Heart Palpitations in Perimenopause

Heart palpitations in perimenopause

This is not medical advice — it is general information based on what you searched for that may help.

General information based on published sources and the symptoms you searched for. This isn't medical or legal advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan. Please consult a doctor about your own symptoms. If your symptoms are severe or sudden, seek urgent care.

Why palpitations can happen in perimenopause — and why they always need a medical check

During perimenopause and menopause, many women notice brief episodes of a pounding, fluttering, or racing heartbeat — often right as a hot flash or night sweat begins, or alongside a wave of menopause anxiety.

However, you should never assume heart palpitations are "just hormones" without a medical assessment. Palpitations can also be caused by:

Heart rhythm conditions (arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation or supraventricular tachycardia)
An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
Iron-deficiency anemia (especially if you have had heavy perimenopausal periods)
Dehydration, caffeine, alcohol, fever, or medication side effects

Notice that MenoVerdict never places commercial product links on cardiac or urgent symptom pages, and over-the-counter menopause supplements should never be used to self-treat heart palpitations.

What to record for your doctor

Once emergency symptoms are ruled out, log when your palpitations happen in our private symptom tracker and doctor report — noting how long they last, whether they happen at the same time as hot flashes, and whether caffeine or poor sleep preceded them.

I have noticed episodes of a racing or fluttering heartbeat; can we perform an ECG (electrocardiogram) or ambulatory heart monitor to check my heart rhythm?
Should we run blood tests for thyroid function, iron/ferritin, hemoglobin, and electrolytes?
Could these episodes be linked to my vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes), and what is safe for me once cardiac causes are ruled out?

Where are you right now?

Still tracking

Not sure if your symptoms fit? Start tracking your daily patterns.

Log and spot your patterns with the symptom checklist →

Ready to talk to a doctor

Have an upcoming appointment? Bring structured questions and your history.

Prepare your 10-minute doctor appointment questions →

Already on treatment

Evaluating your response or wondering what to adjust next?

Explore evidence-graded treatment and lifestyle options →

Questions people ask

When are heart palpitations an emergency?

Call 911 (US) or 999 (UK) or go to the emergency room immediately if palpitations do not go away, or if they come with chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, feeling faint, or fainting.

Should I still see a doctor if my palpitations only last a few seconds during a hot flash?

Yes. Even though brief heart racing can accompany vasomotor surges in perimenopause, a doctor should always evaluate new palpitations to rule out cardiac arrhythmias, thyroid disease, or anemia.