Heart palpitations are sudden fluttering sensations in your chest. They make you feel like your heart is racing or that it’s skipped a beat, and when you notice these sensations, it’s normal to feel worried.
Common causes of heart palpitations are stress, caffeine intake, and physical exertion — but what many people don't realize is that hormonal changes can also trigger palpitations. In fact, understanding this connection can help you better manage your heart health.
Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute specialize in cardiology, and we know just how concerning it can be to experience heart palpitations. Here’s what you should know about the unique link between hormonal changes and palpitations.
Hormones are chemical messengers in your body. They influence a lot of different bodily functions, including heart rate and rhythm. Specifically, estrogen and progesterone have profound effects on the cardiovascular system — and changes in these hormones can cause heart palpitations, particularly in women.
In fact, your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, and certain medical treatments like hormone replacement therapy and contraceptives all make estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate significantly.
During your menstrual cycle, estrogen and progesterone levels naturally rise and fall. These changes affect your heart's electrical activity, sometimes triggering heart palpitations just before or during your monthly period.
Pregnancy brings about major hormonal changes, including a surge in estrogen and progesterone levels. As your body adjusts to support your developing baby, your heart works harder. For some women, these changes can lead to heart palpitations. While palpitations during pregnancy are usually benign, it's important to consult your healthcare provider.
In menopause, your estrogen levels decline. This hormonal imbalance can cause heart palpitations along with other symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings. While menopausal palpitations are typically harmless, they may indicate underlying cardiovascular issues, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like chest pain or dizziness.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a popular treatment to alleviate menopausal symptoms. It increases estrogen levels, but it can sometimes trigger palpitations as your body adjusts to a new hormonal balance.
Finally, contraceptives that contain estrogen can also influence your heart’s rhythm. While rare, some women can experience palpitations as a side effect of hormonal birth control.
Aside from these natural hormonal fluctuations, conditions like hyperthyroidism can also lead to heart palpitations. Thyroid hormones influence metabolism and heart function, so an overactive thyroid can cause the heart to beat faster and irregularly.
If you notice an unusual heartbeat or palpitations, don’t ignore them. Dr. Patel and our team can pinpoint the cause, so you can better manage your heart health. Managing hormone-related heart palpitations often involves addressing the underlying hormonal imbalance or trigger.
Tracking your menstrual cycles and managing stress levels can help you get more in tune with your body and reduce menstrual palpitations. If you’re pregnant, regular prenatal care and monitoring can ensure the safety of both you and your baby.
In menopause, lifestyle modifications like regular exercise, stress management, and dietary changes can help alleviate symptoms. If you are on HRT or contraceptives, adjusting the dosage or trying alternative medications may be necessary to minimize palpitations.
Your hormones can have a significant impact on your heart — and better care starts with better understanding. By staying informed and proactive about your heart health, you can navigate hormonal fluctuations with greater confidence and peace of mind.
Learn more with a consultation at NJ Cardiovascular Institute at one of our offices in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, or Secaucus, New Jersey. Call or send us a message online today.
