(GantDaily.com) — Too much estrogen in the body over an extended period of time can lead to increased blood pressure, according to a new study.
Michigan State University researchers said that long-term estrogen exposure generates excessive levels of a compound known as superoxide, which causes stress in the body.
The accumulation of the compound happens in an area of the brain that is essential to regulating blood pressure, which suggests to the researchers that estrogen-induced buildup causes high blood pressure.
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What constitutes longterm estrogen exposure? The pre-menopausal state consists of approximately 40 years of estrogen in much larger amounts than in the post menopausal state. Estrogen Replacement Therapy is taken in much lower doses than estrogen flowing in the pre-menopausal state. Hypertension is not usually a problem prior to menopause when estrogen levels are high. Some women develop it, but it is not the norm. Is there an assumption here that it only applies to post menopausal women on estrogen? If so, the fact that estrogen keeps the receptors on the arteries and veins healthy is a positive that should be evaluated.
The studies have shown that post menopausal women not on estrogen, routinely have hypertension.
Good response Sheila, I’ve been on a low dose estrogen patch (estrodiol) since I was 45 and still on it at age 61. The stress of being without hormones, i.e., dealing with hot flashes, insomnia,foggy brain, etc. will make your BP rise!