Why do heart palpitations happen
during menopause?

Heart palpitations during the stages of menopause can be unsettling and sometimes worrying.

These sensations are among the physical symptoms and changes that many women notice as they experience hormone changes during perimenopause on their journey towards the menopause milestone.

While they are often a normal response to shifting biology, understanding why they happen can help you manage them with greater confidence.

What are heart palpitations?

Heart palpitations are the feeling that your heart is pounding, fluttering or beating irregularly. You might notice a sudden racing heartbeat or the sensation of a skipped beat that can occur while you are resting or during physical activity.

These episodes can be brief or last for several minutes and they often feel intense.

Why do heart palpitations happen during menopause?

During menopause, the body undergoes significant shifts in hormone production, particularly when oestrogen levels fluctuate. This hormone has a direct effect on the heart blood vessels and the nervous system that controls your heart rate.

As oestrogen levels fluctuate, the nervous system can become more reactive which sometimes results in the sudden sensations of palpitations or an increased heart rate.

How hot flushes and anxiety trigger heart palpitations

Palpitations often occur alongside other common experiences such as hot flushes or night sweats which can temporarily increase your heart rate. Furthermore, anxiety or stress which are frequent during this life stage can make you more aware of your heartbeat and make palpitations feel more pronounced.

Identifying these connections is an important step in recognising the biological drivers behind your experience.

Managing heart palpitations during menopause

Simple lifestyle adjustments can often help reduce the frequency of palpitations and improve your overall comfort.

Practising stress reduction techniques such as breathing exercises or gentle yoga can support the nervous system. Maintaining regular sleep patterns and achieving restful sleep can also help the body regulate its responses more effectively.

Lifestyle triggers for heart palpitations in menopause

Certain external factors are known to stimulate the heart and nervous system which may trigger or worsen palpitations. Common triggers include caffeine, alcohol and nicotine as well as vigorous exercise or high levels of stress.

Keeping a diary of when your symptoms occur can help you identify these specific triggers and allow you to make informed decisions about your daily habits.

When to see a doctor

Palpitations are often harmless, but they can feel distressing or worrying, especially if frequent. New or persistent symptoms should always be reviewed through a menopause consultation which can provide clarity, help identify the cause and rule out other underlying health conditions.

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:

chest pain or tightness
shortness of breath
dizziness or fainting
palpitations that start suddenly and do not stop

A doctor can check your heart rhythm, review medications and screen for underlying conditions such as thyroid problems, anaemia or heart disease.

Key points

Heart palpitations are a sensation of a racing, pounding or irregular heartbeat.
Menopause-related hormone changes can make palpitations more noticeable.
Lifestyle factors, anxiety or stress and hot flushes may trigger palpitations.
Most palpitations are not dangerous, but see a doctor if they are persistent or accompanied by concerning symptoms.
Simple lifestyle changes and monitoring can help manage symptoms.

Medically reviewed by Dr Susana Rodriguez, menopause clinician at ClaraSana Women’s Health, Perth.

Our content is based on up-to-date Australian guidelines & may differ from information on other sites.

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