*Content reviewed by HotPause Health Medical Advisor & Board-Certified OB/GYN, Dr. Beverly Joyce
Heart Palpitations In Menopause
Heart palpitations in menopause are a very common symptom. Studies show that up to 42% of perimenopausal and 54% of postmenopausal women experience them. [1] These sensations, often described as a rapid beats, fluttering, or pounding heart, can be concerning but are usually benign and short-lived, often resolving within a few seconds to minutes. Recognizing palpitations as a component of the menopausal transition can empower women to address this symptom with confidence, seeking reassurance or medical advice when needed to ensure heart health. While palpitations—also known as irregular heartbeats or arrhythmias—commonly do not indicate a severe issue, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable if they frequently occur, to rule out underlying health concerns.
Why Do Heart Palpitations Happen in Menopause?
Heart palpitations during menopause are primarily driven by the hormonal fluctuations that characterize this phase of a woman’s life. As estrogen levels fluctuate and generally decline, the cardiovascular system can be directly impacted, leading to changes in heart rate and rhythm. These fluctuations in hormone levels can cause the heart to feel like it’s fluttering, racing, or skipping beats, resulting in palpitations.
Additionally, other factors associated with menopause can exacerbate or trigger palpitations. Stress and anxiety, which are common during this transitional period due to both physical changes and emotional adjustments, can increase heart rate and contribute to the sensation of palpitations. Hot flashes, another hallmark symptom of menopause, are often accompanied by rapid heartbeat. Lifestyle factors, such as caffeine intake, alcohol consumption, and smoking, can also influence the occurrence of palpitations.
Moreover, changes in blood circulation and the autonomic nervous system, which regulates heart rate, can be affected by hormonal shifts, further increasing the likelihood of palpitations. While these episodes can be alarming, they are usually harmless and temporary. However, understanding their connection to menopause can help women manage this symptom more effectively and seek medical advice when necessary to ensure overall cardiovascular health.
What Can You Do About Heart Palpitations in Menopause?
Managing heart palpitations during menopause involves a combination of lifestyle adjustments, stress management techniques, and, if necessary, medical intervention. Here are a few strategies to help alleviate this symptom:
Medical Options:
- A 2022 study found that “some hormonal agents (e.g., estradiol) can be recommended, with caution, based on some positive evidence for reducing palpitations prevalence or severity.” [2] There’s also evidence that Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT) may reduce your risk of developing coronary heart disease, or of having a heart attack and stroke. Estrogen moderates the stimulation of the heart by activating estrogen receptors (ERs). There is evidence that if MHT is taken within ten years of the final menstrual period and before 60 years of age, it can protect your overall heart health [3].
Non-Medical Options:
- Lifestyle Changes: Reducing or eliminating stimulants such as caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol can significantly decrease the occurrence of palpitations. Maintaining a healthy diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, supports overall heart health. Regular physical activity, tailored to your fitness level, can improve cardiovascular strength and reduce palpitations.
- Stress Management: Since stress and anxiety can trigger or worsen palpitations, incorporating relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or tai chi can be beneficial. Establishing a regular sleep pattern also helps in reducing stress levels and stabilizing heart rhythms.
- Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining electrolyte balance, which is essential for normal heart function. Drinking adequate water throughout the day can help reduce palpitations.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keeping a diary of palpitation episodes can help identify triggers or patterns, which can be useful for both you and your healthcare provider in managing the symptoms.
References:
- Carpenter JS, Sheng Y, Pike C, Elomba CD, Alwine JS, Chen CX, Tisdale JE. Correlates of palpitations during menopause: A scoping review. Women’s Health (Lond). 2022 Jan-Dec;18:17455057221112267. doi: 10.1177/17455057221112267. PMID: 35833667; PMCID: PMC9289918.
- Sheng Y, Carpenter JS, Elomba CD, Alwine JS, Yue M, Chen CX, Tisdale JE. Effect of menopausal symptom treatment options on palpitations: a systematic review. Climacteric. 2022 Apr;25(2):128-140. doi: 10.1080/13697137.2021.1948006. Epub 2021 Aug 4. PMID: 34346265; PMCID: PMC9710005.
- Taylor J.E., Baig M.S., Helmy T., Gersh F.L. (2021), ‘Controversies regarding postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy for primary cardiovascular disease prevention in women’, Cardiol Rev, Nov-Dec 01;29(6): pp.296-304. doi:10.1097/CRD.0000000000000353
The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website.
