Decreasing the consumption of foods rich in fat, especially saturated fat, and in cholesterol, can lower both total and LDL cholesterol. Using birth control pills increases blood pressure. Also, blood sugar sometimes changes dramatically in women who use birth control pills. Therefore, diabetic women on birth control pills should have regular blood sugar tests. A woman should talk to her doctor about the risks and benefits of using birth control pills.
Menopausal women have a higher incidence of heart disease.
Research has shown that even small increases in HDL levels can potentially decrease the risk of heart disease in women by as much as 25 percent. Other research shows that estrogen helps blood vessels relax and respond to exercise and stress by increasing blood flow, which helps keep arteries from narrowing. There are, however, a number of risks of ERT, including gallbladder disease, migraine headaches, and uterine cancer. The benefits and risk of ERT should be weighed carefully by each woman and her physician.