Hot flashes and blood pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 10 2010
Q: My blood pressure is high when I have hot flashes associated with menopause. Why is that happening?
A: Hot flashes have been associated with an increase in systolic blood pressure. The reason for this has not yet been determined. Menopause is a time of change. As more medical studies are performed on this phase of life in women, perhaps an answer will be found.
Tags: blood pressure, hot flash, hot flashes, menopause, Pregnancy & Menopause, systolic blood pressureMenopause and hypertension
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Aug 17 2009
Q: I have experienced occasional sleep disorders (due I believe to menopause). When I am sleep deprived, my blood pressure registers 150/100. This is high, but when I am not sleep deprived, it’s fine. What measures can I take to address this temporary increase in my blood pressure? I am interested specifically in lifestyle modifications as opposed to medication.
A: Around menopause is typically when women develop high blood pressure. You should be evaluated by your doctor. Because many women gain weight during the change, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly is especially important. You might want to try using the RESPeRATE. It is clinically proven to lower blood pressure and many users report that regular use improves sleep.
Tags: eating a healthy diet, high blood pressure, hypertension, insomnia, lifestyle modifications, lower blood pressure, menopause, Pregnancy & Menopause, RESPeRATE, Sleep & Sleep Apnea, Sleep disordersHypertension at perimenopause
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jun 17 2009
Q: I always had low blood pressure (110/70) readings until I reached perimenopause. I was on Loestrin for 9 years. My high bp fluctuated during this time. My blood pressure now is at 130 over 90. I have been off the Rx for a year and wonder if my readings will go down. I am 57, 130lbs 5′2″ and have no other health problems.
A: It is unlikely your blood pressure will go down by itself. It is more likely that it will continue to increase. Regular cardiovascular exercise and a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables will help lower blood pressure, even in people with a normal weight. Use of the RESPeRATE may also be appropriate. Talk to your doctor.
Tags: blood pressure, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, bp, hypertension, lower blood pressure, menopause, Pregnancy & Menopause, RESPeRATEDo any medications cause hair loss in women?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 17 2008
Q: I take inderal, premarin, fioricet, and flexiril. Do any of these medications cause hair loss?
A: Based on the medications you are taking, I am assuming that you are an older female. Some thinning of the hair occurs naturally with the aging process. Many women notice this around the time of menopause. Regarding the drugs you mention, Inderal has been associated with mild skin reactions including reversible balding.
Tags: cause hair loss, drugs, Medication Interactions, menopause, premarinConnection between hbp and menopause
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 07 2007
Q: Is there a connection between high blood pressure and menopause?
A: Many factors contribute to the development of high blood pressure and heart disease. Women tend to develop heart disease in their 50’s which is about ten years later in life than men. Menopause is associated with an increased risk for high blood pressure because the average age of menopause is also about the time women are diagnosed with heart disease. In addition, the weight gain many experience going through menopause contributes to high blood pressure. Heart disease kills more women than breast cancer so it is important for all women, especially after menopause, to control their blood pressure and blood fat levels.
Tags: blood fat levels, breast cancer, heart disease, menopause, Pregnancy & Menopause, weight gain
