What lipid pattern is typically seen after menopause?

What lipid pattern is typically seen after menopause?

• A. Increased HDL cholesterol only
• B. Decreased triglycerides
• C. Increased LDL cholesterol, increased total cholesterol, increased triglycerides, and decreased HDL cholesterol
• D. Stable lipid levels

Answer: (C)

After menopause, the drop in estrogen shifts lipid metabolism toward a more atherogenic pattern. Estrogen loss tends to raise LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol, raise triglycerides, and lower HDL cholesterol. This combination—higher LDL, higher total cholesterol, higher triglycerides, and lower HDL—is the typical lipid pattern seen postmenopause. The other patterns described do not reflect the hormonal changes that raise cardiovascular risk in this period.

After menopause, the drop in estrogen shifts lipid metabolism toward a more atherogenic pattern. Estrogen loss tends to raise LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol, raise triglycerides, and lower HDL cholesterol. This combination—higher LDL, higher total cholesterol, higher triglycerides, and lower HDL—is the typical lipid pattern seen postmenopause. The other patterns described do not reflect the hormonal changes that raise cardiovascular risk in this period.