How does the prevalence of hypertension change after menopause?

• A. Decreases
• B. Remains the same
• C. Varies with age
• D. Increases due to loss of estrogen's vascular protective effects

Answer: (D)

Loss of estrogen’s vascular protective effects after menopause raises hypertension risk. Estrogen normally supports the endothelium, promoting nitric oxide–mediated vasodilation and keeping vascular tone balanced. When estrogen declines, endothelial function can worsen, arterial stiffness increases, and the body becomes more salt- and weight-sensitive. These changes push blood pressure higher, so hypertension becomes more prevalent after menopause as part of the aging process and hormonal shift. While individual risk varies and some women may not develop hypertension, the overall trend is an increase tied to the loss of estrogen’s protective influence.