The hormone differences between men and women affect how their bodies absorb and utilize cholesterol -- a fatty substance necessary for cell membrane structure, hormone production and the digestion of fats. Too much cholesterol in the blood is a major risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death for both males and females in the United States. Both men and women need to monitor their cholesterol levels and take the necessary steps to maintain healthy levels.
Premenopausal Advantage
Prior to the onset of menopause, estrogen levels help keep "bad" cholesterol, also called low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, levels down while keeping "good" cholesterol, called high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, levels up. This helps reduce the risk of heart disease. After menopause, however, women experience an increase in LDL cholesterol levels and a decrease in HDL cholesterol levels, leaving them vulnerable to the buildup of cholesterol, the formation of plaque and the onset of heart disease.
HDL Difference
On average, women maintain a higher level of HDL cholesterol than men, with women falling between 50 mg/dL and 60 mg/dL while men stay between 40 mg/dL and 50 mg/dL, according to MayoClinic.com. Because HDL picks up excess cholesterol and carries it to the liver for removal from the body, the higher your HDL level, the better. In fact, HDL cholesterol levels over 60 mg/dL can actually help protect against heart disease, which may account for why fewer premenopausal women suffer from heart disease.
Healthy Cholesterol
Males and females older than 20 should undergo a cholesterol screening at least every five years to monitor their blood cholesterol levels. To maintain optimal cardiovascular health, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute recommends keeping the total cholesterol level less than 200 mg/dL and the LDL cholesterol level less than 100 mg/dL. Knowing and understanding your cholesterol numbers and how they impact your risk for heart disease can help you make the necessary changes to lower your risks.
Lifestyle Changes
Although females experience the onset of heart disease approximately 10 years after males, both need to take steps to reduce cholesterol levels. To decrease your LDL cholesterol, change your eating habits. Reduce the amount of saturated and trans fats and well as dietary cholesterol you consume. Increasing your level of physical activity also lowers your LDL cholesterol while helping to increase your HDL cholesterol. Taking these steps can also help you shed the extra pounds, which also lowers your LDL and raises your HDL cholesterol.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Leading Cause of Death in Females, 2006; February 2010
- National Center for Health Statistics: Health, United States, 2010; 2011
- MayoClinic.com: Cholesterol Levels; June 2010
- Canadian Medical Association Journal: A Comprehensive View of Sex-Specific Issues related to Cardiovascular Disease; Pilote et. al.; March 2007
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: How is High Blood Cholesterol Diganosed?; September 2008
- MayoClinic.com: HDL Cholesterol; July 2010
