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Medically reviewed by Brenda G., MD|Written by the editors of Menopause Now|Updated: June 18, 2020
Although not as well known as hot flashes or irregular periods, dizziness is a common symptom caused by menopausehormonal fluctuations. Many menopausal women report dizziness and dizziness, which may or may not accompany other menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and anxiety.
Vonunderstand dizziness betterWhen it comes to menopause, women find the best treatment options to ease their symptoms. Learn more about dizziness, its symptoms, its causes and how to treat it.
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About dizziness during menopause
did you know
Dizziness is one of the most common complaints American adults see a doctor for.
Dizziness is a general term used to describe temporary feelings of lightheadedness, imbalance, and disorientation. Dizziness can be triggered when a person sits or stands up too quickly, is sick or dehydrated, or does not eat properly. Dizzy spells, which are common during menopause, are often short-lived, lasting only a few seconds. However, these episodes can be distressing and sometimes even temporarily debilitating.
types of dizziness
Although women commonly describe their restless sensations as dizziness, there are actually four different conditions that can cause these feelings. They are usually classified as types of dizziness:
- dizzinessit's a false sense of movement that's often described as twisting and turning.
- imbalanceis a term used to describe loss of balance and unsteadiness, resulting in difficulty walking.
- drowsinessit is a general limbo or dizziness, often after standing up too quickly.
- presyncopeIt is a more intense form of vertigo when a person feels like they are going to faint.
Dizziness Dizziness often occurs when one or more organs of the body are affectedbalance control centersthey are defective.
Episodes of dizziness can be characterized by a number of signs and symptoms. Read on to learn more about the symptoms of menopausal dizziness.
Recognizing and treating dizziness in the inner ear If left untreated or over a long period of time, labyrinthitis caused by a bacterial infection can lead to permanent deafness. For this reason, it is highly recommended that people suffering from this type of condition see a doctor for proper treatment.
Constant dizziness all day: what to do? Although dizziness is a common ailment and affects most women at some point, it's important to recognize that it can be a symptom of a serious health problem. If your dizziness occurs along with vomiting, double vision, or difficulty using your arms or legs, you should go to the emergency room right away.
Dizziness symptoms during menopause
Dizziness symptoms can occur at any time of the day. While most vertigo symptoms last for seconds, they can make a person feel ill for a long period of time, and sometimesprevent daily operation.
While most people who suffer from dizziness are familiar with these symptoms, many do not understand the cause of their dizziness. Understanding the most common causes of dizziness is often the first step in learning how to manage these episodes. Read on to learn more about what causes dizziness.
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Dizziness and blurred vision: should I be concerned? Many women wonder when to worry about dizziness and blurred vision and when to ignore the symptoms. Click here to learn more about both, when to see a doctor, and treatment tips to take control of your own health.
Causes of dizziness in menopause
During menopause, hormonal fluctuations are often the cause of dizziness. Dizziness can also be related to other menopause symptoms. In rare cases, menopausal dizziness can indicate a more serious condition. Although these cases are very rare, it is important to be aware of all the possible causes of dizziness, which are detailed below.
hormonal causes
Altered estrogen levels during menopause can lead to changes in the blood vessels and nervous system, which can cause dizziness.
Causes of menopause
Other symptoms of menopause can also cause dizziness in women. These include:
- hot flashes
- migraine
- fatigue
- Anxiety and Panic Disorder
other causes
- Low blood pressure
- dehydration
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Arthritis (especially of the neck)
- medication
- cold and flu
- The viral infection
- heart problems
- attack
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Apart from these differentCauses of Dizziness, it is important to realize that one's sense of balance and balance depends on the proper functioning of at least two of the body's three balance control centers: eyes, ears, and sensory nerves. When the brain is unable to process all of the information from these centers, messages become inconsistent, or when these systems are not functioning properly, a person may experience dizziness or loss of balance.Low blood pressureand other changes in the cardiovascular system can also cause dizziness. Read on to learn more about when the causes of dizziness may warrant a doctor's visit.
Common causes of dizziness in menopausal women Dizziness is one of the lesser-known symptoms of menopause, but it still affects a large number of women. Dizziness can be caused by decreased levels of estrogen in the body, so dizziness doesn't seem to have an obvious trigger. Click here for more information on menopausal dizziness.
Extreme cases of dizziness in menopause
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While most menopausal women who experience dizziness will not require medical attention, it's important to understand when a doctor's visit may be necessary. If dizziness is accompanied by any of the symptoms listed on the right, a woman should contact her doctor as soon as possible.
