Hello,

I am trying to conceive via a FET, and have chronic hypertension. My systolics have been okay (130’s), and my diastolics have been between 96-99. Am already on medication for the hypertension, and am on 0.4mg estrogen patches that I change every other day.

Is this something that I should be concerned about? I have all of the nausea, vomiting, water retention (anywhere from 5-10 lbs.) and headaches that the patches say can happen, and am wondering if the blood pressures are just a side effect of being on the patches along with everything else.

Thanks in advance for your help.

The main concern with chronic hypertension is that once you are pregnant,there are risks to you and your developing baby.  These include preeclampsia and worsening hypertension with possible intrauterine growth restriction of the fetus.  Prior to conceiving, you should have a preconceptional visit with a high risk obstetrician (perinatologist) in order to understand the risks, and to get your blood pressure in optimal control prior to conceiving.

The risks of taking estradiol are relatively low.  Hormonal levels in pregnancy tend to be much higher than what is attained by estradiol patches.  You should speak with the doctor who is performing your FET cycle about your blood pressure issues.  BP elevations are not typically a result of estradiol patches alone and you may need to be evaluated further.

Dr. Barry Witt
Medical Director
Greenwich Fertility Center

Hello,

I am trying to conceive via a FET, and have chronic hypertension. My systolics have been okay (130’s), and my diastolics have been between 96-99. Am already on medication for the hypertension, and am on 0.4mg estrogen patches that I change every other day.

Is this something that I should be concerned about? I have all of the nausea, vomiting, water retention (anywhere from 5-10 lbs.) and headaches that the patches say can happen, and am wondering if the blood pressures are just a side effect of being on the patches along with everything else.

Thanks in advance for your help.

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