My blood pressure is being monitored for a week

[CinnamonApplePie]

Hi,

51 year old female here - last period was at 45 so I’m well and truly post-menopausal.
Went through an awful time through the menopause leading to a career walk out and a divorce (following a 23 year marriage). Let’s just say I became a totally different person and suffered greatly with anxiety and the awful feelings of menopause, with no support from family or work. GP wouldn’t prescribe HRT as wasn’t convinced it was menopause!!!

Anyway, last two check ups at GP have highlighted my blood pressure, which is averaging about 136/87. They have monitored me (I’ve had to take
my own readings at home
for 7 days) and it’s definitely at the above normal range. I’m not particularly overweight but have also been told my sugar levels were diabetic range - although these have now dropped to the normal range as I cut out the chocolate!

Does anyone think I need to see the GP (I’ve only seen a nurse so far) and question if I need HRT? Would this help? I’m not sure I’d qualify now as I haven’t had a period for 6 years but I’m willing to try if I would benefit health wise.

Anyone know if it’s worth a chat with my GP?

PS. I have a stressful, management job which doesn’t help! And, still going through a divorce!!

I’m pretty sure you can take it up to 10 years after your last period , for health benefits. Yes, ask.

Not medically qualified, but here's my understanding -

those readings look to be high average, not Grade 1 hypertension. Sensible to monitor it

Seems appropriate for nurse to monitor that

Stressful job etc only raise BP temporarily. People with stressful jobs sometimes have poor coping strategies eg alcohol and junk food. That's what contributes to blood pressure, not the job itself

My readings were hovering around a similar level and I was having palpadations at times. HRT has sorted that, I’ve gone from an average of 140/85 to 120/80

You won't be given HRT unless your BP is normal and under control (this can be with meds for women with very high BP.)

HRT isn't a treatment for HRT if that is what you were asking.

You are normally advised to try lifestyle changes first to lower BP.
Diet, exercise, and things like mindfulness and meditation.
The UK charity Blood Pressure has lots of advice.

Ideally it should not be over 120/80.

HRT? Depends if you have symptoms you want to address.
45 is on the young side for being post menopause and you might want to think about a check on your bone density.

I had low pressure out on medications and now readings are exactly what yours are I am told these are upper normal. As longs as the diastolic ( bottom number) is less than 90 they are happy.

are you thinking about HRT for menopause symptoms, or HRT to help blood pressure? Your bp is top of normal and as others have said is much better managed with exercise, lifestyle changes etc. But HRT may still help you in other ways - I’m 65 and plan to keep taking it for the rest of my life.

Pre-hypertension is anywhere from 120/80 to 140/90. At the moment it's not so high you can't use HRT. But it does need lowering simply because as we get older it tends to rise more.

https://www.bloodpressureuk.org/your-blood-pressure/how-to-lower-your-blood-pressure/

That’s good to know. It does seem that there’s a connection with menopause as I didn’t have high BP before.

@Passthecake30
Are you using the gel or patches?

I think what I am going through is also having an effect tbh. Eldest has just left for university, going through a long divorce with an awkward stbx, studying as well as working ft in a management role, suicide of sibling end of last year…

Lonely too 😢

@CinnamonApplePie I was on gel and ultrogestan for 3 months and then got moved to patches after that due to stock issues. BP improved massively at first, bottom line went down to 70 but then it crept back up and I would say over 79/80 is my new normal.

@CinnamonApplePie sounds like you’re going through a lot, have you sought any doctors help? Or counselling?

Utrogestan has a side effect of lowering blood pressure which is why it's supposed to be taken at night as the main side effect is dizziness.

Estrogen can help CVD prevention long term as it keeps the arteries flexible.

However, neither of these is a treatment for high BP - just a longer term bonus of lower risk of CVD.

@Passthecake30
No, there isn’t much they can do about what’s going on in my life.