It is often found that women suffer from high blood pressure after menopause. Though the premenopausal women also might suffer from these challenges, the rate is quite low than it is in post menopausal women.
This proves that the hormonal and the biochemical changes that take place in the body of the women in their menopause are responsible for this problem.
It is found that when a woman is in her reproductive life, which begins from the time of her first menses till menopause, she has a lower risk of having high blood pressure. This is because of the presence of estrogen hormone which acts as a protective shield.
It is this hormone which through various mechanisms, keeps the flexibility of the blood vessels, and also regulates the activities of other hormones so that this problem does not arise. Thus, it is found that the women in their prime reproductive age having high levels of estrogen have rare chances of developing high blood pressure problems.
During menopause, an important change occurs in the hormone level in the body. This change brings about a large drop in the circulation of the estrogen in the body. This dropping of estrogen is the cause of all the problems such as mood swings, appetite changes and hot flashes.
With the decrease in the level of estrogen in the body the chances of high blood pressure also increases. This is because the protective shield of estrogen wanes away and the hormones like progestin comes to play and creates salt sensitivity and weight gain. These in turn lead to this problem.
Also if you are going for hormone replacement therapy during menopause, then also you have a chance of having this challenge.
For controlling the high blood pressure problem during menopause, you need to follow a healthy lifestyle, so that you lose the excess weight. Always have foods which are good for heart such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables. If you are used to too much salt in your food then cut the amount.
Have proper rest and include some kind of physical activity in your daily routine. If you can, then avoid alcohol completely or limit it. If you are a smoker then stop immediately. Finally, always go for a medical check up every year and if you find your blood pressure levels rising then take adequate medications for keeping it under control.
Many women face blood pressure problems during menopause, and these symptoms should not be ignored. For more information on menopause related problems and their treatments, click here.
