Introduction: Menopause is a natural transition in a woman’s life that is driven by decreased levels of estrogen, which is associated with an increasing risk of cardiovascular disease risk, vascular aging, and unfavorable fat redistribution. Menopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is viewed as an important treatment for menopausal symptoms, yet it may be contraindicated in patients with particular risk factors such as a family history of breast cancer. Therefore, alternative non-pharmacologic interventions are important. Oxytocin, a hormone that enhances cardiac function, reduces inflammation, and regulates blood pressure may also be a positive intervention. Therefore dance, which activates the release of natural oxytocin, may also be a management option in menopausal women.

Methods: Google Scholar and PubMed database searches were conducted using key terms menopause, cardiovascular disease, and dance.

Results: Peer-reviewed literature analysis shows that two hormones, estrogen and oxytocin, appear to have similar cardiovascular benefits in menopause. That is, dancing releases oxytocin and can stimulate the necessary physiological changes to serve as a novel and non-pharmacologic intervention for menopausal women. Oxytocin appears to have similar effects as estrogen in modulating normal blood pressure, improving cholesterol profile and fat distribution, and overall reducing oxidative stress; thereby improving cardiovascular health. During the menopause years, oxytocin also can be released by the body in response to the social interaction and bonding associated with dance as an exercise.

Conclusion: Dance as a form of exercise in menopausal women may impart significant cardiovascular benefits and menopausal women should be encouraged to participate in this exercise.

Ryan Kanungo has a Bachelors in Neuroscience and is currently an incoming first year medical student at Nova Southeastern University/KPCOM. His research interests are in neurology, cardiovascular wellness and holistic medicine. He has presented and published many abstracts and articles on neurology and cardiovascular health and wellness