Abstract
Menopause represents a cardio-metabolic transition, but cardiovascular (CV) health
in women is highly influenced by other reproductive milestones and conditions, which
delineate a cardio-reproductive lifeline. Reproductive history represents an opportunity
to identify women at elevated risk of CV events after menopause, going beyond traditional
CV risk factors. This review aims to summarize the impact of reproductive milestones,
gynecological conditions, and pregnancy-related factors on cardio-metabolic health
at midlife. The main physio-pathological mechanisms likely implicated in linking reproductive
events and CV disease risk are described, as well as the impact of specific conditions
(early/late menarche and menstrual dysfunction [functional hypothalamic amenorrhea,
polycystic ovary syndrome, benign gynecological conditions (endometriosis, adenomyosis,
and fibroids), infertility, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and premature/early natural
or surgical menopause]). Data indicate that a reproductive checklist in midlife women
is warranted for primary prevention and intervention.
Keywords
menopause - cardiovascular disease - reproductive history - adverse pregnancy outcomes
- menstrual dysfunction
