Many women going through perimenopause may experience the sensation that their heart is beating in an irregular manner. These are called heart palpitations and may be part of the general instability that perimenopausal women may feel. These palpations are usually transient, occurring intermittently over a month or two.

What causes heart palpitations?

One common cause of palpitations is the overuse of stimulants, including caffeine (coffee, tea, caffeinated sodas), nicotine, diet pills and medications such as decongestants. Some medicines, such as antidepressants and thyroid hormone replacement medication, can also cause palpitations.

Medical conditions that can also cause palpitations include:

• Anemia.
• Anxiety.
• Some thyroid problems.
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
• Mitral valve prolapse, a mild deformity of one of the valves in your heart.

In perimenopausal women, the chances of palpitations being related to heart disease are unlikely. However, if a woman continues to experience heart palpitations, she should consult her physician. And if she experiences chest pain or shortness of breath associated with the palpitations, she should seek immediate medical care.

Tips for coping

• If palpitations occur during an activity, stop and rest until they stop.
• Relieve tension with deep, slow breaths, which may help relax you and your heart.
• Cut out cigarettes if you smoke, and reduce caffeine and alcohol intake because they all can contribute to palpitations.

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External Source The North American Menopause Society

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.