Is it normal to have high blood pressure during menopause?

Is it normal to have high blood pressure during menopause?

Changes in hormones during menopause can lead to weight gain and make your blood pressure more sensitive to salt in your diet — which, in turn, can lead to higher blood pressure. Some types of hormone therapy (HT) for menopause also may lead to higher blood pressure.

What medications do doctors prescribe for menopause?

Estrogen-Only Medicines

Brand Name Generic Name Product Type
Premarin conjugated estrogens Pill Vaginal Cream Injection (Shot)
Vagifem estradiol Vaginal Tablet
Vivelle estradiol Patch
Vivelle-Dot estradiol Patch

Should I stop HRT if I have high blood pressure?

There has been a lot of confusion around HRT and heart health and some women are needlessly advised to stop taking HRT if they have high blood pressure. In fact, estrogen prescribed as a patch, gel or spray allows your blood vessels to widen, so it does not raise your blood pressure and can actually work to lower it.

What’s the best medication for menopause?

Estrogen therapy is the most effective treatment option for relieving menopausal hot flashes. Depending on your personal and family medical history, your doctor may recommend estrogen in the lowest dose and the shortest time frame needed to provide symptom relief for you.

Why is my blood pressure so high during menopause?

Estrogen helps keep blood vessels flexible and moderates other hormonal symptoms that cause high blood pressure. However, during menopause hormonal fluctuations cause dramatic shifts in estrogen levels.

Is it normal for women to have high blood pressure?

In general, women are at a lower risk of encountering high blood pressure than men. However, due to natural hormonal fluctuations, menopausal women can sometimes prove to be the exception to the rule. Why Do I Suffer from High Blood Pressure and Night Sweats during Menopause?

When to stop taking medicine for high blood pressure?

While there are definite benefits from taking medicines to reduce blood pressure if you’re under the age of 80, it’s less clear it’s useful if you’re over 80. It’s now thought that if you reach 80 while you’re taking medicine for high blood pressure, it’s fine to continue treatment provided it’s still helping you and is not causing side effects.

What kind of HRT can I take for high blood pressure?

HRT can come as a tablet, or through the skin in patches, gels, or sprays. It can include estrogen alone if you have had a hysterectomy, or estrogen with progestogens or micronised progesterone – this is a newer type of progestogen and is known as the body identical progesterone. Sometimes testosterone is also prescribed.

Is there a connection between menopause and high blood pressure?

Is there a connection between menopause and high blood pressure? Blood pressure generally increases after menopause. Some doctors think this increase suggests that shifting hormones related to menopause are to blame. Others think an increase in body mass index (BMI) in menopausal women may be the more likely culprit.

Is it common for women to have high blood pressure?

“Blood pressure is really a tricky disease,” he adds. “The risk of developing high blood pressure over a lifetime is extremely high if a person lives long enough.” That’s especially true in women after menopause, when blood pressure may rise. By the time they reach their 60s and 70s, 70% of women have high blood pressure.

What kind of medication to take for high blood pressure?

You will need to consult with your doctor to determine which type of medication is going to be most effective for you. Types of medication include diuretics, beta blockers and calcium-channel blockers.

When to stop taking medication for high blood pressure?

Do not stop taking medications if you reach “normal.” When taking medication, it remains important to track and manage your blood pressure. Healthy lifestyle changes and tracking are effective ways to manage your blood pressure, reduce heart risk and maybe even reduce medication.