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Estrogen helps with healthy cholesterol levels, regulates blood pressure and reduces the risk of blood clots. As women get closer to menopause, estrogen levels drop. This can increase blood pressure, cholesterol and other risk factors.
Testosterone regulates red blood cells, metabolism and insulin. If your levels drop, it can cause weight gain, lower muscle mass and insulin resistance. This can lead to obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes. If your levels are too high, it can raise the risk of blood clots, heart attack and stroke.
Insulin helps your pancreas regulate blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels damages blood vessels, causes plaque in the arteries and increases the chance of heart attack and stroke. It can also lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity.
Cortisol is commonly referred to as the stress hormone. Some stress is fine but chronic stress can leads to high levels of cortisol. This is linked to high blood pressure, developing abdominal fat and inflammation.
The thyroid produces hormones for your metabolism, growth and energy production. They help your heart rate, blood pressure and cholesterol. When your thyroid isn’t working right, it can lead to other problems.
Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, can lead to high cholesterol, build up in the arteries and a slower heart rate.
Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, can raise your heart rate, blood pressure and risk of irregular heartbeats causing a strain on your heart.
Talk to your provider if you're worried about your hormone levels. They might perform tests and prescribe medications to regulate your hormones and keep your heart in shape.
Sources: Affect How Hormones Your Heart Health, McLeod Hospital, 2026