During and after menopause, when the ovaries stop working, women face a variety of menopause related health symptoms; among them is the need to reduce their blood cholesterol level. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that among other purposes is aimed at providing the necessary hormones to women at the sage of menopause also seems to help in lowering cholesterol levels, as recent study on older woman indicates.

As part of the menstrual cycle, the function of the ovaries is to produce androgens; among them is the male hormone, testosterone. The decline in female hormone levels (estrogen) and the increase of male hormones (testosterone) manifests itself is many known symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia and higher cholesterol level.

Unfortunately, in spite its significant effect on reducing cholesterol levels among postmenopausal women, HRT had showed no effect at all in lowering the risk for heart disease. Moreover, a study called the Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study (HERS), had revealed that although HRT had lowered the LDL among postmenopausal women and raised their HDL – their good cholesterol levels, all of which is very important as art of the battle to reduce cholesterol and prevent the risk involved, the study on HRT treatment had also reveled some disturbing facts regarding the side effects of the treatment.

The study concluded that due to the serious side effects inflicted upon women who took the HRT treatment, HRT should not be used to lower cholesterol among postmenopausal women.

Some of the disturbing side effects of the treatment were: bleeding, fluid retention, gallbladder problems, increased symptoms of heart disease during the first years of the treatment and blood clots.

By slowly changing your lifestyle, incorporating a well balanced diet into your routine, taking nutrient rich vitamins and minerals, and exercising, lowering cholesterol can be easily achieved, naturally, without drugs and side effects.