If you hear orear problemsIf dizziness occurs, it may be worth speaking to a doctor to rule out or treat ear conditions such as Meniere's disease. Read on to learn more about how dizziness can be treated.
Severe dizziness or lightheadedness Sometimes dizziness can be a side effect of a cold or flu. When it's congested, it can cause pressure in the head, sometimes called "brain fog." Other factors that can cause severe dizziness include certain menopausal symptoms and inner ear infections.
Dizziness During Menopause Treatments
Treatment for dizziness often depends on the underlying cause. Because the most common cause of menopausal dizziness is hormonal imbalances, treating this root cause often provides relief. In general, it is recommended that patients begin withless invasiveapproach to treating dizziness.
Lifestyle changes and self-care are often the first steps in treating menopause-related dizziness. Eating a healthy diet, drinking enough fluids, and regular exercise can helpreduce dizzy spells. Women who experience dizziness when standing up should take precautions to avoid standing up too quickly or making sudden changes in posture.
While these lifestyle changes can help, they cannot address the root cause of menopausal dizziness: hormonal changes. Fortunately, there are alternative medical approaches to treat the hormonal causes of menopausal dizziness. Often thebetter focusTreating menopausal dizziness is one that combines alternative medicine with lifestyle changes.
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Most experts recommend that women who suffer from dizziness and want to treat it start with itLifestyle Changes, then switch toalternative medicine, and finally watchmedicationwhen nothing else seems to work. Click on the link below for specific informationdizziness treatmentsin these three categories.
5 herbal remedies for dizziness during menopause Menopausal dizziness can be an annoying symptom during menopause, but it usually doesn't last long (i.e. only extreme causes). Aside from these beneficial herbal remedies, it is recommended to maintain an active lifestyle and a healthy diet to prevent menopausal dizziness.
5 unusual causes of dizziness Dizziness is a common symptom of menopause and is usually caused by hormonal imbalances. However, there are a handful of other less common causes of chronic dizziness. Talk to your doctor about the possibility that allergic reactions, anemia, diabetes, hearing problems, or tumors could be causing your vertigo symptoms.
dizziness treatments
Fuentes
- Love, S (2003). Book Menopause and Hormones. New York: Three Rivers Press.
- Ogun, O.A. et al. (2014). Menopause and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Menopause, 21(8), 886-889. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000000190.
- Owada, S. & Suzuki, M. (2014). The relationship between vasomotor symptoms and vertigo associated with menopause. Acta Otolaryngologica, 134(2), 146-150. doi: 10.3109/00016489.2013.841991
- Parque, JH & Viirre, E (2010). Vestibular migraines can be an important cause of dizziness in perimenopause. Medical Hypothesis, 75(5), 409-414. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2009.04.054
More about dizziness
- All about constant light dizziness
FAQs
What are the three types of dizziness? ›
Dizziness can be classified into four main types: vertigo, disequilibrium, presyncope, or lightheadedness. Although appropriate history and physical examination usually leads to a diagnosis, the final cause of dizziness is not identified in up to one in five patients.
What is the most common cause of dizziness in the elderly? ›The most common cause of dizziness in the elderly is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). BPPV is caused when the calcium carbonate crystals in the otolithic organs of the inner ear are dislodged from the gelatinous membrane that normally holds them in place.
How do you treat dizziness symptoms? ›Sit or lie down immediately when you feel dizzy. Lie still with your eyes closed in a darkened room if you're experiencing a severe episode of vertigo. Avoid driving a car or operating heavy machinery if you experience frequent dizziness without warning. Avoid using caffeine, alcohol, salt and tobacco.
What can trigger dizziness? ›Conditions that affect blood flow through the body or general cardiovascular health, can create symptoms of dizziness. Common causes include anemia (decreased red blood cell numbers), hormonal changes (as with menstrual cycles and menopause), atherosclerosis, blood clots, and dehydration.
What are the 2 types of dizziness? ›There are two types of vertigo, peripheral and central vertigo. Peripheral vertigo is due to a problem in the part of the inner ear that controls balance. These areas are called the vestibular labyrinth, or semicircular canals.
What are the red flags for dizziness? ›“Red flag” symptoms should alert you to a non-vestibular cause: persistent, worsening vertigo or dysequilibrium; atypical “non-peripheral” vertigo, such as vertical movement; severe headache, especially early in the morning; diplopia; cranial nerve palsies; dysarthria, ataxia, or other cerebellar signs; and ...
What is the best test for dizziness? ›Head Impulse Test: This test evaluates the partnership between your eyes and inner ears. In this simple test, your doctor will quickly rotate your head to assess your reflex functions. Romberg Test: This is another straightforward test that can help determine the cause of a case of vertigo.
Does dizziness mean stroke? ›Overall, dizziness and vertigo are the symptoms most tightly linked to missed stroke.
What am I lacking if I keep getting dizzy? ›Low Vitamin B12 Levels Can Cause Dizziness
Ask your doctor about having a simple blood test to check your B12 levels if you're having dizzy spells. Good sources of vitamin B12 include meat, dairy products, and fortified breakfast cereals.
Generally, see your doctor if you experience any recurrent, sudden, severe, or prolonged and unexplained dizziness or vertigo. Get emergency medical care if you experience new, severe dizziness or vertigo along with any of the following: Sudden, severe headache. Chest pain.
How do I know if my dizziness is heart related? ›
In most cases, dizziness associated with heart problems is accompanied by other symptoms. These may include shortness of breath, swollen extremities, frequent fatigue or chest pain. In the event heart disease is suspected, you will undergo one or more tests to get to the root of your problem.
How long does it take for dizziness to go away? ›How long will the dizziness last? Depending on the cause, mild vertigo usually lasts no longer than 1 to 2 weeks. More severe vertigo can last several weeks. With Ménière's disease, the vertigo may come and go, or it might become an ongoing problem.
What is the natural medicine for dizziness? ›Evidence has proven that Ginkgo biloba herb is as potent as the medication betahistine in managing vertigo. It functions by stimulating the blood circulation to the brain, thus alleviating dizziness and balance issues.
How do you treat dizziness in the elderly? ›In older patients, physical activity and vestibular rehabilitation exercises are recommended for more rapid and complete vestibular compensation; repositioning maneuvers are highly indicated and effective in the older population with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
What is the difference between dizziness and vertigo? ›While these words are often used interchangeably, they describe different sensations. Dizziness is the feeling of being lightheaded, foggy or unsteady. Vertigo, which is less common than dizziness, is an overall spinning sensation.
Can dizziness be associated with heart problems? ›Dizziness is defined as feeling like the room is spinning or you are going to pass out. This can be due to a slow or fast heart rhythm, and can indicate that your heart's electrical system is not firing properly. “This could be a sign of an arrhythmia, or of a heart valve condition,” Dr. Phillips says.
Does dizziness mean brain tumor? ›Dizziness by itself is not a common symptom of a brain tumor. Most cases of dizziness are related to an inner ear problem, anemia, dehydration or taking certain medications. Sometimes, being anxious or depressed can cause dizziness as well.
What blood tests are done for dizziness? ›Routine blood tests – Tests for blood sugar, blood counts, electrolytes and thyroid function help identify cases of dizziness. For example anemia and low blood sugar are known to cause dizziness.
What is the most common type of dizziness? ›Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common causes of vertigo — the sudden sensation that you're spinning or that the inside of your head is spinning. BPPV causes brief episodes of mild to intense dizziness. It is usually triggered by specific changes in your head's position.
How long is too long for dizziness? ›In general, if dizziness lasts longer than a few days, or is severe enough to keep you from normal activities, you should talk with your doctor. Depending on the cause, there are medications and physical therapy options that may give you some relief.
Does dizziness mean heart problems? ›
Dizziness is defined as feeling like the room is spinning or you are going to pass out. This can be due to a slow or fast heart rhythm, and can indicate that your heart's electrical system is not firing properly. “This could be a sign of an arrhythmia, or of a heart valve condition,” Dr. Phillips says.
Can a clogged artery cause dizziness? ›Additional symptoms of a clogged artery may include: Dizziness or weakness. Heart palpitations, or sensations of your heart racing or fluttering. Nausea or sweating.
Is dizziness a symptom of high blood pressure? ›Dizziness and feeling slightly off balance are early warning signs of a stroke caused by high blood pressure. These symptoms occur due to lack of oxygen supply to the brain. If the dizziness has to do with standing up too fast or watching a sped-up video, it's probably nothing to worry about.
Can stress cause dizziness? ›Stress, worry, or anxiety may cause other kinds of dizziness. It might feel more like lightheadedness than spinning. One form of this is chronic subjective dizziness — a vague feeling of imbalance. It happens more often in people with anxiety and in places where your senses have to take in a lot of information.
What are three symptoms of vertigo? ›...
Other symptoms associated with vertigo may include:
- loss of balance – which can make it difficult to stand or walk.
- feeling sick or being sick.
- dizziness.
Although not terribly common, lightheadedness can also be a consequence of sleep deprivation. Often, headaches and tension are found to increase after poor sleep; occasionally this may be accompanied by feelings of dizziness and light-headedness.