I m 39 and have been taking diovan for high blood pressure for 4 years. This past year I have gained about 30 pounds and I have had 2 or 3 episodes of high blood pressure. One example, I started having a headache after lunch and by 5pm I was at ER with 200/101. Doctors did several EKG s, blood work, stayed over night for stress test next morning, echocardio gram, xrays...etc. I followed up with cardiologist who suggested diet changes and recording BP. So now for about 3 months all has been good, but the last 2 days I am experiencing another episode . Headaches with 135/99 and 141/96. Could this be related to my menstrual cycle? I just ended this month s cycle. Just looking for answers that maybe could be related to something else.