Estrogen and Hypertension Risk at Menopause: Insights from a Mathematical Model

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health, it’s not uncommon for women ages 40 to 59 years old to experience high blood pressure (hypertension) as they transition into menopause , a period also known as perimenopause .

Additionally, past research shows that about 41% of women develop hypertension when transitioning out of menopause, known as postmenopause . There are several factors that play a role in raising high blood pressure risk during perimenopause and postmenopause, including a decrease in levels of the hormone estrogen .

This can lead to stiffening of the arteries and increase the body’s sensitivity to salt . On the flipside, past research shows that premenopausal women usually have a lower high blood pressure risk than perimenopausal or postmenopausal women, partly because they have higher levels of estrogen in their bodies.

Now a new study published in the journal Mathematical Biosciences helps to explain just how estrogen may help protect against hypertension. For this study, researchers developed a mathematical model of women’s cardiovascular and kidney systems.