The gender gap may be inching closer when referencing the workplace, but not when it comes to health. Men and women’s bodies are very different, not only from an outward appearance but in many internal processes as well. Factors include hormonal differences, brain structure, sensory systems, even respiratory and cardiovascular functions differ between the sexes.
When it comes to heart disease, this ailment is the leading killer for both men and women. One of the leading causes of this deadly disease is high cholesterol, it has been shown to affect women especially those who are post-menopausal, in higher concentrations. The correlation between cholesterol levels and a woman’s chances of developing heart disease after menopause isn’t new information as it has been part of modern medical knowledge for many years. However, the process behind this or what actually causes it has only recently come to light.
First, let’s understand what cholesterol is. Cholesterol is a type of lipid, a fat-like molecule that does not dissolve in water. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is naturally produced by the body’s liver. Cholesterol is an essential chemical that aids in biological processes such as maintaining healthy cell walls, manufacturing hormones, producing vitamin D and in the production of bile acids which help digest fats.
An average adult’s body produces about 1,000 milligrams of cholesterol per day, which is perfectly adequate without additional input from outside food sources. Once outside food sources are introduced, we typically consume approximately 150-250 milligrams of additional cholesterol on a daily basis. Cholesterol is only found in foods processed from animal sources, which is why dairy, eggs and meat contain cholesterol, while vegetables, fruits and grains do not.
If an individual is not ingesting more cholesterol than the body produces, there is balance. Normal levels of lipoproteins, which we will learn more about in a moment, are present and are able to carry off the cholesterol molecules to various parts of the body as needed. However, when excess cholesterol is present as it does not naturally dissolve in the blood stream, the liver must produce more and more lipoproteins to carry off the excess cholesterol.
Next, let’s understand why too much cholesterol can have a negative impact on your health. Lipoproteins, which are water-soluble carrier molecules, are responsible for transporting cholesterol to various parts of your body. There are two main types of lipoproteins (at least in the interests of this discussion), known as either low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is known as the “bad” cholesterol, since high levels of the chemical indicate that there is likely more cholesterol in your body than is necessary. LDL slowly builds up on the walls of arteries, which can eventually lead to restricted blood flow to important organs like the brain and heart, or even close off blood flow altogether. We can see now why lower LDL levels are a key to good health.
HDL on the other hand is thought of as the “good” cholesterol. HDL is responsible for carrying cholesterol and other chemicals from organs and tissues back to the liver for removal or recycling. High HDL blood levels signify good heart health, since less cholesterol is available in your bloodstream to cause plaque and subsequent blood vessel blockage.
Now that we have an understanding of the process involved, let’s address why women experience different cholesterol levels than their male counterparts at different stages of their life.
While too low or too high HDL/LDL levels can have negative consequences on health, these levels differ between men and women. Overall, HDL levels of 60 milligrams per deciliter and above are considered the “sweet spot” for men and women alike. Anything below 40 milligrams per deciliter is considered too low for men, while for women HDL is considered deficient at anything less than 50 milligrams per deciliter. It is suggested that both men and women have their cholesterol levels tested every five years, beginning in their twenties.
Prior to undergoing menopause, which occurs at an average age of 51, the high levels of estrogen in the body help shield women from high cholesterol levels and subsequent heart disease. Once estrogen levels drop during menopause, the levels of HDL usually fall as well. In a recent study completed in 2009, it was found that during a two year period surrounding their final menstrual period, a woman’s average LDL level increased by 10.5 points, or roughly nine percent.
On the other end of the spectrum, non-menopausal women taking oral contraceptives typically have higher levels of LDL, or bad cholesterol, due to the presence of estrogen in the medication. Progestin, also found in oral contraceptives, seems to have the opposite effect. It is recommended that all women taking oral contraceptives discuss having their cholesterol tested with their physician. Even medications used to combat high cholesterol have been found to work differently between the sexes. Statins for example, which are medications used to lower lipid levels in the body, are typically more effective on men than women.
There is nothing like stick-to-your ribs oats on a cold winters morning. They are extremely versatile and a wholesome food. Oats are not only a whole grain but they contain beta-glucan soluble fiber which has been proven to reduce LDL cholesterol levels in blood. The FDA recognized this in 1997 and expanded their heart health claim for oats to recognize this discovery. Read about the ruling here 
