Dizziness is a common symptom during the climacteric and doesn’t always suggest a health issue. However, when dizziness becomes persistent and is accompanied by other symptoms such as tinnitus, it deserves attention.
Along with the typical menopause symptoms, dizziness can be an uncomfortable companion, appearing in recurring episodes of vertigo, which may or may not come together with ringing in the ears.
In most cases, menopause symptoms originate from the drop in estrogen production during this stage — when the woman’s ovarian reserve (all the eggs she will have available throughout life) is running low.
Although estrogens are best known for their role in the menstrual cycle and fertility, this group of hormones interacts directly and indirectly with several systems in the body, including temperature regulation, hydration, and emotional balance.
In this article, I’ll explain what we currently know about the connection between dizziness and menopause. Let’s dive in!
- Is it normal to feel dizzy during the climacteric phase?
- Why does dizziness happen in menopause?
- How to prevent and ease menopause-related dizziness?
- When should you see a doctor?
Is it normal to feel dizzy during the climacteric phase?
The climacteric — the period leading up to menopause itself — can be a time of physical and emotional fluctuations, sometimes quite disruptive. Hot flashes may be the most well-known symptom of this stage, but women may also experience irritability, insomnia, and changes in how the body stores fat.
Dizziness refers to any sensation of altered perception between your body and the environment, such as imbalance, instability, or feeling like your head is heavy or floating.
It is important to remember that dizziness is not a disease in itself, but a symptom that can indicate various conditions, serious or not. And it is worth distinguishing two key variations:
- vertigo: a false sense of motion, such as seeing the environment spinning or feeling like you are moving even when still (common in vestibular disorders);
- non-vertiginous dizziness: no spinning sensation, but an uncomfortable feeling of instability or imbalance.
Some patients may also experience tinnitus and nausea, with or without vomiting.
Why does dizziness happen in menopause?
Even though dizziness is very common among women going through perimenopause, clinical studies have not yet confirmed exactly why this happens.
Some preclinical studies suggest that recurrent dizziness episodes are more common in women aged 40 to 49 than in men, but more research is needed to validate and understand this pattern.
Overall, dizziness-related conditions such as BPPV and Vestibular Migraine are more frequent during this period in both sexes. Therefore, we cannot state that menopause alone is the cause.
How to prevent and ease menopause-related dizziness?
Before adopting any strategy to reduce discomfort, it’s essential to seek medical guidance — especially because regular healthcare follow-up during menopause greatly improves a woman’s quality of life.
Still, a few lifestyle adjustments can help reduce dizziness:
- stay properly hydrated;
- eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients and low in processed or sugary foods;
- keep a regular physical activity routine;
- include enjoyable activities in your week to reduce stress;
- stand up slowly to avoid sudden drops in blood pressure.
These simple actions can prevent episodes and help with overall well-being.
When should you see a doctor?
Although dizziness can be normal during this hormonal transition, certain signs may indicate an underlying issue.
Dizziness is no longer considered “expected” when it:
- happens frequently;
- is intense or persistent;
- comes with symptoms like hearing loss, tinnitus, or headaches.
During the climacteric and menopause, gynecologists and endocrinologists usually monitor women’s health and may refer them to an ENT or neurotologist (ENT specialized in dizziness and tinnitus) when necessary.
More severe associated symptoms — such as palpitations, blurred vision, speech difficulty, muscle weakness, or fainting — require urgent medical attention, ok?