Menopause and Blood Pressure

An Important Question

“Do you know if there is any correlation between menopause and high blood pressure?”

An HSI member named Lynne sent us an e-mail with that important question. And all women need to be aware of the answer.

The risk of high blood pressure increases significantly after menopause. And this is especially so for women who undergo a hysterectomy. According to one report I’ve read, researchers believe the uterus produces chemicals that help control blood pressure.

Needless to say, blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors should be monitored on a regular basis after menopause.

In the e-Alert “Hiding The R” (11/4/02) I told you about a common trigger for menopausal side effects called “estrogen dominance,” which is an imbalance between two hormones: estrogen and progesterone. Many women report remarkable results in maintaining hormonal balance with natural progesterone treatments (such as progesterone cream) that are available without a doctor’s prescription.

Nevertheless, talk to your doctor before using these or other over-the-counter treatments.