*Content reviewed by HotPause Health Medical Advisor & Mental Health Expert Kin Yuen, MD, MS
Vertigo In Menopause
Vertigo—a sensation of spinning or dizziness—is a disorienting and sometimes debilitating symptom that can affect women during the menopausal transition. While vertigo has many causes, recent research suggests a possible connection between hormonal changes in menopause and disturbances in the vestibular system, which controls balance and spatial orientation.
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness that creates the false perception that you or your surroundings are spinning. It can be accompanied by nausea, imbalance, or unsteadiness, and can interfere with daily activities.
How Menopause May Influence Vertigo
A 2024 review published in Cureus highlights a growing body of evidence linking the decline in estrogen levels during menopause to vestibular disturbances such as vertigo. Estrogen receptors are present in the vestibular system, and hormonal changes may alter the way balance signals are processed in the brain and inner ear.
Types of Vertigo That May Occur During Menopause
Several forms of vertigo are commonly reported by women during menopause:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Caused by dislodged calcium crystals in the inner ear, BPPV leads to brief episodes of dizziness triggered by changes in head position. Hormonal fluctuations during menopause may affect inner ear structures, potentially increasing the risk of BPPV.
- Vestibular Migraine: A type of migraine that includes vertigo as a key symptom. The hormonal shifts during menopause—particularly declining estrogen—may increase susceptibility to these migraines in individuals with a history of migraine or heightened neurologic sensitivity.
- Meniere’s Disease: This chronic inner ear disorder causes episodes of vertigo and may also involve hearing loss and tinnitus. While the exact cause is unknown, some research suggests that hormonal fluctuations during menopause—particularly lower estrogen levels—may influence inner ear function and contribute to the frequency or severity of vertigo episodes. However, a direct link between menopause and tinnitus has not been established.
- Anxiety-related Dizziness: Hormonal changes and the stress of the menopausal transition can increase anxiety, which in turn can cause or worsen sensations of dizziness or imbalance.
What the Research Says About Vertigo in Menopause
The Cureus review analyzed data from multiple observational studies and concluded that menopause-related hormonal changes—particularly estrogen decline—can impact vestibular function. Estrogen influences neurotransmitter activity and inner ear homeostasis, and its reduction may disrupt the body’s ability to maintain balance.
The review also noted that:
- Vertigo prevalence in menopausal women may range from 23% to 30%.
- Hormonal changes may impact neurotransmitters involved in the balance system, especially in conditions like vestibular migraine.
- Risk factors include vitamin D deficiency, osteoporosis, and reduced otoconia (calcium crystal) stability.
Treatment and Management of Vertigo in Menopause
Management of vertigo during menopause may include:
- Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT): A specialized form of physical therapy that uses balance exercises and head movements to help retrain the brain and reduce symptoms of vertigo and imbalance.
- Medications for vestibular migraine or BPPV: Prescription drugs, such as migraine preventatives or vestibular suppressants, may help manage vertigo episodes depending on the underlying diagnosis.
- Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT): HRT may help stabilize hormonal fluctuations that contribute to vestibular symptoms, depending on a woman’s overall health and risk factors.
- Lifestyle adjustments, such as stress management, hydration, and sleep hygiene: Reducing stress, staying well-hydrated, and prioritizing quality sleep can help support overall vestibular function and reduce symptom triggers.
- Vitamin D supplementation if levels are low: Correcting vitamin D deficiency may improve calcium metabolism in the inner ear, potentially reducing the risk or severity of conditions like BPPV.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
If you are experiencing new or worsening vertigo symptoms during menopause, consult a healthcare provider. It’s important to rule out other underlying conditions such as cardiovascular issues, neurological disorders, or infections.
The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website.
