Dizziness during Periods: A Cause for Concern?

Fact checked

By Fiorella M. | Updated: Jun 18, 2020

Ladies

About three out of every four women experience some degree of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms before the onset of their periods.1 Besides headaches, bloating, and cramping, they often report dizziness, which may continue throughout the period as well.

Continue reading to learn more about dizziness during periods, including if one should be concerned about feeling dizzy while on her period and tips for prevention and management.

Dizziness during period

Why Am I Feeling Dizzy During My Period?

Cyclical episodes of dizziness during periods are often due to drastic hormone fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle.

During the first half of the monthly cycle, estrogen levels steadily rise and cause the uterine lining to thicken in preparation for an implanted egg.

Then, during the second half of the cycle after ovulation, progesterone takes over as the predominant hormones of the two in order to maintain the uterine lining.

If conception didn't occur, hormonal levels plunge, and the lining sheds in what is known as menstruation, starting the cycle all over again.

Other possible causes of feeling dizzy while on your period include other PMS symptoms - like headaches - and conditions that can cause excessive blood loss, like fibroids or menorrhagia. Losing too much blood can lead to iron deficiency anemia, provoking dizziness and weakness.2

Is Dizziness During Periods a Cause for Concern?

While this symptom can be disturbing, feeling weak and dizzy during your period is generally not a need for concern. It does not usually last long, normally just a few minutes.

Seek help immediately if you experience severe dizziness, disproportionate blood loss, and other extreme symptoms, such as fainting, difficulty breathing, double vision, numbness, hearing loss, and slurred speech, among others.

Nevertheless, there are successful techniques to instill to prevent and treat dizziness during periods.

Preventing and Managing Dizziness

Feeling dizzy during your period can be prevented and managed by following several simple steps:

  • Avoid skipping meals. Skipping meals causes a drop in blood pressure and blood sugar, which can lead to dizziness, headaches, falling, and even fainting.

  • Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water before meals and throughout the day is essential to preventing dizziness and lightheadedness. Drink the equivalent of eight glasses of water per day.

  • Evade sugary drinks. It is recommended to avoid drinking sodas and sugary drinks, especially during periods, because they can result in dizziness by causing blood sugar levels to spike and then sharply drop. Sugary drinks can also worsen other PMS symptoms, like headaches.

  • Drink ginger tea. Ginger is an excellent, anti-inflammatory herb for calming the stomach, soothing cramps, and dispelling nausea. It can also prevent dizziness during periods.3

  • Lie down. If you feel dizziness coming on, it may be helpful to drink a glass of water, lie down for a few minutes, and take deep breaths. You may also consider giving gentle exercises to relieve dizziness a try once the episodes subside.

Natural Treatments for Dizziness

Because suffering from dizziness during menstruation can be disconcerting, you may look for alternative methods to treat the underlying cause by instilling various dizziness treatments. Click on the previous link to learn how to be rid of this and other hormonal imbalance symptoms once and for all.

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