Dizziness during menopause can manifest in a variety of ways, from brief moments of imbalance to more severe dizziness.
Some people experience spatial disorientation or even double vision, which can make everyday activities difficult and normal.
What causes dizziness during menopause?
Changes in the ear
During menopause, your hormones fluctuate and changes in estrogen and progesterone levels are known to affect your inner ear. This can affect your balance, hearing and make you feel dizzy.
Blood sugar
Hormones also play a role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, and as you go through menopause, hormonal changes affect the way your body responds to insulin. This makes it harder to balance your blood sugar, which can make you feel dizzy.
People with diabetes may find it especially difficult to control their blood sugar during menopause. It is important to talk to your doctor to see if you need to change your blood sugar testing schedule or medications.
Sleep problems
The exact cause of sleep problems before and during menopause is unclear, but it is a common problem. Research suggests that hormonal changes, anxiety, stress, depressed mood, and hot flashes can lead to poor sleep.
In particular, higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol and lower levels of estrogen and progesterone are associated with sleep disturbances. Poor sleep quality, such as difficulty falling asleep or waking up during the night, can cause daytime lightheadedness.
Hot flashes
Hot flashes, sudden feelings of heat throughout the body, are common before and during menopause. Hot flashes can make you feel hot and faint, leading to dizziness.
These hot flashes occur because low estrogen levels make your body very sensitive to small changes in body temperature. This is because your hypothalamus is not getting enough estrogen.
Palpitations
Changes in estrogen levels can affect your heart rate, which can cause palpitations. This can make you feel like your heart has skipped a beat or is racing (not painful) and can make some people feel dizzy.
However, palpitations and dizziness, especially chest pain, can be caused by a heart problem, which is a medical emergency, so you should seek medical attention immediately.
Migraines
Dizziness is a common symptom of migraines, which can be caused by hormonal changes before and during menopause. There are many different types of migraines, but they usually involve a very severe headache, often with a throbbing pain on one side. You may also experience dizziness, flashing lights, or tingling sensations.
While menopausal dizziness can be uncomfortable, there are steps you can take to help lessen its impact on your daily life.
Here are some things you can try:
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help stabilize blood pressure and improve blood flow, reducing the likelihood of dizziness.
- Keep blood sugar stable: Eating regular, balanced meals and snacks can prevent sudden drops in blood sugar, which can cause dizziness.
- Prioritize your sleep: There is a strong link between sleep quality and dizziness. Make sure you get enough sleep each night to support your body’s systems.
- Learn about menopause medications, such as HRT: In some cases, your health care provider may recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to help manage hormone fluctuations and related symptoms.
- Add fresh, nutrient-dense foods to your diet: A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and flaxseeds can help improve overall health and may reduce the severity of dizziness symptoms.
- Exercise: Regular exercise can improve blood circulation, muscle mass, and overall health, contributing to better balance control.
- Pay attention to your stress levels: High stress can worsen dizziness. Incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation into your daily routine.
