Does Your Monthly Period Affect Your Heart Rate?

Understanding one’s body could be both fun and scary. From learning about adolescence to reading about puberty, there constantly remains more to learn.  With the heart playing a major role in the human body, there is a need for women to understand the relationship between the heart and the reproductive system.  Did you know that your heart rate fluctuates with your period? This article is designed to have you know all that you need to about heart rates and how they relate to your monthly period. 

The Heart Rate

The heart rate also termed pulse refers to the number of times the heart beats in a minute. Though there is an average heart rate range, the heart rate varies from person to person and is generally lower at rest and higher when one is physically active.

Can I measure my heart rate?

Of course, you can. You can determine your heart rate by taking your pulse at your wrist, the insides of your elbows or even the sides of your neck. To measure your heart rate:

At the wrist,

• Slightly press your index and middle finger on the opposite wrist near the base of the thumb
• Count the number of beats in 15 seconds, then multiply by four to get your heart beat(i.e. number of beats in 60 seconds)

At the neck,

• Softly press the side of your neck, right below your jawbone.
• Count the number of beats in 15 seconds, then multiply by four to get your heart beat(i.e. number of beats in 60 seconds)

How accurate is a self-determined heart rate?

For maximum accuracy, you should take the readings at least three times and then obtain the average of the three values gotten. It is also important that you note the following when determining your resting heart rate…

1. Don’t take your pulse measurement an hour or two after a strenuous physical activity. If you do, the result gotten would be inaccurate as your heart rate is till elevated.
2. If you’re reading your pulse at your neck, be very careful and ensure you only press gently. This is to avoid falling due to restricted flow in the carotid artery.
3. Checking should not cause pain or dizziness. If you feel lightheaded, you might be pressing too hard.
4. After consuming caffeine, wait for at least an hour before you take your pulse. This gives enough time for the heart to recover from possible palpitations that might have been caused by caffeine.
5. The best time to check your heart rate is when you wake up in the morning before you set out for the day’s activity and become physically active.

Provided you can check your pulse effectively, these methods are accurate. However, you could also employ an electronic pulse meter, heart rate monitors or digital fitness trackers to check your pulse. There are also smartphone apps that could be used to monitor your heart rate.

What is the normal average heart rate?

In a normal resting state, the average heartbeat is 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm) for most adults. However, certain experts believe that the model resting heart rate is about 50 to 70 bpm. Ultimately, a normal heart rate still varies from person to person.

What does my heart rate say about my health?

Measuring your heart rate is a great way to monitor your health as it does not merely gauge your heart function but it often measures your fitness level. Healthy individuals could have relatively low heart rates due to a sleep routine, an administered medication or being physically fit. This is particularly common with athletes. While the heart rate varies from person to person, a chronically high or low resting heart rate could be a sign of a medical condition. Bradycardia could be a sign of a heart attack or disease. A fast heart rate on the other hand could be due to tension, nervousness or excitement. Tachycardia could also be a symptom of asthma or other breathing difficulties.

What factors influences the heart rate?

The heart rate is not constant throughout the course of the day. It often varies due to the effect of factors that influence the pulse. Some of these factors are:

Emotions

The heart rate rises when we experience intense emotions: excitement, anxiety, nervousness etc.

Body temperature

If you become too hot or too cold, the heart’s response is to attempt to bring you back to your optimal temperature. This affects the heart rate.

Physical activity

Your heart rate increases, when you engage in a physical activity. 

Dehydration

When dehydrated, your heart works harder. This could increase your heart rate.

Sleep

Your heart rate rises if your body doesn’t get enough rest and sleep.

Medication

Your heart rate could either increase or decrease depending on the kind of medication taken. It is important to discuss your medication with your doctor so that you are aware of possible changes in your heart rate due to the use of the drug.

Heart rate and menstrual cycle

Does my menstrual cycle affect my heart rate?

Your body goes through numerous hormonal changes all through the month. These changes affect our body and influences factors such as the basal temperature and the resting heart rate. These minor fluctuations are absolutely normal experiences in the menstrual cycle. When at the most fertile point in the menstrual cycle, a woman’s heart rate appears to somewhat increase.  A research done shows that the resting heart rate was considerably higher in both the ovulatory and luteal phases than in the menstrual and follicular phases. 

Women who have heart diseases also tend to feel more chest pain in the phase of the menstrual cycle where the estrogen level in the blood stream is low i.e. immediately after their period.

What causes the change in the heart rate during the menstrual cycle?

The change in the heart rate during the menstrual cycle is due to the action of hormones in the body. Estrogen and progesterone are both female hormones that somewhat control circulation in the body hence influencing the heart rate.

Is there a normal range for this increase?

Averagely, a woman’s heart rate increases by 2.1 bpm during her fertile window (the day of ovulation and five days before) compared to her period and is about 3.5bpm more during the luteal phase. 

When Should I see a Doctor?

It is important that you speak with your doctor if you notice a chronically high rise or fall in your heart rate. This ensures that you get professional medical advice, detect and address possible problems and avoid possible complications. Speaking with your doctor will also help you understand your body’s unique needs and proffer safe ways to meet them.

The heart is both an essential and delicate organ in the human body. Controlling circulation of blood and fluids in the human body for maximum function, it is an indispensable organ in the body. Therefore, it is important that you monitor your heart health and seek out professional care. Contact us today to book an appointment.