High Blood Pressure & Menstrual Cycles

The menstrual cycle is divided into several phases. The first day of the menstrual cycle begins with menstruation. Next, the follicular phase occurs. Ovulation then happens before the final phase, which is called the luteal phase. During the menstrual cycle, blood pressure may vary slightly. These variations in blood pressure are usually not significant.

Menstruation

• According to a study posted on the National Institute of Health website, blood pressure is highest right at the beginning of menstruation. However, toward the end of the cycle, blood pressure numbers drop lower.

Follicular Phase

• According to study mentioned above, blood pressure was higher during the follicular phase than during the luteal phase.

Ovulation

• Some small studies have indicated that a woman's blood pressure my rise slightly during ovulation. Hormones released during this time may be to blame for the increases.

Luteal Phase

• The luteal phase is the time period following ovulation. During this time, blood pressure may be slightly higher than normal according to some studies.

Reasons for Fluctuating Blood Pressure

• Hormones are possibly the cause for blood pressure variations during the menstrual cycle. Specifically, progesterone may cause blood pressure to rise slightly.