Are you noticing a connection between your period and the worsening of your POTS symptoms?
This is extremely common. Menstruation does tend to worsen symptoms.
In one research study, women in different menstrual cycle stages with (and without) POTS were compared after standing for 2 hours.
The group of women in the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle had lower levels of aldosterone hormone (which affects the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure) compared to the women in the luteal phase.
See the second picture for the phases of the cycle.
Why is this important? Aldosterone contributes to the greater reabsorption of salt and water into the bloodstream. This then increases blood volume and thus increases blood pressure.
Does this sound familiar? It’s the basic POTSie recipe. It is increasing salt and water for symptom management.
It was also found that the volume of blood being pumped by the heart in women during the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle was also lower after 30 minutes of standing.
In comparison, the luteal phase is when estrogen and progesterone are highest. This increased the renal-adrenal hormones, and there was more volume retention. This, in turn, led to fewer symptoms and more tolerance upon standing.
This thus explains why so many women continue having flare-ups on their period and after their period ends.
So what does this mean for you?
1. You do not imagine things if you’ve been feeling your symptoms fluctuating throughout the month. Although there’s still a lot we don’t know about hormones and their impact on symptoms, it looks like they do have an effect.
2. Tracking your cycle might give you an idea of how symptoms might flare up throughout the month. This can help you in planning activities and downtime.
3. If, after tracking, you feel that your symptoms are worse during and after menstruation, you might benefit from more salt and water.
How have you noticed your symptoms changing throughout your cycle? Let me know in the comments below.
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