The change of life can trigger changes in cholesterol for many women.

An estimated 1.5 to 2 million women reach menopause each year.

Many women do not realize that when they hit menopause, their cholesterol can also rise.

Dr. William James Howard of Washington Hospital Center says menopause triggers a number of hormonal changes that are not completely understood.

However, he says years of study show menopause does affect cholesterol. “Whether it's the fall in estrogen or not we really don't know. There is a slight increase, maybe 10-15% increase in the LDL cholesterol, that's the bad cholesterol, while there's a slight decrease in the HDL or the good cholesterol.”

Dr. Howard says the best treatments for high cholesterol even if triggered by hormonal changes include exercise, a healthier diet and in more serious cases, cholesterol lowering medication.

You should consult your doctor to determine what best works for you.