A concerned midlife woman in a white shirt looks at a piece of paper in her hands, standing in a home setting with bookshelves and a plant in the background. Overlaid text reads: “Palpitations in Midlife Women: What the Latest Research Tells Us

Palpitations in Midlife Women: What the Latest Research Tells Us

August 25, 2025•3 min read

When Your Heart Feels Like It's Racing

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If you're a woman in your 40s, 50s, or early 60s, you might have noticed something unsettling lately. Your heart flutters unexpectedly. It pounds harder than usual. Sometimes it feels like it skips a beat, especially when you're trying to fall asleep at night.

You wonder if you're imagining it. Maybe you're just stressed. Maybe it's nothing.

But here's what we want you to know: you're not imagining it. What you're experiencing is real, and you're far from alone.

Palpitations during the menopause transition are incredibly common. Thanks to a recent study published in the journal Menopause, we now understand more about what might be causing them and, most importantly, what you can do about it.

At NiuOla Health, we see you. We hear you. Your symptoms matter, and they deserve attention and care, not dismissal.

What Did Researchers Want to Learn?

Scientists recently conducted something called the Menopause Racing Heart Pilot Study. They brought together two groups of midlife women between ages 46 and 62. One group experienced daily palpitations, while the other didn't.

For 2 to 4 weeks, all the women wore continuous heart monitors. They kept detailed diaries of their symptoms, had bloodwork done, and tracked their hot flashes. The researchers wanted to understand how palpitations connect to menopause and whether there's a real, measurable reason for what women are feeling.

What they found was both validating and eye-opening.

What the Study Revealed About Your Experience

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Your Palpitations Are Real and Frequent

Among the women who reported palpitations, the researchers discovered:

Half of them experienced symptoms every single day, often both during daytime hours and at night. The palpitations sometimes happened even when their heart rhythm appeared completely normal on the monitor. Many symptoms occurred at night, even when the heart looked perfectly fine on paper.

This tells us something crucial: what you're feeling isn't "all in your head." It also means that a quick EKG at your doctor's office might not capture what's really happening.

Changes in Your Nervous System

Women experiencing palpitations showed lower heart rate variability. Think of heart rate variability as your nervous system's ability to be flexible and adaptable. When it's lower, it can signal that your body is under stress or going through significant changes, which makes perfect sense during menopause.

These women also had longer episodes of atrial tachycardia, which is when your heart beats faster than normal. While this isn't always dangerous, it certainly feels very real and can be concerning.

The Hot Flash Connection

Researchers found some interesting patterns. Women with palpitations were much more likely to experience:

Vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. They were also more likely to have diabetes.

This suggests that menopause and your metabolic health might be working together to affect what's happening with your heart.

Why This Research Matters to You

This study confirms what many women have known in their hearts (literally) all along: menopause affects so much more than just your periods. It can touch your heart, your sleep, your mood, and your overall sense of well-being.

Here's why this understanding is so important:

A purple text box with a chat icon and the following message: “Palpitations during menopause are common, but they still deserve investigation and compassionate care. Some palpitations might be early signs of heart rhythm changes or shifts in your metabolism that could benefit from support and attention. Most importantly, you deserve to feel heard and supported through this experience.”

How to Care for Your Heart During This Time

If you're navigating palpitations or other concerning symptoms in midlife, there are gentle, supportive steps you can take.

Purple-themed informational graphic with three sections about NiuOla Health’s approach to patient care. The first section, "Find a Doctor Who Really Listens," explains that NiuOla Health provides attentive, personalized care and thorough evaluation for symptoms like palpitations, hot flashes, or sleep disruption. The second section, "Consider Hormonal and Metabolic Support," discusses how menopause can affect heart and blood sugar health, and highlights the benefits of menopausal hormone therapy and individualized support. The third section, "Embrace Whole-Person Approaches," emphasizes mind-body strategies, gentle movement, blood sugar management, and nutrition guidance for sustainable energy and heart health, noting that care is tailored to each individual.

Complete Care

At NiuOla Health in Olympia, Washington, and through telehealth across Washington State, we offer care that sees and honors all aspects of your health, not just test results or lab numbers.

If you're experiencing palpitations, especially during menopause or perimenopause, we're here to listen with our full attention, provide support, and help you feel like yourself again.

Ready to Be Heard?

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Schedule a visit with Dr. Tui Lauilefue today, either in our Olympia clinic or through secure telehealth. We'll explore what's happening with your heart, your hormones, and your overall health. We'll help you create a plan that truly supports you.

💙 Contact NiuOla Health to schedule your appointment 💬 We're here to listen, honor your story, and help you feel your best.

Sources:

Menopause Journal, July 2025
NIH: Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Heart Health
Verywell Health: Palpitations in Menopause

Dr. Tui Lauilefue

Dr. Tui Lauilefue founded NiuOla Health to deliver truly personalized medicine. Board-certified in internal medicine with specialties in weight management, menopause care, and gender-affirming treatment, she combines clinical excellence with cultural wisdom from her Pacific Islander heritage. Dr. Tui's practice stands apart through transparent pricing, unhurried appointments, and her belief that "healthcare isn't just about treating conditions—it's about honoring each person's unique journey." Patients consistently cite her rare blend of medical expertise and genuine compassion as the foundation for transformative care.

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