My bp goes up the first 3 days of my period.

I think that it could be, though mine is the same, if anything, it is lower. Depends on what you mean by "higher"....anything that is consistently above 140/90 is considered a problem. If you never have readings below that number, it may be more than menopause. Even young women have HBP, esp if they smoke, etc... If you are smoking, too much caffeine, not enough exercise etc....those things more likely to cause HBP than hormones, though hormones can trigger some of it probably... I have read some women claim that estrogen raised their BP too, during HT....sometimes they had to stop using HT. Others claimed it lowered it, which is possible since estrogen causes vasodilation etc...

Whatever you do, don't mess with HBP, if it is too high too often, you do need to treat it..... My H died really from untreated HBP (not to scare you, but his definitely was NOT caused by menopause...) Hope your BP problem resolves itself....DaisyC

Grammie,

It is certainly a possibility due to fluctuating hormones and the stress imposed on you due to the other symptoms such as insomnia. My cholesterol has elevated during meno. I had one doctor say it wasn't due to that and another say everyone knows that it elevates during meno. I always try to keep in mind that the doctor is offering an opinion, and ultimately it is my body to care for. Take care.

Thank you all. I believe there is truth is all that you three have said. I have read that during this time you are more sensitive to any allergies, or food intollerances. So, if you are, and say eat something, that can cause your BP to rise.
I need to loose 60 lbs, and my BP would go down naturally. Then, if there is a fluctuation, and it rises, it won't be at a critical level.
I just had two doctors say BP is not a factor at all in menopause. So, they keep looking for it's cause.
I need to find a good OB/GYN in the Austin, TX area to see. One who uses natural remedies, medicine, and good 'ole common sense.
Thank you all. Like I said, your answers have given me confidence that I'm not nuts. I am very concerned and caucious about my BP, and will not ignore it.
Blessings to all suffering with this nonsense. :)
Dana

I read something not long ago about how the fluctuations affect blood flow during menoP and that causes for fluctuations in BP. I do know of a lady who lost about 40 lbs and she said she could throw away her BP meds, it helped that much to lower her BP.... Just at least get some walking in, and try to increase your heart strength & maybe the BP will go down even if you don't lose wt...good luck, DaisyC

I also want to add that I hope I did not scare with my story about late H and his troubles. His family history for heart disease is a nightmare, plus he smoked....he was a tragedy waiting to happen....I think some ppl can get away with more, they have stronger bodies, better genes, even having good mental health is helpful. But BP is an indicator, and should be addressed and I am sure you are much healthier than my H was....DaisyC

Maybe blood pressure isn't a symptom of menopause but I believe that the menopause symptoms can increase your blood pressure. My symptoms are really bad right now. My anxiety level is through the roof and my blood pressure is fluctuating between high and normal. My cardiologist gave me an additional as needed blood pressure pill to take when the meno symptoms start up and as they decrease I don't need it. I went 3 mo. With mild symptoms didn't need any then for the past mo. I feel as if I need them daily. Talk to your cardiologist make sure.

I take a combination of calcium citrate (absorbs better) & magnesium, which I've heard is supposed to be beneficial in lowering blood pressure. And good for the bones, too ;) Generally, my blood pressure is fine, except at certain time of the month when I notice I am bloated/retaining water. I drink a diuretic herbal tea then.

I agree with truitaliangrl ! HBP is not a symptom of meno but meno
could cause HBP. The lowering of estrogen is the problem.
I have had low blood pressure my whole life and still do but every
once in a while I'll go maybe 2 days where it goes up to most people's
normal and then just comes right back down on it's own. I 100%
believe it's the hormones. I see a cardio every 6 months and she
agrees. It's also a domino affect. When I'm really hormonal the
anxiety kicks in high gear which causes the pressure to go up.

As long as it doesn't go up and stay there and you have no other
symptoms I think you'll be fine but of course it is definitely not
something to play around with. I'd absolutely go get checked
out to be sure. Maybe have a few tests done.

Good Luck To You, Donna

Mine has def gone up and I used to have low BP. Partly went up from gaining weight. Then the anxiety and depression/stress of menopause and the stresses and symptoms it adds to your body. My heat rate went way up too. I'm on HCTZ normally, and Bystolic was added for the heart rate and things are better. But I think too, the menopause and hormones add fluid to your body too which will up the BP. Good luck!