Dizziness is a disorienting sensation that may leave you feeling unsteady, lightheaded, or as though the room is spinning. For some, this symptom can intensify before or during menstruation.
While commonly linked to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), dizziness can also be a sign of more severe conditions like premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). This article dives deep into the causes, symptoms, and remedies for dizziness related to PMS and PMDD, and explores when it may signal an underlying health concern.
What Causes Dizziness Before or During a Period?
1. Hormonal Fluctuations
Estrogen and Progesterone Changes
Before menstruation, levels of estrogen and progesterone drop significantly. These shifts can impact blood pressure, sugar levels, and the vestibular system, potentially leading to dizziness. Those with heightened sensitivity to hormonal changes, like individuals with PMDD, are particularly vulnerable.
Impact on the Vestibular System
Research has linked premenstrual hormonal changes to disturbances in the inner ear’s balance-regulating mechanisms, potentially causing vertigo or unsteadiness.
2. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
PMDD is a severe form of PMS that can disrupt daily life. In addition to common PMS symptoms, PMDD may cause dizziness, severe headaches, and difficulty concentrating.
This condition requires medical and psychological intervention, as its symptoms are much more intense than typical PMS.
3. Anemia and Heavy Periods
Iron-Deficiency Anemia
Heavy menstrual bleeding can deplete iron levels, leading to anemia. When the brain receives insufficient oxygen due to low red blood cell counts, dizziness and fatigue can result.
Chronic Blood Loss
Those with conditions like menorrhagia (heavy periods) are more prone to dizziness caused by anemia.
4. Blood Pressure Shifts
Low Blood Pressure
High estrogen levels in the luteal phase (the days leading up to menstruation) can dilate blood vessels, causing blood pressure to drop. This can result in lightheadedness and fainting spells.
Sudden Changes
Rapid postural shifts (e.g., standing up quickly) may exacerbate dizziness in those with already low blood pressure.
5. Low Blood Sugar
Hormonal changes can alter blood sugar regulation. Low blood sugar levels, particularly during PMS, may trigger dizziness alongside symptoms like shakiness and fatigue.
Estrogen also plays a role in glucose metabolism, which could explain the increased susceptibility to dizziness in certain phases of the menstrual cycle.
6. Period-Related Migraines
Menstrual migraines, triggered by hormonal shifts, often come with neurological symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and sensitivity to light. These migraines are associated with imbalances in serotonin and an increase in inflammatory prostaglandins.
Additional Causes of Dizziness Around Menstruation
Dysmenorrhea (Painful Periods): Dizziness often accompanies cramps and other symptoms due to hormonal or prostaglandin changes.
Pregnancy: Early pregnancy symptoms like low blood pressure and nausea can mimic PMS-related dizziness.
Medications: Certain medications, including pain relievers and hormonal treatments, may list dizziness as a side effect.
Other Medical Conditions: Conditions such as Ménière’s disease, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), or infections may worsen around menstruation.
When Dizziness May Signal PMDD
PMDD can amplify dizziness and related symptoms such as:
- Severe mood swings
- Insomnia
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Debilitating fatigue
If dizziness significantly disrupts your life or coincides with extreme emotional or physical symptoms, consult a healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment.
Diagnosis of Dizziness in PMS and PMDD
To identify the cause of dizziness:
Symptom Tracking: Keep a diary of symptoms across several cycles to identify patterns.
Medical History: A doctor may inquire about your menstrual history, lifestyle, and general health.
Tests: Blood work (for anemia or hormonal issues), hearing exams (for vestibular disorders), or imaging (in rare cases) may be conducted.
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Treatment Options for PMS and PMDD Dizziness
1. Lifestyle Adjustments
Hydration and Nutrition: Maintain balanced meals rich in iron and avoid skipping meals.
Exercise: Regular physical activity can stabilize hormone levels and improve circulation.
Stress Management: Yoga, meditation, and relaxation techniques can reduce PMS symptoms.
2. Medical Treatments
Iron Supplements: For anemia caused by heavy periods, supplements or dietary adjustments may be prescribed.
Hormonal Therapies: Birth control pills or progesterone treatments may help regulate hormonal fluctuations.
Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are sometimes used to treat PMDD.
Migraine Medications: For menstrual migraines, preventive medications or acute treatments like triptans can provide relief.
Home Remedies for Dizziness Before a Period
Eat small, frequent meals to stabilize blood sugar levels.
Stand up slowly from sitting or lying down to avoid sudden drops in blood pressure.
Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, which can worsen dizziness.
When to Seek Medical Help
Real-Life Experiences: Living with Dizziness and PMDD
Many individuals facing symptoms like dizziness, trembling, and emotional distress before or during their periods find themselves frustrated and scared, often without a clear diagnosis for months or even years.
Here’s what others experiencing PMS or PMDD-related dizziness have shared about their journeys:
“My Body Rejects My Existence”
“I get very shaky on the inside, my entire body is trembling. I wake up several times a night, and my legs and arms feel paralyzed and in pain. I experience overwhelming fear. I cry anywhere I go. My body physically resists staying alive; it rejects my existence. When I’m off my period, none of this happens. 🤯 So exhausted by this illness and scared of next month.”
“I Had No Idea This Was a Thing!”
“This happened to me for the first time last weekend!! Had no idea this was a thing!”
“Not Great Symptoms as a Professional Musician”
“Yes to this! Dizziness/feeling unsteady on my feet. Sensitivity to bright lights and loud sound. NOT great symptoms to have when you’re a professional musician and performer.
“Misdiagnosed for Over a Year”
“Before I realized I had PMDD, I was back and forth to the doctors for over a year with dizziness, lightheadedness, and blackouts. They put it down to ‘loose crystals’ in the end because all blood tests—and I had several—came back clear. It was only when I got the diagnosis and started looking deeper into PMDD that I made the connection!”
Consult a healthcare provider if:
Dizziness interferes with daily life.
Symptoms persist or worsen over multiple cycles.
You experience accompanying symptoms like severe headaches, fainting, or chest pain.
You suspect you might be pregnant or have an underlying health condition.
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Conclusion
Dizziness before or during a period is often tied to hormonal changes, but it can also indicate anemia, PMDD, or other medical conditions. While many cases resolve with lifestyle changes and home remedies, persistent or severe dizziness warrants medical attention.
By addressing the underlying cause, you can alleviate this disorienting symptom and improve your overall well-being.
