high blood pressure and menopause? - Menopause Message Board

jojoco · 12-30-2004, 04:37 PM

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?

almost50 · 12-30-2004, 05:09 PM

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.

not40 · 12-30-2004, 05:24 PM

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.

kittenlover · 12-30-2004, 05:26 PM

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!

Hopefully · 12-30-2004, 05:46 PM

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.