High Blood Presure & Menopause

During menopause, physical and mental issues may arise. Most of these issues will be caused due to hormonal changes in the body. These effects can go from abnormal weight gain, mood swings and lethargy, to severe bouts of depression. All of these conditions don't happen to every menopausal woman, but those affected by them may develop high blood pressure.

Weight Gain

• Some women may gain weight around their midsection.

  Menopause can change the way a woman's body breaks down her fat intake. For some women, this hormonal imbalance changes the way the body stores the fat already in the body.

  Belly fat may be of special concern to menopausal woman. Excess fat that is carried in this area puts a strain on the body's organs. This is especially true of the heart. When the heart has pressure put on it, it has to pump harder to supply the rest of the body with blood. This can cause a problem with the heart's natural rhythm, and can cause high blood pressure.

Loss of Energy

• Some women experience fatigue during menopause.

  Hormonal changes and fluctuations during menopause can cause a slowing metabolism. When the metabolism slows, a woman may feel she has less energy and, in some severe cases, feel she has no energy at all. When the body has no motion, there is no need for the heart to work as it normally would. This act alone can cause a problem with blood pressure. More dangerous, though, is after lengthy periods of inactivity, when the heart is not being worked--the smallest bit of exertion can actually cause stress on the heart and lead to periods of high blood pressure.

Depression

• Depression can be a side effect of menopause.

  Some women fall into a depression during menopause. This depression can be caused by the hormonal imbalance that occurs, or can be due to aging. Some women have a hard time dealing with the fact that they are no longer able to have children, while others feel that once they reach menopause, the next step is death. The stress and depression that occur can cause blood pressure to rise and may require medication for depression and high blood pressure.

Drinking and Smoking

• Smoking can lead to heart disease.

  Some women, while celebrating their journey from child-bearing years to their relaxing years, may think this is the time to indulge and take up drinking and smoking. Some may take up drinking in an effort to alleviate depression, and smoking may be taken up to combat weight gain. But both drinking and smoking can cause stress on the heart, which can lead to both high blood pressure and heart disease.

Watch Your Blood Pressure

• To reduce high blood pressure, eat a healthy diet and exercise.

  Consider taking measures during menopause that will lead to a healthier lifestyle. Take your blood pressure on a regular basis. Eat healthy foods that are high in fiber and low in fat. Include some sort of physical activity every day. Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have about menopause.