Hormone replacement therapy
Experts have been debating the safety of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for years. A study from the Women’s Health Initiative suggests that women taking menopausal hormone therapy with estrogen plus progesterone are at an increased risk of stroke. Women who reached menopause early (younger than 45) also had elevated risk. HRT can give relief from the symptoms of menopause – hot flashes and night sweats, for example – but the 2017 Hormone Therapy Position Statement from the North American Menopause Society recommends that doctors follow a patient-specific approach and invite neurologists to assess stroke risk when patients are considering HRT. Learn about the three stages of menopause here.
Stress
Everyone knows stress is hard on you, and yes – it also raises your risk of stroke. “Some of this effect may be due to increased blood pressure when under stress,” says Dr. Hussain. He recommends exploring stress-management techniques like mindful meditation, yoga, and massage – experiment to find what works for you. Even a daily walk can do wonders for your stress levels and blood pressure. Find out how to teach yourself to meditate to beat stress.
Illicit drug use
“Multiple types of illicit drugs can increase the risk of stroke, especially cocaine and amphetamines,” Dr. Hussain says. Amphetamines (a stimulant) are legally prescribed to treat conditions such as ADHD, obesity, and narcolepsy. Studies show an increased risk of stroke in young adults who abuse cocaine and amphetamines. “Cessation of drug use is critically important,” he says. Discover everything you need to know about meth here.