Low blood pressure, also called hypotension, can happen for many reasons. Dehydration, medications, blood loss, anemia, pregnancy, endocrine conditions, and problems affecting the heart or nervous system can all contribute. A blood pressure reading below 90/60 mm Hg is commonly considered low, but that number alone does not necessarily mean something is wrong—some people naturally have lower blood pressure and feel completely well.
What matters most is whether your blood pressure is lower than usual, whether you have symptoms, and why it is happening. For women, certain circumstances—including pregnancy, heavy menstrual bleeding, nutritional deficiencies, and hormonal or thyroid concerns—may be particularly relevant when trying to understand the cause.
What Is Considered Low Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure measures the force of blood against the walls of your arteries. It is recorded as two numbers:
- Systolic pressure: the top number, representing pressure when your heart contracts.
- Diastolic pressure: the bottom number, representing pressure when your heart relaxes between beats.
A reading below 90/60 mm Hg is generally described as low blood pressure. However, there isn’t a single blood-pressure number that is automatically unhealthy for every woman.
For example, someone who has always had blood pressure around 90/60 and feels energetic may not have a medical problem. On the other hand, a person whose blood pressure is usually 120/80 and suddenly begins experiencing readings around 90/60 along with dizziness or fainting should pay attention to the change.
In other words, your symptoms and your usual blood pressure are important pieces of the picture.
What Causes Low Blood Pressure in Women?
There are many possible causes of low blood pressure in women. Some are temporary and relatively straightforward, while others may indicate an underlying condition that needs evaluation.
1. Dehydration
One of the most common reasons blood pressure can fall is not having enough fluid in your body.
When you become dehydrated, your blood volume can decrease. With less fluid circulating through your blood vessels, your blood pressure may drop.
Dehydration can occur from:
- Not drinking enough water
- Heavy sweating
- Exercise
- Hot weather
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Illness
You may also notice thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, dizziness, or darker urine when dehydration is contributing to how you feel.
2. Pregnancy
Pregnancy is an important consideration when evaluating low blood pressure in women.
During pregnancy, the circulatory system undergoes significant changes. Blood vessels expand, and blood pressure can decrease, particularly during the earlier and middle portions of pregnancy.
Mild changes may be part of normal pregnancy physiology. However, significant dizziness, fainting, dehydration, bleeding, or other concerning symptoms during pregnancy should always be discussed with your pregnancy-care provider.
3. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding and Blood Loss
For women who have heavy periods, blood loss can be an important consideration.
Significant blood loss can reduce the amount of blood circulating through the body and potentially lower blood pressure. Heavy menstrual bleeding can also contribute to iron deficiency and anemia, which may cause fatigue, weakness, lightheadedness, and reduced exercise tolerance.
Low blood pressure isn’t automatically caused by anemia, but the combination of heavy periods + fatigue or dizziness + changes in blood pressure is worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
4. Anemia and Nutritional Deficiencies
Anemia occurs when your blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to adequately carry oxygen.
Iron deficiency is a common cause of anemia, while vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies can also contribute. In women, nutritional deficiencies may be associated with factors such as menstrual blood loss, dietary restrictions, or inadequate nutrient intake.
If you have low blood pressure along with persistent fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headaches, or reduced stamina, your clinician may consider whether anemia or a nutritional deficiency could be part of the picture.
5. Medications
Certain medications can lower blood pressure as a direct effect or as a side effect.
Potential contributors include:
- Blood-pressure medications
- Diuretics
- Heart medications
- Antidepressants
- Medications used to treat Parkinson’s disease
- Other medications that affect blood pressure or fluid balance
If your blood pressure changed after starting a medication—or after changing a dose—tell your healthcare provider. Don’t stop a prescribed medication on your own.
It’s also worth reviewing over-the-counter medications and supplements with your healthcare team, since these can sometimes affect blood pressure as well.
6. Thyroid and Other Endocrine Conditions
Hormonal and endocrine health can influence blood pressure.
Conditions affecting the thyroid, adrenal glands, blood sugar regulation, and other hormonal systems can contribute to low blood pressure in some people.
This is particularly important when low blood pressure occurs alongside other unexplained symptoms, such as:
- Persistent fatigue
- Changes in weight
- Changes in temperature tolerance
- Weakness
- Menstrual changes
- Changes in energy
- Other new or persistent symptoms
Thyroid dysfunction is one area that may warrant investigation when several symptoms occur together. Nava’s clinical expertise includes thyroid dysfunction and fatigue, as well as comprehensive thyroid testing.
7. Orthostatic Hypotension
Does your blood pressure seem to drop when you stand up?
You may be experiencing orthostatic hypotension, a form of low blood pressure that occurs after moving from lying down or sitting to standing.
You might experience:
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Blurred vision
- Feeling unsteady
- Fainting
A temporary drop can occur occasionally, but frequent or severe episodes deserve evaluation. Dehydration, medications, endocrine problems, cardiovascular conditions, and problems regulating blood pressure when changing position can all play a role.
