Key takeaways

  • Heart palpitations can occur during menopause due to hormonal changes, though more research is necessary in this area. Heart palpitations can also indicate other health issues.
  • It is a good idea to speak with a doctor if heart palpitations occur. A doctor will usually listen to the heart and may perform tests to check for underlying conditions that may require treatment.
  • Lifestyle changes, such as practicing relaxation techniques, getting plenty of sleep, and limiting alcohol, nicotine, and recreational drugs, may help to relieve some types of palpitations. Other require medical treatment.

Although menopause is a natural transition, it can come with some uncomfortable side effects. Common symptoms include vaginal dryness, difficulty sleeping, low mood, anxiety, reduced sex drive, and problems with memory and concentration.

Heart palpitations are not widely talked about in relation to menopause and are thus more likely to take menopausal people by surprise. They can occur due to hormone changes during menopause, and they are often temporary.

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Heart palpitations are heartbeats that are suddenly more noticeable than regular heartbeats. They may occur due to a rapid heart rhythm, such as from an arrhythmia or extra beats.

During a palpitation, the heart may pound, flutter, race, or beat irregularly. Palpitations can vary in duration, lasting seconds, minutes, or longer.

Palpitations may seem alarming, but they are often harmless and do not necessarily signal a serious problem. However, it is a good idea to speak with a doctor if they occur to ensure there is no concerning underlying cause.

Someone who sometimes feels their heart racing or missing a beat could be experiencing palpitations as part of menopause.

According to a 2021 review based on limited publications about palpitations in menopause, up to 40.2% of perimenopausal people and 54.1% of postmenopausal people experience palpitations.

Perimenopause is the time before menopause. Menopause occurs when someone who menstruates has not had a period for 12 months. Afterward, these people are in the postmenopausal phase.

Some people may experience changes in heart rate in line with menopause symptoms. For example, the Endocrine Society suggests a person’s heart rate can rise 8 to 16 beats per minute during a hot flash.

Heart palpitations during menopause may be a direct result of lower levels of the hormone estrogen. However, more research is necessary to understand exactly why palpitations may affect menopausal people.

If someone experiences heart palpitations during menopause, a doctor may ask them to keep a symptom journal to observe whether the palpitations occur alongside any other symptoms or triggers.

Non-menopausal causes

It is important to note that current research into heart palpitations and menopause is limited. More studies are necessary to understand a link between the two.

Palpitations are a symptom that can have various underlying causes, including:

Although they can occur as a natural bodily response, some types of palpitations, such as atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia, can be serious and require treatment.

It is important to speak with a healthcare professional if someone experiences changes in their heartbeat. A doctor can carry out a diagnosis to understand the likely cause and provide suitable treatment, which may include medication to prevent complications.

While palpitations are usually harmless, anyone experiencing them should not ignore them. People can contact a healthcare professional for a thorough diagnosis to ensure no other issues are causing the palpitations.

Doctors may ask whether someone has other symptoms, including shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest discomfort. These symptoms can require urgent treatment.

Treatment for palpitations depends on the underlying cause. Certain arrhythmias require medical treatment. Some people may find relief through lifestyle changes, including:

People with heart palpitations may undergo testing, including electrocardiograms, Holter or cardiac event monitors, and echocardiography.

Depending on the type of arrhythmia, medications can be an effective therapy. Some people may also find menopausal hormone therapy helpful. Speak with a healthcare professional to discuss a personalized treatment plan.

Treatment for heart palpitations depends on the presence of an arrhythmia and its cause. Certain types of arrhythmias require medical treatment. People may be able to manage others with lifestyle changes, including relaxation techniques and limiting alcohol and nicotine.

If palpitations persist despite lifestyle changes, people should speak with a healthcare professional to see if treatments such as menopause hormone therapy are necessary.

Healthcare professionals may not recommend supplements for menopausal symptoms due to a need for more evidence of their benefits.

People should always speak with a doctor before using supplements for health purposes. Supplements can have additional risks, including interactions with medications and adverse side effects.

Although palpitations are usually harmless, it is a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional if someone experiences them during menopause. A doctor can assess a person’s symptoms and check for other underlying issues.

Anyone who experiences palpitations alongside shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, or chest pain should seek urgent help.

Palpitations can affect people during menopause or perimenopause. They may feel like a fluttering in the chest, a fast heartbeat, or as if the heart is skipping a beat.

Heart palpitations are not usually anything to worry about. However, it is still a good idea to speak with a doctor if they occur. Signs that require urgent help include shortness of breath and chest pain.

Certain lifestyle changes, including getting enough sleep, relaxation techniques, and limiting alcohol, may help someone reduce heart palpitations.