Is there a connection between menopause and high blood pressure?
Answer From Rekha Mankad, M.D.
Blood pressure generally goes up after menopause. Some health care providers think changing hormones related to menopause may cause blood pressure to rise. Others think an increase in body mass index (BMI) during menopause may be to blame.
Changes in hormones during menopause can lead to weight gain. The changes also can make blood pressure more sensitive to salt in the diet. When this happens, blood pressure can go up. Some types of hormone therapy for menopause also may lead to higher blood pressure.
To control your blood pressure both before and after menopause, focus on a healthy lifestyle:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat heart-healthy foods. Choose whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
- Limit salt and processed foods.
- Exercise most days of the week.
- Manage stress.
- Limit or avoid alcohol.
- If you smoke, stop.
If necessary, your health care team may suggest medicines to help lower blood pressure.
Show References
- Tikhonoff V, et al. The uncertain effect of menopause on blood pressure. Journal of Human Hypertension. 2019;33:421.
- Changes you can make to manage high blood pressure. American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure. Accessed April 17, 2023.
- Wenger NK, et al. Hypertension across a woman's life cycle. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2018; doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2018.02.033.
- Lin Y, et al. Cardiovascular benefits of exercise training in postmenopausal hypertension. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. doi:10.3390/ijms19092523.
- Menopause and heart disease. American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/consumer-healthcare/what-is-cardiovascular-disease/menopause-and-heart-disease. Accessed April 17, 2023.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/expert-answers/menopause-and-high-blood-pressure/faq-20058406