The Menopause- Hypertension Link

More Than Just Hormones.

- Dr. Aditi Dattagupta

Menopause is often talked about in hushed tones, with a knowing nod to hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. But there’s another, less visible guest that often sneaks in during this life stage: high blood pressure. And no—it’s not just about fluctuating hormones.

Before menopause, women tend to have lower blood pressure than men. But post-menopause? That flips. According to the American Heart Association’s 2023 report, more than half of women over 55 have hypertension. The protective effects of estrogen—which helps keep blood vessels flexible—start to wane, making arteries stiffer and more prone to pressure buildup.