Tachycardia in the menopause | Causes of tachycardia

Tachycardia in the menopause

The menopause is the time directly before and after the last menstrual period in women when hormonal changes occur. For some women this period begins at the age of 40 and is over for almost all of them at the latest at 58. The most significant change is the decrease in oestrogen production by the ovaries, which also explains the various complaints in the so-called climacteric (medical term for menopause).

The estrogen regulates the menstrual cycle and has other important influences such as on bone metabolism. As a result of this change, the menopausal years are now characterized by various complaints, which are medically referred to as climacteric syndrome. These include hot flushes, palpitations, sweating, sleep disturbances, depressive moods, dryness and infections of the vagina, nervousness, irritability and the increased risk of osteoporosis.

Hot flushes are a relatively common and therefore well-known symptom, which begins with discomfort and manifests itself as a heat wave over the face, neck and upper body. This is often accompanied by a strong palpitations and a rapid heartbeat. This is followed by a sweating and sometimes even a chill. Usually the palpitations subside after this heat phase.

Cause of tachycardia in pregnancy

Pregnancy causes numerous physical changes. Among other things, up to 50 percent more blood is produced to ensure that the growing child is adequately supplied.This increased amount of blood must now be transported in the body, which is why the heart has to increase its performance, i.e. beat stronger and faster, which manifests itself as palpitations. Further in the pregnancy changed pressure conditions on organs and large vessels are present. For example, an impression of the inferior vena cava results in a reduced blood return to the heart, which is why the heart must in turn provide more pumping power, resulting in an increased pulse rate.

Tachycardia psychosomatically caused

More and more often one hears that complaints are considered to be psychosomatically caused, especially if no organic reason for the corresponding symptoms can be found, i.e. if the organ functions are not pathologically altered or if they function physiologically perfectly. Psychosomatic means, so to speak, the triggering of physical symptoms whose cause lies in the psyche. In most cases there is a psychological conflict in the subconscious, which is not processed on the emotional level, but is projected onto different organ systems and functions.

This can then lead to various physical complaints, such as headaches, dizziness, pain with constantly changing localization, itching, abdominal cramps, restlessness, trembling, nausea, panic attacks, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest or even a racing heart. Often the sufferer has several of these symptoms at the same time or alternately one after the other. For example, the affected person feels the suddenly appearing palpitations and does not connect them with the psyche, but attributes this symptom to an organic cause.

For fear of the possible triggers, such as heart failure, the symptoms become even worse in this situation and similar symptoms may occur more frequently in the future. Since the patient suffers greatly from this, it is important to reflect whether a psychological component is a possible cause. The affected person should not be afraid to seek competent help and advice from a psychotherapist, for example, even if one feels psychologically unburdened.

Frequently, problems that seem banal can also lead to such complaints in the body. Of course, all other causes, especially organic ones, should be excluded beforehand and in acute, serious situations a doctor should be consulted to be on the safe side, as psychosomatic complaints should not be played down.