Experiencing a Racing Heart?
Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, during which a woman's body undergoes significant hormonal changes. One of the hormones that fluctuates during perimenopause is estrogen. These hormonal fluctuations can have various effects on the body, including the cardiovascular system, which can contribute to a racing heart.
These hormonal fluctuations can have various effects on the body, including the cardiovascular system, which can contribute to a racing heart or palpitations. Here's why this can happen:
✔️Hormonal fluctuations: Estrogen levels can fluctuate significantly during perimenopause. Estrogen has an impact on the autonomic nervous system, which controls heart rate. When estrogen levels drop or fluctuate, it can affect the balance between the sympathetic nervous system (responsible for the "fight or flight" response) and the parasympathetic nervous system (responsible for the "rest and digest" response). This imbalance can lead to a racing heart or palpitations.
✔️Hot flashes and night sweats: Many women experience hot flashes and night sweats during perimenopause, which are believed to be related to changes in estrogen levels. These episodes can trigger a rapid heartbeat as the body attempts to cool down during a hot flash.
✔️Anxiety and stress: Perimenopause can be a challenging time for many women due to the physical and emotional changes they experience. Increased stress and anxiety can also contribute to a racing heart or palpitations. Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, which can lead to an elevated heart rate.
✔️Changes in blood vessels: Estrogen also has a vasodilatory effect, meaning it helps relax blood vessels and maintain healthy blood flow. As estrogen levels decline during perimenopause, some women may experience changes in blood vessel function, which can affect heart rate and blood pressure.
If you’d like to dive deeper into symptoms you are experiencing during this time fo your life, please reach out for a free 30-Min Discovery session. Let’s see if we’re a good fit!