What role does HDL play in Wechseljahre?

HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is known as 'good cholesterol' because it transports excess cholesterol from arteries to the liver, protecting against atherosclerosis. During menopause, declining estrogen levels tend to lower HDL or alter its composition, reducing its protective effects. LDL often rises simultaneously, increasing cardiovascular risk. HDL also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions that may be impaired in menopause. A DNA test can identify genetic variants (e.g., in CETP, LIPC) that influence HDL metabolism, but effect sizes are small and lifestyle factors (exercise, diet, smoking cessation) dominate. The evidence linking HDL and menopause is human-strong, but the predictive power of a single polygenic score is limited. A blood lipid panel is more informative than a genetic test alone. Caveat: HDL levels alone don't tell the whole story – HDL function and particle size matter, and these are not measured by typical DTC tests.