Menopausal Symptoms & Blood Pressure

The relationship between menopause and high blood pressure (HBP) is not completely understood, but generally it is believed that the hormonal and chemical changes women experience in menopause result in higher blood pressure as women age.

Significance

• According to the American Heart Association, women older than age 55 who are experiencing menopause or are postmenopausal are more likely to have high blood pressure than men.

Causes

• Although the exact causes are not completely known, sources such as MayoClinic.com and the American Heart Association suggest that hormonal changes lead to weight gain and can make women more sensitive to salt, both of which can contribute to HBP.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

• Physicians first thought that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) contributed to HBP, but studies, including a study conducted by the American College of Physicians, found the opposite to be true. This research discovered that women after menopause had lower systolic (the top BP number) blood pressure readings.

Prevention/Solution

• Postmenopausal woman with HBP can adopt certain lifestyle habits to lower blood pressure, including reducing alcohol intake, quitting smoking, increase exercise, eat healthy diets rich in vegetables and fruits, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Medications

• Women diagnosed with HBP can benefit from the use of prescribed blood pressure medications. A physician may prescribe one or more drugs and may need to adjust dosages after careful monitoring of the woman's blood pressure over time.