8. Heart Conditions
Your heart has to pump enough blood to maintain adequate circulation. Problems affecting that process can therefore contribute to low blood pressure.
Potential cardiovascular causes include:
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- A very slow heart rate
- Heart valve problems
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Other conditions that reduce the heart’s ability to circulate blood effectively
Low blood pressure accompanied by chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or significant heart palpitations warrants prompt medical attention.
9. Severe Infection, Allergic Reaction, or Significant Blood Loss
A sudden and severe drop in blood pressure can sometimes be a medical emergency.
Severe infection, a serious allergic reaction, or substantial blood loss can cause blood pressure to fall dramatically. These situations require immediate medical evaluation rather than a routine wellness appointment.
Why Can Low Blood Pressure Be More Relevant During Different Stages of a Woman’s Life?
The underlying cause of low blood pressure may look different depending on what’s happening in your body and your stage of life.
During the Menstrual Years
Heavy menstrual bleeding can be particularly important to consider. Significant blood loss can affect circulating blood volume, while ongoing blood loss can contribute to iron deficiency and anemia.
If you regularly experience very heavy periods along with fatigue, weakness, dizziness, or lightheadedness, don’t simply assume it’s something you have to live with.
During Pregnancy
Pregnancy naturally changes your cardiovascular system and can cause blood pressure to decrease. Staying appropriately hydrated and discussing persistent or severe symptoms with your prenatal care provider are important.
Any low blood pressure associated with significant bleeding, fainting, severe weakness, chest pain, shortness of breath, or other concerning symptoms requires medical attention.
During Perimenopause and Menopause
Perimenopause and menopause bring substantial hormonal changes, but low blood pressure should not automatically be attributed to menopause.
If you’re experiencing dizziness or low blood pressure during this stage of life, it can be useful to consider the bigger picture. Medications, hydration, nutritional status, thyroid function, hormone changes, sleep, and other health factors may all influence how you feel.
Nava’s women’s health focus includes hormone optimization for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause, along with attention to symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disruption, mood changes, and cognitive changes.
What Are the Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure in Women?
Some women with low blood pressure have no symptoms at all. Others may notice:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Feeling faint
- Fainting
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Blurred or fading vision
- Nausea
- Difficulty concentrating
- Heart palpitations
The pattern can also provide useful information.
For example, dizziness that consistently occurs when you stand up may point toward orthostatic hypotension. Low blood pressure after several days of vomiting or diarrhea may suggest dehydration. Low blood pressure accompanied by heavy periods and fatigue may prompt a discussion about blood loss or anemia.
That’s why the number on your blood-pressure monitor is only one piece of the puzzle.
What Your Low Blood Pressure May Be Telling You
| When you notice low blood pressure | Potential contributors to discuss with a healthcare professional |
| After standing up | Orthostatic hypotension, dehydration, medications |
| During pregnancy | Normal pregnancy-related changes, dehydration, other pregnancy-related factors |
| With heavy periods | Blood loss, iron deficiency, anemia |
| After vomiting or diarrhea | Dehydration and reduced blood volume |
| After starting a medication | Medication-related hypotension |
| Alongside persistent fatigue | Anemia, thyroid or other endocrine issues, dehydration, medications |
| With a sudden, dramatic drop | Blood loss, severe infection, allergic reaction, or another urgent condition |
This table isn’t a way to diagnose yourself. Instead, it’s a reminder that the circumstances surrounding your low blood pressure can help guide the evaluation.
How Do Doctors Find the Cause of Low Blood Pressure?
Finding the cause often starts with looking beyond the blood-pressure reading itself.
Your healthcare provider may want to know:
- What is your usual blood pressure?
- When did the lower readings begin?
- Do you have symptoms?
- Do symptoms occur after standing?
- Are you drinking enough fluids?
- Have you recently been sick?
- Are your periods unusually heavy?
- Have you noticed changes in weight, energy, or other symptoms?
- What medications and supplements do you take?
- Are you pregnant or could you be pregnant?
- Do you have a history of heart, thyroid, endocrine, or other medical conditions?
Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your clinician may also recommend blood tests or other diagnostic testing.
This is one reason a comprehensive evaluation can be useful when symptoms are persistent or difficult to explain. Nava’s approach combines an in-depth assessment of lifestyle and goals with blood work evaluating 65+ biochemical markers and uses that information to develop a personalized Custom Vitality Plan (CVP).
The goal isn’t to assume that one test explains everything. It’s to understand the individual picture and determine what factors may warrant further attention.
How Is Low Blood Pressure Treated in Women?
There isn’t one treatment for low blood pressure because the appropriate treatment depends on the cause.
For one person, addressing dehydration may be enough. Another person may need treatment for anemia, a thyroid or endocrine condition, or another underlying health problem. Someone whose blood pressure is being affected by medication may need to discuss a medication adjustment with their prescribing clinician.
