Has anyone noticed a change in blood pressure associated with menapause/low progesterone? My sister got a scare when hers soared to 165/100. Her Dr. told her hormones had nothing to do with it and that the numbness in her hand was carpel tunnel. She has a pharmacist telling her otherwise. A saliva test showed very low progesterone. Sound familiar to anyone?

Jojoco,
My blood pressure started to rise when I started perimenopause 12 years ago. It got as high as 190/100. Went in for all the tests to find out why???? The docs said ....don't know. I suggested meno and got a big fat NO WAY. I personally believe it's a mix of hormones gone crazy, 30 extra lbs and STRESS.Anyway,its under control and I was able to cut my meds in half this year.

i do believe it all goes together. back towords the first of the year when i was on the hormone patch, mine was running 130-140/80ish. i went to the dr. the other day about a minor thing and it was 110/72. i have been on natural hormones for the last 4 or 5 months.

Aging blood vessels usually are what cause high blood pressure....but if she is checked at the docs and nowhere else, I'd wonder if it was white-coat hypertension. When I go for a doc appointment, I routinely test 150/90....but when I check at home, I am routinely 109/60. White-coat hypertension does have long-term problems, but many people have it. Get a home monitor and take it (correctly---there are websites that can help you make sure you get a correct reading, which includes where you place the arm, etc.) and see what you get. If it is high, then you will know what you're dealing with.
GOod luck!

Four days ago I went to see a new ob/gyn, who turned out to be wonderful, but I also experienced the white coat hypertension. I've been dealing with this for the last couple of years since perimenopause became worst. Anyway, I had not taken my usual dose of hormones for over 24 hours before going to the dr. office. My bp at the dr. office was 140/100 then later 168/100. When I left the dr. office I took my bcp and a few minutes later I took my bp which was 124/80ish. By the time I arrived home and took my bp it was 115/72.

I did not have high blood pressure or white coat hypertension until 2002 when my peri symptoms escalated. Yes, I know that hormones effect your blood pressure.

I've had problems with BP for a couple of years now, and have found swimming to be the best thing for it. I also suffer from white coat BP, so when it is 140/80 Dr is very, very pleased, as not only is that in normal range, but when I leave she is confident it will be lower.

Here's a little tip - before going to have it done, take a leisurely warm bath, this can bring it down (by relaxing you I presume.) Last time I had mine down, I'd swum 30 lengths, followed by a relaxing spa, and was the lowest it'd been in 3 years. I also will do a self hypnosis and picture my BP being down, and telling myself I will be calm and not feel any panic.

BP is a tricky subject, but I do know (from my specialist) we all have it during every day, and the danger is constantly high BP over a long period of time. Our minds can control it in many cases, and forgetting about it, learning new ways to destress ourselves, exercising and eating healthy, are the best things we can do. I do speak from experience, as mine was around 200/110 and now is 140/80. I'll enjoy while it is there.

Good luck and try the warm bath next time!

Jude