Menopause Symptoms: Vertigo/Dizziness and Migraines
A few weeks ago, I experienced a full-blown migraine which I had not had since I have been in post menopause. I remember getting them as far back as my early teens. I got all the symptoms and was in bed for hours just trying to get to the functioning point. These carried on around the time of my cycle in my teens, 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. My gynecologists confirmed they were hormonal, and they will somewhat lesson when I get older which they did. I also did not realize they are a symptom of menopause as well.
I got a double whammy the next day with vertigo/dizziness.
Dizziness is a common symptom for women in menopause, but researchers don’t fully understand the connection. Dizziness may be related to other changes happening during menopause, or it could be related to getting older.
Although researchers don’t know the exact reasons for increases in dizziness during perimenopause and menopause, they have explored some possible causes.
Blood sugar
Hormones play an important role in balancing your blood sugar levels. Hormone changes during menopause affect how your body responds to insulin. That makes it hard for your body to keep your blood sugar stable. Changes to blood sugar levels can make you dizzy.
Middle ear changes
Changes in female hormones are known to affect your inner ears, which are critical to your sense of balance. Some women report changes in balance, sinuses, and hearing before menstruation. It’s possible that hormonal changes during menopause may also affect your ears.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom during menopause and can lead to dizziness. It’s hard for your body to function at its best if you feel exhausted.
Hot flashes
According to one, women who experience hot flashes were more prone to episodes of vertigo (a spinning sensation) than women who don’t have hot flashes.
Nervous and cardiovascular systems
Changes in your estrogen levels can affect your cardiovascular and nervous systems.
You can easily get dizzy when either or both systems aren’t properly functioning.
Aging
People are more likely to experience vertigo as they age , more so for women than men.
One study found vertigo to be just as common in women aged 40 to 59 with menopause as those without. That means that dizziness may be a symptom of aging, not menopause. More research is needed to better understand this connection and why vertigo is more common in women than men.
Migraines
In some women, migraines may increase incidences of dizziness. Migraines and dizziness are two of the most common complaints among women in the early stages of menopause. The changes in hormones during perimenopause can trigger migraines. If you have a history of migraines, this may result in an increase in frequency of migraines.
3 types of dizziness
When explaining your symptoms to your doctor, it’s important to describe the type of dizziness you’re experiencing:
• Disequilibrium is when you feel unsteady on your feet. It’s a problem with your balance and coordination.
• Vertigo is when you feel like the room is moving or spinning when it’s not. Recurring vertigo may be a sign of a problem with your inner ear, which controls your sense of balance.
• Being light-headed is when your head feels weightless. Breathing unnaturally or standing up too fast can make you feel light-headed or like you might faint.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on what’s causing you to feel dizzy. You may be able to manage your symptoms with lifestyle changes:
• Snack between meals to keep your blood sugar levels stable. Choose snacks with protein, such as hard-boiled eggs, nuts, and yogurt, and avoid processed foods or foods high in sugar, like chips and candy bars.
• Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. If you don’t like plain water, squeeze fresh fruit, like orange or lemon, into your water, or try herbal tea without caffeine.
• Stand up slowly after you’ve been sitting or lying down. This helps your inner ears as well as your blood slowly acclimate to standing.
• Reduce your daily stress. Ask for help when you need it and don’t feel obligated to take on more than you can handle each day. Talk with a counselor if you feel continually overwhelmed or anxious in your daily life.