metabolic syndrome. If close relatives have diabetes, heart disease, or obesity, you may be more likely to develop it, too. Learning more about these inherited risks can help doctors personalize prevention and treatment strategies.
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How Can Metabolic Syndrome Be Treated?
While medication may be needed in some cases, healthy lifestyle habits are the foundation of treatment. These include:
Regular physical activity
Balanced nutrition
Stress management
Weight management
These habits help lower blood sugar, reduce belly fat, and improve how your body responds to insulin — all of which lower your risk. Inline content unavailable
How Amissa Helps:
Amissa helps you stay on top of your health by offering tools to:
Track symptoms like weight gain, blood pressure changes, or fatigue
Monitor habits that affect your risk, like sleep, movement, and nutrition
Stay motivated with goals and tips focused on lifestyle and hormonal health
With Amissa, you can take small, meaningful steps to protect your long-term health as your body changes during menopause. Inline content unavailable