There are various professional terms for episodes of dizziness, including vertigo, disequilibrium, instability, and pre-syncope (a cardio-vascular relatd disorder characterized by sensations of dizziness and faintness). The body’s control of balance is centered in several distinct locations, and a malfunction of any one of these control centers can result in sensations of dizziness and vertigo of varying frequency and intensity. Important organs that control the body’s balance include:
• The eyes: the eyes allow the body to position itself appropriately within its surroundings, making visual input very important in the maintenance of balance.• The heart: disruption of regular cardiovascular activity can easily contribute to malfunctions of balance.
• The inner ear: the inner ear, or labyrinth, has much responsibility for the balance of the body, and works in conjunction with visual input, cardiovascular factors, and sensory nerves.
• The sensory nerves: similar to the function of the eyes, sensory nerves all around the body provide important information regarding the current position and elevation of the body, and thus helps maintain balance.
Symptoms of Menopause Dizziness
The symptoms of dizziness usually occur randomly and at any time of day. Although these symptoms are usually incredibly short-lived, lasting only seconds, they can create an aura of confusion and disorientation that lasts for a much longer duration, and can even impede daily functioning. Some common symptoms of dizziness include:
Vertigo Faintness Unsteadiness Whirling or spinning sensation Disequilibrium (or loss of balance) Disturbances in visual input Lightheadedness Weakness or fatigue NauseaCauses of Menopause Dizziness
Menopausal episodes of dizziness are usually caused by the hormonal imbalance present in menopausal women, although other symptoms of menopause can also contribute to dizziness. Although extremely rare, menopause dizziness can sometimes indicate a more serious condition, and it is thus important to be aware of all possible culprits of dizziness during menopause. Know 6 things to be aware of about menopausal dizziness.
Hormonal Causes
The levels of hormones present in one’s body greatly decrease during menopause, which can contribute to dizziness.
Menopausal Causes
Other symptoms present during menopause can also contribute to episodes of dizziness, including:
- Hot flushes
- Migraine headaches
- Ear issues
- Anxiety or panic disorders
Other, non-hormonal causes of menopause dizziness may include:
- Low blood pressure
- Dehydration
- Low blood sugar
- Arthritis
- Certain medications
- Cold or flu
- Certain viral infections
- Heart issues
- Stroke
When to Consult a Doctor
Although most episodes of dizziness that may occur during menopause are not of serious concern and do not require a professional opinion, professional help may be warranted if certain serious symptoms accompany the episodes of dizziness. It is also wise to consult a medical professional if ear issues accompany episodes of dizziness, as this may be an indication of certain inner ear disorders such as Meniere’s Disease. Serious symptoms of dizziness that definitely warrant professional medical attention include:
• Injury to the head
• Fever
• Fainting
• Loss of consciousness
• Changes in speech
• Disruption of vision
• Stiff neck
• Heart irregularity or palpitations
• Pain in the chest
• Difficulty breathing or hyperventilation
• Convulsions or seizures
• Frequent or persistent vomiting
• Numbness in limbs
• Inability to move
Treatment for Menopausal Dizziness
Many symptoms of menopause can be treated with a simple three-step process that entails an increase in the severity and intrusiveness of possible treatments. Because of the nature of this process, one should always begin at the lowest level, lifestyle changes, and should only progress to further steps if the less dangerous methods prove ineffective. This three-step process includes:
1. Lifestyle changes
2. Herbal supplements and natural remedies
3. Pharmaceuticals and surgery
Lifestyle changes, such as a proper diet, regular exercise, and stress-reduction techniques can help to relieve many symptoms of menopause, with dizziness being no exception. Simple lifestyle changes such as these can help to restore one’s hormonal stability, which directly correlates to a reduction of menopausal symptoms, including dizziness and vertigo.
Natural supplements can also be very helpful in alleviating symptoms of menopause, as they stimulate the body’s production of estrogen and other important hormones.
Drugs and surgery should be avoided at all costs, as they usually entail much danger and expense. These should only be used under stringent circumstances in which one is experiencing very severe symptoms of menopause for which other methods are completely ineffective.
Most experts believe that a combination of lifestyle changes and certain natural supplements is the most effective and least intrusive way to combat the many annoying symptoms of menopause, including episodes of dizziness and vertigo. Try implementing some of these methods today to alleviate your menopause dizziness or faintness.
