10/14/2025
🧡 Menopause & Your Heart: Why Blood Pressure Matters
Menopause marks the end of menstrual cycles, which are typically diagnosed after 12 months with no period, and starts on average around age 51, though changes often begin earlier. As estrogen levels fall, your body undergoes changes that can affect your cardiovascular system. Estrogen helps keep blood vessels relaxed and flexible; without as much of it, arteries can stiffen and contract more easily. This shift, along with increased sensitivity to salt and weight gain that often comes with menopause, can drive blood pressure upward.
Research shows that 30–50% of women may develop hypertension in the early post-menopause years. Because high blood pressure rarely shows symptoms, many women may not even realize their numbers are rising. That’s why routine blood pressure monitoring is essential during this transition.
📋 What you can do:
- Measure your BP at home (morning & evening) and track trends
- Bring readings to your doctor’s visits
- Pair BP checks with heart-healthy habits (nutrition, movement, stress management)
- If needed, talk with your doctor about personalized treatment or support
Let’s use this as a reminder: menopause is about more than hot flashes; it’s a time to keep your heart health top of mind. ❤️
Know Your Numbers: http://bit.ly/4qszU9x
