Menopause and Liver Health: What You Should Know
Understanding menopause and liver health is vital—because as estrogen falls, women become more vulnerable to fatty liver and metabolic dysfunction. It’s not just about hormones—it’s about prevention and long‑term wellness.
📈 Why Risk Rises After Menopause
- Postmenopausal women have up to **2.4 × higher odds of metabolic‑associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD)** compared to premenopausal peers.([turn0search3])
- By age 60–69, liver fat and fibrosis peak in women and remain higher than in men of the same age.([turn0search5])
- Those with hot flashes or night sweats face **3 × greater risk** of MAFLD.([turn0search2])
🧬 How Hormones Influence Liver Health
- Estrogen helps regulate liver fat metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation—its decline increases liver vulnerability.([turn0search7])
- Postmenopause often brings elevated insulin resistance, visceral fat, and higher BMI—all risk factors for liver fat accumulation.([turn0search7])
- Higher serum uric acid (sUA) levels after menopause are linked to increased MAFLD risk—especially in women with obesity.([turn0search5])
💊 Does Hormone Therapy Help? It Depends
- **Transdermal estrogen (patch or gel)** has been associated with decreased NAFLD risk.([turn0search8])
- **Oral estrogen**, on the other hand, may increase NAFLD prevalence and progression.([turn0search8])
🍏 Lifestyle Strategies to Protect Your Liver
- Follow a **Mediterranean-style diet**—plenty of fibre, lean protein, healthy fats, and limited sugar.([turn0news11])
- Aim for **≥150 minutes/week of moderate exercise**, including resistance training to reduce liver fat even without weight loss.([turn0news12])
- Maintain a **healthy weight and limit alcohol or processed foods**.([turn0search4])
- Get regular check-ups—monitor liver enzymes and metabolic markers during perimenopause and beyond.([turn0news11])
📊 Quick Summary
| Factor | Why it Matters |
|---|---|
| Estrogen drop | Less protection from liver fat & inflammation |
| Hot flashes | Signal higher metabolic‑liver risk |
| Oral HRT | May worsen fatty liver |
| Transdermal HRT | May reduce risk |
| Exercise & diet | Cut liver fat and protect long‑term health |
✅ Key Takeaway
Menopause isn’t just hormonal—it changes liver health too. Be proactive: embrace diet, movement, screenings, and choose HRT carefully to protect your metabolic and liver wellness.
Keyword: menopause and liver health