What is the problem? 

Some women experience an irregular heartbeat during the menopause. Although this is common, the episodes are still uncomfortable and potentially alarming. Irregular heartbeat, medically known as palpitations or arrhythmia, occurs when the heart beats faster or stronger than normal. This often makes the woman more aware of her own heartbeat and also uncomfortable. She may feel that her heart has skipped a beat or that it is beating wildly in her chest. Very often the connection between palpitations and menopause is not made and you may interpret these signals as a serious heart condition, which is not necessarily the case.

It is known that the female hormones of fertile age (oestrogen and progesterone) have a protective function for the heart and arteries. Before menopause, women are better protected against cardiovascular disease than men, but after this time the risk between the sexes equalizes. You should take care of your heart! We often wrongly assume that cancer is the main cause of death in women. But this is not true! Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death in women. Cancer comes in second place.

What are the reasons for this?

As far as fluctuations in the heart rhythm are concerned, the drop in oestrogen levels can lead to overstimulation of the sympathetic autonomic nervous system, which can cause irregular heartbeat and palpitations.

The loss of oestrogen can therefore lead to an increase in cholesterol and other 'bad' fats, which increase the risk of heart disease. The loss of oestrogen can also affect blood pressure and lead to a tendency to gain weight around the waist. We know that weight gain - especially around the abdomen - can be associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

What solutions are available?

Monitoring your cholesterol levels and blood pressure are two important measures to prevent palpitations and other heart problems. You also need to control your diet and alcohol consumption and, of course, avoid smoking.

In the interests of health and well-being, the WHO recommends that adults engage in at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week (or the equivalent duration of sustained-intensity activity). Regular exercise is therefore crucial. Try to find an activity that you enjoy! Since heart problems are directly related to the loss of the protective role of oestrogen, it seems logical that hormone replacement therapy is a sensible solution to the problem. Don't hesitate to talk to your doctor to find the best solution for you.