Short Answer
Yes, heart palpitations are a common menopause symptom caused by fluctuating oestrogen levels. They can feel like a racing, pounding, or fluttering heart and often occur alongside hot flushes or at night. While usually harmless, you should see your GP if they're frequent or accompanied by other symptoms.
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Why Does Menopause Cause Palpitations?
Oestrogen helps regulate heart rhythm and blood vessel function. As levels fluctuate during perimenopause and decline during menopause:
- Your heart may beat faster or irregularly
- Hot flushes can trigger a sudden increase in heart rate
- Anxiety and poor sleep (common during menopause) can make palpitations worse
What Do They Feel Like?
- A fluttering sensation in your chest
- Your heart racing or pounding
- A feeling of skipped beats
- Often worse at night or during hot flushes
What You Can Do
- Track your triggers — caffeine, alcohol, stress, and spicy food can all make palpitations worse
- Manage stress — deep breathing, meditation, and regular exercise help
- Stay hydrated — dehydration can trigger palpitations
- Limit caffeine and alcohol — both can increase heart rate
- Prioritise sleep — poor sleep worsens palpitations and anxiety
When to See Your GP
While palpitations during menopause are usually harmless, see your GP if you experience:
- Palpitations that last a long time or keep getting worse
- Chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath alongside palpitations
- Fainting or feeling like you might faint
Your GP may arrange an ECG or blood tests to rule out other causes such as thyroid problems or anaemia.
Still Need Help?
Contact us at help@pillsorted.com or call us for advice on managing menopause symptoms.