Traditionally, cardiovascular disease in women has been associated with loss of ovarian function with the transition into the non-reproductive years. Cardiovascular disease is the biggest killer of women globally primarily through strokes and heart attacks, and it is also a major cause of morbidity and death among men. A major medical conference in South Australia heard today that cardiovascular disease risk is increasing in women, along with earlier age at onset, while it is decreasing in men. "These risks are somewhat reduced with oestrogen replacement, but we believe that some common underlying mechanisms lead to both lower ovarian reserve and increased cardiovascular disease risk." "This dysfunction of mitochondria – the power houses of cells – may increase loss of ovarian function and underlie cardiovascular risk.

Source: ABC News September 16, 2023 11:38 UTC