Can menstruation cause high blood pressure? Cardiologist gives answer

Why blood pressure rises during menstruation

According to the doctor, before menstruation, progesterone levels increase, which provokes fluid retention in the female body and can cause an increase in blood pressure.

There can also be fluctuations in blood pressure during menstruation because estrogen levels also change. However, these fluctuations are usually minor in most cases and do not pose a threat to your life.

Before menstruation (luteal phase) - progesterone relaxes the walls of blood vessels, which is why many women have a drop in blood pressure. This can result in weakness, dizziness, and drowsiness.

The doctor noted that during menstruation, due to fluid and blood loss, blood pressure can drop even more, especially if menstruation is heavy. However, in some women, on the contrary, blood pressure rises due to fluid retention, vascular spasms, and the release of prostaglandins.

During ovulation, the level of estrogen increases, which improves the elasticity of blood vessels, so the pressure during this period is usually stable.

Interestingly, women are less prone to hypertension at a young age because estrogen protects blood vessels. However, after the age of 50, when the level of this hormone decreases, the risk of cardiovascular disease increases dramatically. That is why, after menopause, hypertension in women is even more common than in men.

"The heart works in the rhythm of hormonal changes, and this is normal. The main thing is to know the characteristics of your body and be able to support it in different periods," the report says.

How to avoid high blood pressure

To avoid high blood pressure during menstruation, you can follow a few simple recommendations:

• Eat a balanced diet - eat potassium-rich foods (e.g., bananas, potatoes, spinach) and limit salt intake, which can contribute to fluid retention
• Regular physical activity - light exercise, such as yoga, walking, or swimming, can help reduce stress and improve blood circulation, which in turn helps to normalize blood pressure
• Stress control - it can increase blood pressure, so it is worth practicing relaxation techniques
• Limiting caffeine and alcohol - these substances can contribute to high blood pressure, so it is better to limit their use during menstruation
• Drinking enough water - hydration helps to avoid fluid retention and improves overall health.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.