Depending on the underlying cause, treatment may involve:
- Correcting dehydration
- Treating blood loss or anemia
- Addressing nutritional deficiencies
- Managing an underlying endocrine or cardiovascular condition
- Reviewing medications
- Treating orthostatic hypotension or another specific type of hypotension
Be cautious about trying to treat low blood pressure yourself by dramatically increasing salt intake or taking supplements without guidance. What is appropriate for one person may not be appropriate for another, particularly when other health conditions are involved.
When Is Low Blood Pressure an Emergency?
A low blood-pressure reading isn’t necessarily an emergency. A sudden or severe drop accompanied by significant symptoms is different.
Seek emergency medical care if low blood pressure is accompanied by symptoms that could indicate shock or another serious condition, such as:
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- Confusion
- Severe weakness
- Cold, clammy skin
- Rapid or weak pulse
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Signs of significant bleeding
- Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction
- Severe or rapidly worsening illness
If you’re experiencing severe or sudden symptoms, don’t wait for a routine appointment.
Is Low Blood Pressure Always a Problem?
No.
Some healthy people naturally have lower blood pressure and don’t experience any problems because of it. In those cases, treatment may not be necessary.
The bigger concern is when your blood pressure is lower than your normal, repeatedly low with symptoms, or associated with another health change.
Instead of asking only, “How low is my blood pressure?” it can be more helpful to ask:
“Is this normal for me, and if it isn’t, what could be causing the change?”
That shift in perspective can help you and your healthcare provider focus on the underlying reason rather than simply the number.
Frequently Asked Questions About Low Blood Pressure in Women
Is low blood pressure normal for women?
It can be. Some women naturally have lower blood pressure without experiencing symptoms or health problems. A reading below 90/60 mm Hg is commonly considered low, but whether it is clinically significant depends on the individual, symptoms, and underlying cause.
What blood pressure is too low for a woman?
There isn’t one number that is automatically “too low” for every woman. Blood pressure below 90/60 mm Hg is commonly categorized as low, but a woman who feels well may not require treatment simply because of the number. A significant drop from your normal blood pressure or low blood pressure accompanied by symptoms is more concerning.
Can low iron cause low blood pressure?
Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, which may contribute to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and lightheadedness. Significant blood loss can also directly reduce circulating blood volume. If low blood pressure occurs alongside heavy menstrual bleeding or symptoms of anemia, discuss the combination with your healthcare provider.
Can pregnancy cause low blood pressure?
Yes. Blood vessels expand during pregnancy, which can cause blood pressure to decrease. However, significant or symptomatic low blood pressure during pregnancy should be discussed with your pregnancy-care provider.
Can thyroid problems cause low blood pressure?
Certain thyroid and other endocrine disorders can contribute to low blood pressure. If low blood pressure occurs with persistent fatigue, unexplained weight changes, temperature changes, menstrual changes, or other symptoms, discussing thyroid and broader endocrine health with a healthcare professional may be appropriate.
Why does my blood pressure drop when I stand up?
A drop in blood pressure after standing is called orthostatic hypotension. It can be associated with dehydration, medications, cardiovascular or endocrine conditions, and problems regulating blood pressure when changing position.
Can dehydration cause low blood pressure?
Yes. Losing too much fluid can decrease blood volume and cause blood pressure to fall. Vomiting, diarrhea, fever, heavy sweating, exercise, heat exposure, and inadequate fluid intake can all contribute to dehydration.
Can medications cause low blood pressure?
Yes. Several types of medications can lower blood pressure, including certain blood-pressure medications, diuretics, heart medications, and some medications used for other conditions. If you suspect a medication is affecting your blood pressure, talk with your healthcare provider rather than stopping it yourself.
Should I worry if my blood pressure is 90/60?
Not necessarily. If that is close to your normal reading and you feel well, it may simply be your usual blood pressure. If 90/60 is a new change or you’re experiencing dizziness, fainting, weakness, blurred vision, or other symptoms, it deserves further evaluation.
When should I see a doctor about low blood pressure?
Consider talking with a healthcare professional if low blood pressure is persistent, recurrent, new for you, or accompanied by symptoms. Sudden severe hypotension, fainting, confusion, signs of significant bleeding, or other serious symptoms requires urgent medical attention.
Looking Beyond the Blood Pressure Number
If you’ve been experiencing low blood pressure along with persistent fatigue, changes in energy, hormonal symptoms, nutritional concerns, or other unexplained symptoms, it may be worth looking at the bigger picture rather than focusing on one measurement.
That’s the philosophy behind the Nava Method™. Nava Health takes an integrated approach to care, bringing medical evaluation, hormone optimization, nutrition, and other disciplines together under a personalized plan. Its Custom Vitality Plan combines an in-depth assessment with testing of 65+ biochemical markers to help create an individualized roadmap.
For women, that may include evaluating areas such as thyroid health, hormone balance, nutrition, and other potential contributors to how you’re feeling when clinically appropriate. Nava offers comprehensive thyroid testing, female hormone optimization, advanced diagnostic testing, and functional nutrition counseling.
If you’re tired of being told that everything is “normal” but you don’t feel your best, Nava Health can help you take a more comprehensive look at your health.
Schedule a consultation with Nava Health to learn more about personalized care.
