Palpitations...how often?

[Mummytron]

Just wondered those of you who have palpitations, how often and how long do they last?

I've just booked a GP appointment today as I've had 3 days of palpitations this week. I'm 47 and think I'm just starting to hit the peri-menopause but have noticed that I've been getting them more frequently over the last 6 months. I go weeks without any, but then seem to get days of clusters. I don't think they are anything sinister but thought it was best to get it checked.

As the PP. Mine seem to come in clusters. Weeks without any, then quite a few, close together. Sometimes they are momentary, sometimes they are longer and a bit scary. I might see the GP but am on fairly good form otherwise. Presumably this is normal (whatever normal is)? I'm 2 years post meno and on low dose HRT.

Mine are totally random, can go ages without them and then have loads in one day. I just ignore them now but I don't think mine are as bad as other people's as I don't have to stop what I'm doing or anything.

Thanks all. It's really interesting isn't it. I have them daily but just odd ones here and there.

It is interesting, and annoying they don't know what causes any of this other than 'hormonal imbalance'. I'd love to know what triggers it but we'll never know unless medical science takes an interest in finding a good alternative to HRT.

According to my consultant, all the organs in the body have estrogen receptors which are affected when estrogen falls.

This includes the heart, brain, skin and bones.

I'm not sure how there can be any alternative to hormone replacement when it's a deficit, because that would be hoping for replacements of other hormones in the body with something 'different' - ie when the pancreas can't produce insulin we inject it. No other substitute would work and why would it be better? Same for under active thyroid- why look for anything other than the replacement of thyroxine?

The only alternatives would be things that were synthetic and would most likely have more side effects than existing hormones which are body-identical.

There are so many other hormones at work, it isn't as simple as estrogen falling. They don't know for sure that hot flushes are caused by estrogen decline - there are so many other hormones fluctuating and the effect of cortisol is not well understood. Adrenal fatigue isn't fully understood either. There's a whole wealth of studies which could be carried out to find out what's going on and to provide alternatives to HRT - surely you'd prefer an option to be available which had all the postives of HRT with none of the negatives, particularly for women who can't take HRT?

There are so many other hormones at work, it isn't as simple as estrogen falling. They don't know for sure that hot flushes are caused by estrogen decline - there are so many other hormones fluctuating and the effect of cortisol is not well understood

Who do you mean by 'they'?

They do know. It's documented. Can you post links to serious medical research showing otherwise?

Adrenal fatigue isn't a recognised issue- it's phoney science- loads online about that.

Mine improved on thyroxine. Had them again yesterday, which reminded me to get my levels checked.

The exact cause of hot flushes are not understood. Not interested in being in yet another pointless debate sidetracking the thread.

Phew, that's good because I was wondering why you started it a few posts back .I'd love to know what triggers it but we'll never know unless medical science takes an interest in finding a good alternative to HRT.

Only after I have caffeine, and not every time, probably only once a fortnight (as long as I generally restrict caffeine). Mine are the slow-down-&-stopped-heart feeling rather than heart racing.

I've had mine for a few years. How about everyone else?

Yeah, good few years. Caffeine doesn't affect mine, it feels like my heart is stuttering when it happens.

Yes I know what you mean. Sometimes makes me want to cough. Had loads of single ones today but I'm mid cycle so they seem to happen more around this time

5 yrs... I want to say started when I was 43 or 44.

I used to have them every single night, just at the point of dropping off to sleep. It would then take me ages to settle down enough to sleep. Haven’t had any since starting HRT.

I have been suffering terribly with palpitations, strong frightening beats, doctors sent me for 2 ecg tests with no findings. I started to follow a doctor on instagram who has interest in menapause. 4 months in and I am having them with much less intensity and not as often. Very frightening for anyone experiencing them

Mine do seem to be when I'm at rest I think, when I sit down after walking or when I lie down. Not sure though, for some reason they don't bother me in the same way other symptoms do.

I had a lot of palpitations during my peri especially at night. I was thinking that stress was the main cause. Hrt made them disappear.

I hate them. I find them really scary. I don't like the feeling to be honest

Same here OP, it's a really unnerving feeling. I saw my GP today, who didn't seem remotely bothered that I was getting them and said it's quite normal in the course of menopause. She was more concerned about my low mood and wanted to prescribe a SSRI as these are now being more commonly used than HRT to treat the effects of menopause. I can't say I'm at all keen though. I've got a blood test booked to check my thyroid and hormone levels.

hyacinth my GP is the same. Suggested beta blockers. My bloods and thyroid are always ok when checked. Im only 42 but have been having hormonal symptoms for 3 years including palpitations for the whole time. You'd think I'd be used to them by now 🙄

Well I feel a bit better after reading this thread! About a month ago I started having palpitations throughout the day but most noticeable at night. I mentioned it to my GP who wants me to go for an ECG but I haven't booked one yet as my palpitations are random so probably wouldn't show.

I have zero pain when they happen but they do make me cough sometimes. It feels like my heart stops momentarily and then kicks starts with a big boom again within seconds.

I'm 41 next month so it makes sense this might be the start of pre-menopause although I have no idea what symptoms I should be looking out for but this thread has prompted me to research!

My GP gave me some links....www.menopausematters.co.uk/
and patient.info/search.asp?searchterm=menopause