Sex differences in hypertension and BP regulation are com- plex, because ovarian hormones influence BP considerably. Therefore, studies that examine vascular function and BP must take hormonal status into account.111,116 Sex differences in sympathetic activity, vascular reactivity, water regulation (arginine vasopressin signaling), and autonomic control have been well documented,116 but most of these studies were per- formed in young women. Efforts to assess the effects of hor- monal effects on the vasculature have examined specific points in the menstrual cycle or suppressed ovarian function using gonadotropin- releasing hormone agonists or antagonists. In addition to hormone-dependent effects, these investigations have demonstrated hormone-independent sex differences in the Hormone-independent approaches to BP regu- lation may be more relevant to older, postmenopausal women and may provide important information that will inform future clinical trials of different BP reduction strategies. Several nonpharmacological recommendations for BP man- agement are relevant to both men and women. A recent meta- analysis showed that even a modest reduction in salt intake for 4 weeks led to significant and important decreases in BP in both hypertensive and normotensive individuals, irrespective of sex and ethnic group. This was accompanied by a small physiological increase in plasma renin activity, aldosterone, and noradrenaline. Therefore, reductions in salt intake from 9 to 12 g/d to 3 g/d have been recommended.117 Side effects of antihypertensive therapy tend to be encoun- tered with a higher degree of frequency in women than men. Diuretic-induced disturbances of electrolyte concentration are seen more frequently in women,118,119 as is angiotensin- converting enzyme inhibitor induced cough and calcium channel blocker (CCB) related dependent edema.120 Hypertension in Women of Childbearing Age Prepregnancy hypertension increases the risk for preeclamp- sia/eclampsia and stroke during pregnancy. 