Increased pulse during menopause

Introduction

Menopause is the term used to describe the years that range from the decline of a woman’s fertile period to the complete loss of the function of the ovaries. During this time, physical complaints often occur, which vary in severity and may subside of their own accord after a while. Thus, an increased pulse rate can also be attributed to the hormonal change at the beginning of the menopause. The cardiovascular system often readjusts itself after some time and the circulatory problems as well as the increased pulse rate subside. However, other symptoms caused by the menopause, such as the reduction in bone density due to the estrogen deficiency, do not subside on their own and often require specific therapy.

Causes

The ovaries produce numerous hormones that influence other processes in the body besides sexual function. The most important hormones produced by the ovaries are progesterone and estrogen. With the onset of the menopause, the hormone levels of these two hormones drop sharply, resulting in numerous complaints, which are summarized as “climacteric complaints”.

A typical malfunction with the onset of the menopause is overactivity of the so-called “sympathetic nervous system“. This leads to increased blood pressure in the cardiovascular system, as well as an increased pulse rate. Other complaints such as hot flushes, dizziness and headaches can also be due to the sympathetic nervous system activation of the menopause.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of so-called “climacteric complaints” can in most cases be made on the basis of a medical history and physical examination. Typically, the increased pulse rate during menopause occurs in combination with other complaints such as hot flushes, headaches and sweating. The elevated pulse can be detected by a simple pulse measurement.

For further diagnosis an ECG examination can be performed over 24 hours. This allows cardiac arrhythmia and other structural disturbances of the heart function to be roughly ruled out. An increase in blood pressure during the menopause is also possible.

This can also be examined more closely with the aid of long-term blood pressure measurement. The long-term measurement can also be used to assess the need for treatment. If there is a significant increase in pulse or blood pressure, possibly coupled with further cardiac arrhythmia, drug therapy may be necessary.