I am currently taking two blood pressure medicines, Diovan and Clonidine. Previously, I was taking HRT and having frequent blood pressure spikes in the range of 190/105. My normal readings were 108/69 when I wasn't having a spike. To make a long story short, my GP sent me to an endocrinologist to see if I had an adrenal tumor. After extensive testing, it was determined I had no tumor. The doctor suggested that I stop the HRT because that can raise blood pressure significantly. It was a tough decision--I don't enjoy these horrible hot flashes which did return. After being off the HRT for approximately one month, the spiking has stopped. Just thought someone might benefit from my experience.
The Following User Says Thank You to grayfox For This Useful Post: Pamela Gaye (08-22-2011)
I am currently taking two blood pressure medicines, Diovan and Clonidine. Previously, I was taking HRT and having frequent blood pressure spikes in the range of 190/105. My normal readings were 108/69 when I wasn't having a spike. To make a long story short, my GP sent me to an endocrinologist to see if I had an adrenal tumor. After extensive testing, it was determined I had no tumor. The doctor suggested that I stop the HRT because that can raise blood pressure significantly. It was a tough decision--I don't enjoy these horrible hot flashes which did return. After being off the HRT for approximately one month, the spiking has stopped. Just thought someone might benefit from my experience.
I too am on HRT, I have cut my dose of premerin .3 to once every other day.
After reading your post I'm now thinking of stoping it completely.
What kind of med were you on and what dose.
Cass
I am just curious how these GP's decide what to do next....
My 1st doc referred me to a hypertension specialist/nephrologist
My 2nd doc. with the findings thought that my glucose was little high at 103 (110) is pre-diabetes, but she just switched the Toprol XL to Atenolol, because (it would have less side-effects)....... yeah riiiiiight. They both have bad side-effects. Why should I be on a beta anyway with perfect EKG's+??? Doesn't make sense. She said to take the 100 MGS of Atenolol & 5/20 of Lotrel & tried to wean me off of 2.5 MGS of xanax a day????? If anxiety is causing the high blood pressure, why wean something off of what is working??
3rd doc in the past 2 years is very wishy washy. He said that I could try to wean off of the Atenolol, but he didn't know..... blah blah blah.
Going to a specialist on 2/10 to hopefully get off of this junk or 1 med. that doesn't have all of the side-effects like Altace, Toprol XL, Lotrel & Atenolol.....
Cassiebel: I have taken Prempro at the lowest dose, and used patches. I was currently using Climara Pro Patches 0.045/0.015mg when I stopped the HRT. It is hard stopping the HRT because hot flashes usually return with a vengeance as mine did, but I can cope with them better knowing I may be saving myself from a heart attack or stroke.
Lillians Axe: I also wonder how these doctors make decisions. I have also been put on various blood pressure medicines and had bad reactions to most of them. The diovan and clonidine seem to agree with me the best, but the clonidine makes me forever sleepy even though I am taking half the dose in the morning and the other half at night. If I take the whole pill at once, my heart rate goes below 60. Let us know what your specialist recommends.
Birth control pills warn you that the estrogen in them might raise bood pressure. HRT also contains estrogen, so it makes sense they might also raise bp in some people. In fact I think HRT also has warning labels about not taking them when you have hypertension.
If you haven't already, visit the menopause board. There are women there who also can't take HRT for blood pressure reasons and they talk about alternatives to help with hot flashes, etc.
Greyfox- On Atenolol my pulse rate gets in the 48-55 range a lot of times..... that is when I feel the most like junk (lazy, dizzy, lethargic & etc). I will keep you posted on how my appointment goes on 2/10. Trying to schedule it closer to when I take my xanax, so I will be a little less nervous.....
Cassiebel: I have taken Prempro at the lowest dose, and used patches. I was currently using Climara Pro Patches 0.045/0.015mg when I stopped the HRT. It is hard stopping the HRT because hot flashes usually return with a vengeance as mine did, but I can cope with them better knowing I may be saving myself from a heart attack or stroke.
Lillians Axe: I also wonder how these doctors make decisions. I have also been put on various blood pressure medicines and had bad reactions to most of them. The diovan and clonidine seem to agree with me the best, but the clonidine makes me forever sleepy even though I am taking half the dose in the morning and the other half at night. If I take the whole pill at once, my heart rate goes below 60. Let us know what your specialist recommends.
I know it's hard stoppping, I stopped 18mos ago and was hit hard with the flashes. My doc gave me the ok to get back on them, so I did but only every other day. I have decided to go to 2 pills a week for awhile and then stop completely.
If I remember correctly, while I was off of them my BP was OK.
Thanks for the info.
Cass
Stopping HRT reduced blood pressure 
