What’s the Link Between Hypertension and Your Hormones?

Many factors can contribute to hypertension, or high blood pressure. Sometimes, lifestyle choices like drinking a lot of alcohol or eating too much salt drive your blood pressure higher. For other people, harder-to-control issues like stress or inadequate sleep play a role. Problems with your kidneys or blood sugar levels (diabetes) can also be a factor. 

We’ve mentioned some of the more common triggers of hypertension. Because there are so many, a lesser-known root of the issue might get overlooked. Your hormones may be part of the problem.

At Fort Wayne Endocrinology, Ashok Kadambi, MD, FACE, and our team specialize in diagnosing hypertension. When caused by a hormonal issue, such as a problem with your thyroid or adrenal glands, Dr. Kadambi applies treatment to address the root of your blood pressure problem. 

When hormones contribute to high blood pressure

Most people have primary hypertension, which develops because plaque builds up in the blood vessels, increasing the pressure there. Primary hypertension develops gradually through the years with no single identifiable cause. 

However, for others, high blood pressure is due to an underlying condition. Doctors call this secondary hypertension. Key parts of your endocrine system — the network in your body that makes hormones — could be in play here.

Secondary hypertension can come from a problem with your thyroid, for example. An overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism) thyroid gland can contribute to hypertension. Too little or too much thyroid hormone can cause your blood pressure levels to rise. 

Similarly, when your adrenal glands make too much cortisol (the stress hormone) or aldosterone, it can lead to hypertension. 

In some instances, the problem with the thyroid or adrenal glands stems from a mis-signaling in the pituitary gland. 

Additionally, insulin issues can cause high blood pressure. Your pancreas makes this hormone. Pancreas and insulin problems are more common in overweight adults, and often go hand in hand with a prediabetes or diabetes diagnosis. 

All told, your endocrine system is a complicated network, and an issue there can cause a cascade of effects, including secondary hypertension. Dr. Kadambi can help you determine if hormones are affecting your high blood pressure. 

Getting the hypertension treatment you need

With secondary hypertension, treating the high blood pressure means addressing the underlying cause. Dr. Kadambi helps you find the right option for your specific situation. 

Based on the underlying cause, Fort Wayne Endocrinology customizes your hypertension treatment plan, which may include:

• Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy
• Blood pressure medication
• Medication to address a malfunctioning gland (e.g., thyroid medication)
• Medically supervised weight loss
• Support for lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly

Dr. Kadambi and our team work with you to address your hypertension, protecting your long-term health. To determine if hormones play a role in your high blood pressure, book your appointment online or call our office in Fort Wayne, Indiana, today.