Irregular periods ‘predict later heart disease and diabetes’
A large Australian study flags a need for monitoring metabolic risk factors in women with irregular cycles
Middle-aged women with irregular menstrual cycles are at greater risk of heart disease and diabetes in later life, a longitudinal Australian study shows.
The findings, based on data from nearly 14,000 women, highlight the importance of screening for cardiometabolic disease among those experiencing menstrual irregularity, the researchers say.
Overall, irregular bleeds were associated with a 20% and 17% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes, respectively, compared with regular periods.
In addition, menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) use was associated with a 25% lower risk of heart disease regardless of menstrual cycle regularity, the Monash University-led team from Melbourne found.
