I began my menopause in 2011. It hasn't been to bad or as bad as some stuff I have read but at the same time I was diagnosed with that I acquired slightly elevated Blood Pressure and had to go on a low dose of medication. After a year I ask the doctor to take me off, so he did. I was good for about 9 months and then it spiked again. Then after being back on them for about five months it reached the next stage, I guess and they increased the medication. I have read alot regarding this and feel there is a connection between Menopause and High Blood Pressure. I am 51, not over weight, eat a good diet and exercise moderately. Can you shed and light to this, has anyone else experienced the same thing?

Raised blood pressure is reasonably common in the menopause.

The main factor seems to be that lowering oestrogen can cause the blood vessels to lose flexibility which in turn causes the rise in blood pressure, so the more you go into the menopause the more the symptom can develop.

If you are looking for natural remedies the herbs such as Crataegus (Hawthorn) are used to help maintain healthy BP (although it is very slow and can take several months to show benefit).

Aesculus (Horse Chestnut) is known to help with flexibility of the veins and Ginkgo biloba is often used to help support the arterial system.

Fish oils and garlic are beneficial and it is important to keep salt intake at a healthy level.

Taking a remedy which can gently raise and balance oestrogen may be another way to tackle this so products such as Menopause Support, Black cohosh or Red Clover may be worth trying.

Eileen Durward