The body’s blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day, influenced by various factors such as activity, stress, and time of day. For individuals who menstruate, these fluctuations can also be linked to their monthly cycle. Understanding how blood pressure interacts with the menstrual cycle can offer valuable insights into one’s overall health.
How Hormones Affect Blood Pressure During Your Cycle
Hormonal shifts throughout the menstrual cycle play a role in influencing blood pressure. The cycle begins with menstruation, followed by the follicular phase, ovulation, and then the luteal phase. These phases are characterized by changing levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which can impact the cardiovascular system.
During the follicular phase, which starts on the first day of menstruation and lasts until ovulation, blood pressure tends to be lower. As ovulation approaches, studies indicate a slight increase in blood pressure, potentially due to the hormones released around this time. The luteal phase, occurring after ovulation, may also see slightly elevated blood pressure compared to the follicular phase.
Progesterone, a hormone that becomes more prominent in the luteal phase, is thought to contribute to these subtle blood pressure changes. While these variations are generally mild, typically a rise of 1-2 mmHg, they demonstrate the direct influence of reproductive hormones on the circulatory system. These hormonal effects are a normal part of the menstrual cycle and generally result in variations that remain within a healthy range.
Understanding Your Readings and When to Seek Advice
Interpreting blood pressure readings in the context of your menstrual cycle involves recognizing normal fluctuations versus potentially concerning changes. Blood pressure is recorded with two numbers: systolic (the top number), which measures pressure when the heart beats, and diastolic (the bottom number), which measures pressure when the heart rests between beats. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg.
Slight increases in blood pressure during certain phases of the menstrual cycle, such as the luteal phase or at the beginning of menstruation, are usually minor and not concerning. Measure your blood pressure at the same time each day to establish a consistent baseline and observe any patterns related to your cycle. When taking readings at home, take two to three measurements one minute apart and record all results, along with the date and time.
Several factors can influence blood pressure readings during your period, including pain, stress, and fluid retention. While a single high reading is not concerning, consistently elevated readings or other concerning symptoms require consulting a healthcare professional. For instance, systolic readings between 120-129 mmHg with a diastolic reading less than 80 mmHg are considered elevated, while readings of 130-139 mmHg systolic or 80-89 mmHg diastolic indicate Stage 1 high blood pressure.