Will Menopause Cause High Blood Pressure? My Story and What Every Woman Should Know

Will menopause cause high blood pressure?

I never thought so - until one day, a strange, heavy feeling in my chest led me straight to the emergency room. I’d been dealing with the usual menopause symptoms: hot flushes, restless nights, and a creeping waistline. But this was different. What I thought was indigestion turned out to be dangerously high blood pressure. I had no family history, no warning - and no idea that menopause could have anything to do with it. If you’re wondering whether menopause can affect your blood pressure, here’s what I’ve learned - and what every woman deserves to know.

At the time, I didn’t realise that high blood pressure could be linked to menopause. Like so many women, I thought menopause meant hot flushes, mood swings, maybe some extra weight - but not heart health concerns. What followed was a steep learning curve, one that changed how I care for myself and why I’m sharing this story now.

I dismissed it at first, reaching for antacids and hoping it would simply pass. But it didn't. The discomfort grew, and a nagging worry began to gnaw at me. Finally, I listened to that inner voice and made an appointment with my doctor. What happened next was a stark, sobering wake-up call.

I dismissed it at first, reaching for antacids and hoping it would simply pass. But it didn't. The discomfort grew, and a nagging worry began to gnaw at me. Finally, I listened to that inner voice and made an appointment with my doctor. What happened next was a stark, sobering wake-up call.

My blood pressure was sky-high. So high, in fact, that my doctor was immediately concerned and sent me straight to the Emergency Department. It was a terrifying moment, made all the more bewildering because I had no family history of high blood pressure. This was new territory, completely unexpected.

Since that day, managing my blood pressure has become a regular part of my life. It took time to find the right balance of medications, a delicate dance of dosages and types to get things under control. And now, each year, I undergo a 24-hour blood pressure monitor and comprehensive blood tests to ensure everything remains in order. It's a constant vigilance, but one that has undoubtedly saved me from far more serious complications.

One of the other very important things I do to manage my blood pressure, alongside medication, is to come back to the basics: eating nourishing meals, moving my body regularly, managing stress where I can, and prioritising good sleep. These four pillars have become non-negotiables for me. They’re simple, but they work, and they help me feel more in control of my health, every single day. One of the reasons I co-founded Hello Mimi was because I never want another woman to feel as confused or unsupported as I did during that time in menopause. We believe every woman deserves to feel confident in her body and her menopause journey and we’re here to help make that happen.

The Unseen Connection: Why Menopause Can Raise Your Blood Pressure

What I've learned since that frightening experience is that my story is far from unique. While hot flashes grab all the headlines, the link between menopause and high blood pressure is a quiet, yet incredibly powerful, reality for many women. It's often referred to as the "silent killer" for good reason – it often has no obvious symptoms until it reaches dangerous levels.

So, why does this happen? It largely boils down to our hormones, specifically the decline in estrogen. Here's the simplified breakdown of what I've come to understand:

• Estrogen's Protective Role Wanes: Before menopause, estrogen acts like a guardian for our cardiovascular system. It helps keep our blood vessels flexible and wide, allowing blood to flow easily. Think of it like a well-oiled hose. As estrogen levels drop, that protective effect diminishes.

• Stiffer Blood Vessels: Without enough estrogen, our blood vessels can become stiffer and less elastic. This means our heart has to work much harder to pump blood through them, increasing the pressure against the artery walls. It's like trying to push water through a narrow, rigid pipe.

• Changes in Blood Pressure Regulation: Estrogen also plays a role in complex systems within our bodies that control blood pressure. When estrogen levels fluctuate and fall, these systems can become overactive, leading to further constriction of blood vessels and increased fluid retention.

• Weight Gain and Fat Redistribution: Many of us experience weight gain during menopause, often around the belly. This type of fat isn't just cosmetic; it's metabolically active and can significantly contribute to higher blood pressure and other health issues.

• Age and Lifestyle Factors: While menopause itself is a significant factor, it often coincides with other things that can contribute. Simply getting older naturally stiffens arteries. Plus, factors like stress, poor sleep, less physical activity, and dietary choices can all combine to push blood pressure higher.

Listen to Your Body: Your Heart Is Talking

What I thought was just a bit of stubborn indigestion turned out to be dangerously high blood pressure - a silent but serious threat that was quietly building in the background. I’m so grateful I listened to that little voice inside that told me something wasn’t right. Because the truth is, unchecked high blood pressure can lead to devastating outcomes: heart attack, stroke, kidney issues, and more. But catching it early saved me - and it can save others too.

This isn’t about fear. It’s about power. When we understand what’s happening in our bodies, we’re no longer at its mercy - we become active participants in our own health.

Menopause isn’t just about hot flushes or missed periods. It’s a full-body transition that affects everything from our sleep to our mood to, yes, our cardiovascular health. But you’re not powerless. Far from it.

If you’re managing high blood pressure - or suspect something might be off - please know there is so much you can do, especially in partnership with your healthcare provider. Medication, when needed, is important. But how you care for yourself each day matters just as much.

Here are some of the things I focus on day to day that help me stay on top of my health and give my heart the support it needs:

• Food: I try to stick to heart-healthy, hormone-supportive meals mostly - think leafy greens, flaxseeds, whole grains, and plenty of fibre. I reduce my processed salt and sugar intake and do my best to stay hydrated.

• Movement: I know it can be hard to be motivated but simple daily movement has been really helpful in improving my circulation and helping to lower blood pressure. It doesn’t have to be too intense (you don’t have to run any marathons!) but a brisk walk, gentle yoga, or dancing in your kitchen is more than enough.

• Stress Reduction: Due to my job, chronic stress was a major contributor to my high blood pressure in menopause so I make sure to take five minutes a day for deep breathing, mindfulness, or doing something that brings me joy to help give my body the space it needs to find more calm.

• Sleep: I make sleep and periods to rest a priority. I know it’s difficult in our crazy busy lives but creating good sleep hygiene habits is a really great place to start getting better sleep. Try winding down without screens, going to bed before 10pm, and creating a calming evening ritual that tells your nervous system, “You’re safe now.”

These aren’t drastic changes. They’re loving, sustainable shifts - ones that remind your body it is safe, supported, and ready to heal.

And remember, if something feels off, don’t brush it aside. That “weird” symptom might just be your body whispering for help. Get your blood pressure checked. Share your concerns with your doctor. And most importantly, trust yourself.

Because your heart has been with you through everything. Now is your moment to show up for it - with knowledge, compassion, and care.

You’ve got this. And we’re right here with you.