Is It Perimenopause or a Heart Issue? How to Tell the Difference
If you're a woman in your late 30s, 40s, or early 50s and you've noticed symptoms like heart palpitations, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or sudden fatigue, you may be asking yourself an important question: Is this perimenopause---or could it be a heart problem? This is a common and valid concern. Many perimenopause symptoms closely resemble heart disease symptoms in women, which can make it difficult to tell the difference. Understanding how these conditions overlap---and how they differ---can help you seek the right care at the right time. Why Perimenopause and Heart Symptoms Are Often Confused As women age, the risk of cardiovascular disease increases, especially during and after menopause. At the same time, hormonal changes during perimenopause ---particularly fluctuating estrogen levels---can affect the heart, blood vessels, sleep, mood, and body temperature. This is why symptoms such as: Heart palpitations Hot flashes and night sweats S...