Hormonal heart palpitations may result from several health conditions, including menopause. Many treatment options can help manage symptoms, such as hormone replacement therapy.
Hormonal heart palpitations may occur when you experience hormonal changes in your body. People may also experience hormonal heart palpitations during menstruation or pregnancy.
Generally, hormonal heart palpitations are only a temporary condition that typically goes away. If you experience them frequently, a healthcare professional may recommend lifestyle measures or medication to help you manage symptoms.
A heart palpitation may feel like your heart is pounding, has skipped a beat, or is fluttering in your chest. Some people also describe it as a flip-flopping sensation. It can last from 1 to several seconds.
Causes
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Some people may notice palpitations during their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. While researchers are still trying to understand why they occur, there appears to be a connection between changes in hormone levels such as progesterone and estrogen in the body.
Heart palpitations are common during perimenopause. During this initial stage of menopause, progesterone and estrogen levels can fluctuate, causing heart palpitations. They may also occur while you are experiencing other symptoms, like hot flashes. These types of palpitations are typically harmless.
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In some cases, depending on the exact cause of palpitations, doctors may recommend taking beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers to help your heart keep a regular heart rhythm.
Specific lifestyle measures may also help reduce the frequency of hormonal heart palpitations. This can include:
reducing caffeine intake
avoiding or reducing the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes, if applicable
practicing relaxation techniques, like yoga and breathing exercises
regularly doing physical exercise
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Estrogen helps protect several parts of your body, including arteries and blood vessels, by reducing the buildup of fatty plaque. If you have low estrogen levels, this can increase the risk of conditions such as:
osteoporosis
heart disease
cardiovascular disease
About 1 in 100 people with a period experience early menopause, with menstruation stopping before the age of 40. If you are 45 years old or younger and your period stops, you should see a doctor.
palpitations happening with an increased frequency
If you are experiencing heart palpitations and are concerned, consider speaking with a doctor. They can diagnose the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Summary
Hormonal heart palpitations are common in people during menopause and perimenopause. They may also occur during your period or pregnancy.
Palpitations have many causes, and an evaluation by a healthcare professional can help diagnose the cause and determine the appropriate treatment. This is also a good chance to discuss any risks of cardiovascular disease.
Hormonal heart palpitations typically occur when a person has a sudden change in their hormone levels, in particular progesterone and estrogen levels. HRT can help some people to manage their hormone levels and improve hormonal heart palpitations.
Several lifestyle measures can help you manage symptoms and improve cardiovascular health, including:
