Can menopause cause extreme dizziness?

Menopause can cause a variety of symptoms, including extreme dizziness in some women. This dizziness is usually caused by fluctuations in estrogen levels that occur during perimenopause and menopause. Some key points about menopause-related dizziness:

• Dizziness during menopause is often described as feeling lightheaded, vertigo, or feeling unsteady on your feet. It may come and go or be a constant sensation.


• Along with dizziness, women may also experience symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances.


• Hormone changes are the main cause of menopause dizziness. Estrogen helps regulate fluid in the inner ear, which is important for balance. Declining estrogen during menopause can cause fluid imbalances and blood flow changes leading to dizziness.


• Other factors like stress, anxiety, low iron levels, migraine headaches, thyroid dysfunction, and certain medications can also trigger or worsen dizziness.


• In most cases, menopause dizziness is manageable with simple lifestyle measures and is not dangerous. But more severe, constant dizziness can indicate other medical conditions, like cardiovascular disease or neurological disorders. It's important to consult your doctor.

What triggers menopausal dizziness and how to manage it

There are a few key things that can trigger dizziness during menopause:

• Hormone fluctuations - Unstable estrogen levels cause fluid and blood flow changes in the body. Trying hormone therapy medications or supplements like soy isoflavones may help stabilize hormones and reduce dizziness.


• Dehydration and nutrition issues - Drink lots of water and eat frequent small meals with nutritious whole foods. Keep blood sugar stable. Take iron, B12 or other supplements if deficient.


• Stress and anxiety - Managing emotional health is essential. Try yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and visualization exercises to calm the nervous system. Consider cognitive behavioral therapy or anti-anxiety medication if severe.


• Lack of sleep - Prioritize sleeping 7-9 hours every night. Maintain consistent bedtime schedule and wind down routine. Limit electronics before bed, keep bedroom cool and dark.


• Vestibular dysfunction - See a physical therapist specialised in vestibular and balance therapy. They can prescribe custom exercises to improve functioning of inner ear.


• Underlying medical conditions - Get evaluated to identify and manage any factors like migraine, diabetes, neuropathy, heart disease, circulation problems, or side effects of medications that could contribute to dizziness.

In many cases, dizziness and vertigo associated with menopause does eventually get better over time on its own. Using a multi-pronged approach focused on hormone balance, healthy lifestyle, managing triggers, and treating any underlying conditions gives the best chance for overcoming this symptom.

When to see a doctor

Consult your physician promptly if you experience:

• Sudden, severe dizziness, especially with other neurological symptoms like fainting, weakness, speech issues


• Dizziness associated with chest pain and shortness of breath


• Frequent falls or inability to walk steadily


• Hearing loss, ear pressure, ringing (tinnitus)


• No improvement despite diligently following treatment suggestions

Severe dizziness warrants emergency care to rule out stroke, heart conditions, and neurological disorders like MS or tumors. At Balance & Renew Clinic, we have on-staff endocrinologists, gynecologists and ENT specialists with advanced training in vertigo and balance disorders. Our integrative approach combines cutting-edge treatments, like bioidentical hormone therapy, with tailored lifestyle planning and evidence-based strategies to manage complex menopause symptoms. Schedule a consultation to discover your options for overcoming dizziness!