Menopause can bring on spells of dizziness for many. The intensity varies from one person to another and it can take different forms. You might feel lightheaded when you stand up after bending down, like when picking up a grocery bag or feel sudden dizziness after lacing your shoes.
Or this could manifest as a vertigo sensation—of spinning or motion, as if the room is slowly shifting around you. At other times, it can feel more like a lack of balance, where you feel unsteady on your feet and instinctively reach out for support.
Another type of dizziness during menopause feels more like being close to fainting. This isn’t the spinning or unsteadiness of vertigo; instead, it’s a weak, woozy feeling, as if you might faint, even if you don’t.
All these types of dizziness are common during menopause and are often linked to hormonal changes that can affect blood flow, balance, or blood sugar, each potentially contributing to these sensations.
If you’re experiencing any of these sensations, checking in with your doctor is a good idea as it could be related to other factors besides menopause. Your doctor can help rule out other possible causes and discuss lifestyle changes or treatment options to ease your symptoms.
Is dizziness common during menopause?
Dizziness is actually quite a common symptom of menopause, affecting many women in various ways. A Japanese study found that about 36% of women going through menopause experienced dizziness at least once a week, highlighting how frequently this issue arises1. In fact, researchers have noted that a specific type of vertigo called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) happens more frequently after menopause2. Dizziness can range from mild moments of imbalance to more intense spells, with some women feeling disoriented or even noticing symptoms like double vision.
Dizzy spells can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes, though in some cases, they can persist for longer. The duration and frequency can vary widely, so it’s helpful to pay attention to triggers or patterns to manage these episodes more effectively. Additionally, many women in menopause also experience migraines, which may be linked to hormonal changes impacting both balance and sensation. If you need help identifying your symptoms, our team of menopause experts are here to help.
What causes dizziness during menopause?
There are a number of factors that can cause dizziness and vertigo symptoms during menopause. It could be one, or many of the below:
Hormonal changes
Dizziness during menopause is often linked to hormonal changes, with one primary factor being the decline in oestrogen levels3. The inner ear, a crucial component in maintaining balance, contains oestrogen receptors. This means that as oestrogen levels drop, women going through menopause may become more susceptible to dizziness4.
A side effect of other hot flushes
Other menopause symptoms, like hot flushes, can explain why you’re feeling dizzy at times5. When a hot flush happens, the blood vessels go through sudden shifts, quickly widening to release heat for example, which disrupts normal blood flow. This, combined with an increased heart rate, can make you feel unsteady, especially when moving or standing up.
Additionally, sweating during hot flushes can make you slightly dehydrated, reducing blood volume and potentially causing dizziness. Hot flushes may make you feel slightly off-balance, but it’s generally nothing to worry about.
Blood sugar levels
Dizziness may also be due to blood sugar swings or changes in the cardiovascular system6. This is because progesterone and oestrogen help regulate how the body processes insulin, so fluctuations in these hormones during menopause can make these episodes more pronounced, particularly if combined with irregular meal times or less balanced dietary habits.
Poor sleep
Beyond physical causes, mental and emotional factors, like increased anxiety and disrupted sleep during menopause, can further intensify dizziness. Sleep issues, whether from night sweats or general restlessness can heighten feelings of imbalance and disorientation7; so implementing a consistent sleep routine is a great first step in managing these sensations.
Medication or lifestyle
Aside from hormonal fluctuations, dizziness can also result from fatigue, medication side effects, being dehydrated, or even high consumption of alcohol or tobacco. It’s important to consider these potential causes and address lifestyle factors like sleep, stress, and diet to help reduce this symptom.
Our Menopause Care team has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the effects of menopause on the mind and body. For a more holistic approach to managing your menopausal symptoms, reach out to one of our menopause doctors.
Can dizziness be a sign of menopause?
Yes, dizziness can be a sign of menopause and can take various forms, such as lightheadedness, vertigo, or an unsteady feeling. Keep it mind that dizziness can be intensified by other menopausal symptoms like hot flushes, blood sugar fluctuations, and poor sleep. However, since dizziness can stem from multiple causes, it’s hard to take it as a predictive sign of menopause.
How to reduce dizziness and vertigo during menopause
The good news is that small lifestyle changes can make a big difference in managing dizziness and vertigo! Here are a few things that can help.
Drink plenty of water
Staying well-hydrated is key, as dehydration can worsen dizziness, so aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day8.
Prioritise sleep and a healthy lifestyle
Quality rest helps stabilise hormones and reduce feelings of imbalance7. We can’t highlight this enough, but incorporating a balanced diet and regular exercise can also support overall health and help address all various symptoms.
Vitamin D and other supplements
Some studies9,10 suggest that supplementing with vitamin D may help reduce certain types of vertigo. Taking such supplements has minimal side effects, so you might want to discuss this option with your doctor. You might also explore our guide on herbal remedies for menopause for additional support.
HRT
For some women, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be an effective option, particularly for those experiencing frequent dizziness and other intense menopause symptoms. More specifically, oestrogen replacement therapy has been associated with a reduced risk of vertigo episodes11.
Relaxation tools and CBT
For a comprehensive approach, some women consider Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in combination with HRT to address both physical and emotional symptoms during menopause. Finally, relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing exercises can be powerful tools for managing stress, which in turn can ease some of your symptoms. Taking time to unwind not only supports your body but can also help you feel more balanced and in control during this transition.
When should you see a doctor?
While dizziness can be a common part of menopause, it’s important to speak to a doctor if it starts to significantly disrupt your daily activities and your quality of life. You should also seek medical attention if dizziness is accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, difficulty hearing or speaking, or numbness in the face, arms, or legs. Other warning signs include changes in your pulse, fainting, severe headaches, or unusual feelings of weakness, as these could indicate an underlying issue7.
Getting support for dizziness and menopause symptoms
It’s not in your head. Feeling lightheaded or experiencing full-blown vertigo during menopause is a real thing. It can be overwhelming, but understanding the causes and possible remedies will make it easier to manage. By staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced lifestyle, and considering treatments such as HRT, many women find relief from dizziness symptoms. However, if these episodes become persistent or come along with other concerning symptoms, you should reach out to your doctor.
With the right approach and support, it’s possible to navigate this phase of life while maintaining both health and well-being. Our team of experienced menopause doctors and nurses is here to provide tailored recommendations for lifestyle changes and treatments. Book a consultation today to get support in navigating this phase of life.
¹Dizziness in peri- and postmenopausal women is associated with anxiety: a cross-sectional study Terauchi et al. (December 2018)
²³Balance in Transition: Unraveling the Link Between Menopause and Vertigo Castillo-Bustamante et al. (April 2024)
⁴Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Risk Factors Unique to Perimenopausal Women Jeong (October 2020)
⁵The relationship between vasomotor symptoms and menopause-associated dizziness Owada & Suzuki (February 2014)
⁶How often is dizziness from primary cardiovascular disease true vertigo? A systematic review Newman-Toker et al. (December 2008)
⁷Relationship between sleep quality and dizziness Kim et al. (March 2018)
⁸Dizziness (lightheadedness) NHS inform (May 2024)
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