Menopause marks some of the most transformative years in a woman’s health journey. It signals the end of reproductive years, which can often be accompanied by new experiences, questions, and changes to your health. One of the more commonly overlooked health concerns during this stage? High blood pressure.
So, can menopause cause high blood pressure? We’ll dive into the possible correlations here—and help you understand how and why your blood pressure may change during this transitional period.
Understanding Menopause and High Blood Pressure
During perimenopause into menopause, estrogen levels— which is a hormone known to help keep blood vessels flexible— begin to drop. This natural shift impacts the cardiovascular system and may increase your risk of developing hypertension.¹ Increasing evidence now supports a strong connection between menopause and high blood pressure, especially in women who may also have experienced weight gain, disrupted sleep, or emotional stress.²
Can Perimenopause Cause High Blood Pressure?
Perimenopause, or the 8-10 years leading up to menopause3, may also have an impact on blood pressure. Hormonal fluctuations, changes in sleep patterns, and increased anxiety all can contribute to rising blood pressure during this time.4 This often goes unnoticed, making routine monitoring especially important during perimenopause.
The hormonal ebbs and flows experienced during perimenopause can affect not only your mood and sleep—but also how the body manages vascular tone and stress responses.5
What Causes High Blood Pressure in Women During the Menopause Transition?
Understanding what causes high blood pressure in women during midlife means considering both hormonal and lifestyle factors:6,7,8,9
- Estrogen decline reduces the elasticity of blood vessels
- Weight gain around the midsection can increase vascular resistance
- Sleep disruptions can elevate stress hormones as well as blood pressure.
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Improper diet and lack of exercise further exacerbate cardiovascular issues.
Adopting positive lifestyle changes, like improved physical activity and stress management can meaningfully support blood pressure and hormone balance, and can impact how you feel day-to-day.10
High Blood Pressure Symptoms in Women
High blood pressure symptoms in women are typically subtle and are often written off as stress or due to hormone shifts. You might experience: 11,12
- Headaches that don’t go away
- Fatigue or lightheadedness
- Feelings of anxiety or tightness in the chest
- Blurred vision or ringing in the ears
- Heart palpitations or shortness of breath
Since many of these can also be associated with other symptoms of menopause, it’s essential to keep tabs on your blood pressure—even if you feel “mostly okay”. When in doubt, always consult with your healthcare provider!
What Research Says About Menopause and High Blood Pressure
Current studies continue to affirm a link between menopause and high blood pressure. Recent studies demonstrate:13,14,15
- Loss of estrogen impacts vascular health through increasing oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Mind-body interventions, such as yoga, can help reduce blood pressure and menopausal symptoms.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), when appropriate, may help regulate blood pressure and support cardiovascular function during menopause and beyond. It should be noted, however, that HRT is not a primary method of prevention for chronic disease, including cardiovascular disease, but when provided for appropriate indications, may support cardiovascular health.
These insights are shifting the conversation around menopause, from something we endure to something we navigate with knowledge and empowerment.
Empowering Your Midlife Wellness
So, can menopause cause high blood pressure? It is possible—but it doesn’t have to catch you off guard. Here's what you can do to stay ahead and prioritize your heart health:16
- Monitor your blood pressure regularly, even if you’re symptom-free.
- Embrace heart-healthy habits like walking, stretching, and consider trying the Mediterranean diet, which is known to be cardioprotective.
- Sleep well and manage stress through mindfulness or support groups.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about whether hormone therapy or other interventions are right for you.
Taking proactive steps today lays the foundation for a healthier, more vibrant tomorrow. Know that the relationship between menopause and high blood pressure is real, but not irreversible.
Whether you're in perimenopause or beyond, this is a powerful time to reconnect with your health, tune into your body, and act. With the right support, you can thrive in this new phase with confidence and clarity.
Resources:
- https://clinicalhypertension.org/DOIx.php?id=10.5646/ch.2025.31.e19
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11908431/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21608-perimenopause
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378512224002263
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780443222665000136
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00210-024-03700-9
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-77900-x
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s44194-024-00038-5
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0939475325000894
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0020748924002414
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10487958/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/38/3912/7741010?login=false
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00210-024-03700-9
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0020748924002414
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s44194-024-00038-5
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure/art-20046974
