Blood pressure too high for HRT

[HRTHelpplease]

I am 48 and my periods have stopped (for nearly a year) and I am really struggling with most of the known menopause symptoms. In particular I am simply not sleeping, my brain is so foggy and terrible moods (have at times felt suicidal) along with hot flushes etc... I did an e-consult with my GP Practice (the only way I can communicate with them- they won't do face to face or phonecall appointments unless the consult recommends one) and asked if I could be considered for HRT.

Today I got a response from a locum (who I dont know) saying I couldn't have HRT as my blood pressure is too high. I do have hypertension and take medication for it. It is elevated (around 136/89) but not I thought excessively so. They haven't given me any further advice on what to do - just said I need to lower my blood pressure but not by how much and how. I will probably have to do another e-consult but it will take a while for them to answer and wondered if, in the meantime, anyone had experienced anything similar or had any advice? Thank you.

I know my sister was initially told the same by the GP. She queried it and was referred to an NHS menopause clinic.

They had a different view and said that hrt could help lower blood pressure and prescribed it for her.

I take meds for high blood pressure and am also on hrt, gp had no issue with prescribing it. Your gp needs some up to date training re hrt. Maybe try a different gp if possible or query this one but do your homework first so you'll be informed. There's a really good group on fb, think it's called menopause Ireland or the Irish Menopause, it has members from all over the world and provides good info.

It's worth knowing that modern HRT does not raise BP if it's the transdermal sort. And the progesterone that is now used (micronised progesterone) can actually reduce BP!

I'm not an expert on BP but as far as I know, you can be below 140/90 . However, yours does seem high considering you're already on meds for high BP- are you having reviews as the dose can easily be adjusted.

I think you should insist on a face to face appt. GPs are supposed to offer these and not triage patients with email consults first- they should offer both.

You could talk to the British BP Charity and ask advice.

Also, there is a lot there that can help with lifestyle changes that work alongside meds.https://www.bloodpressureuk.org/news/news/blood-pressure-the-menopause-and-hrt-.html

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

www.bloodpressureuk.org/your-blood-pressure/how-to-lower-your-blood-pressure/healthy-living/