What Are the Causes of Dizziness in Women?
Dizziness is a common complaint and symptom in women experiencing a variety of diseases. Though many of the causes of dizziness are minor and manageable with slight lifestyle changes or medication, it can mean a more serious condition that warrants immediate attention from a physician.
Dizziness is a common complaint and symptom in women experiencing a variety of diseases. Though many of the causes of dizziness are minor and manageable with slight lifestyle changes or medication, it can mean a more serious condition that warrants immediate attention from a physician. If you are experiencing dizziness for the first time, it appears suddenly and severely or is persistent, then you should consult your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy
According to BabyCenter.com, it is quite common to experience dizziness during pregnancy-largely due to increased blood volume and heart rate, and decreased blood pressure. These combined factors can cause or contribute to dizziness when a pregnant woman stands too quickly after sitting or lying down, or after several hours without food or drink. Other causes of dizziness while pregnant include low levels of iron in the blood, becoming overheated and lying flat on your back which can constrict blood flow due to the increased weight and size of the uterus.
Menopause
At the onset of menopause, estrogen levels dip dramatically and can cause dizziness until these hormone levels are evened out with medication and other therapies, according to 34-Menopause-Symptoms.com. Though dizziness during menopause rarely points to more serious conditions such as heart disease or obstruction of blood flow, dizziness could also be experienced as a result of other issues during menopause. Hot flashes, anxiety, migraines and inner ear issues during menopause can all cause a woman to experience dizziness as well.
PMS
Much like menopause, PMS causes changes in the balance between estrogen and progesterone, as well as several chemicals affecting the central nervous system. These changes may contribute to or cause dizziness, according to WomensHealthChannel.com.
Vertigo
Vertigo causes general dizziness in patients, and can be a result of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), inner ear issues known as Meniere's syndrome, and migraines according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology.
Circulation Problems
Blockage of arteries, heart disease, obstructed blood flow to the brain and high blood pressure can all cause dizziness in patients. Circulatory system issues can also reduce the blood flow to the inner ear, which is a major anatomical contributor to dizziness.
Infection
Inner ear infections, whether due to viruses or bacteria, can disrupt the anatomical features which allow us to balance and contribute to the feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness.
Blood Sugar Levels
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and diabetes can both trigger bouts of dizziness. Avoiding long stretches between meals and eating more frequently may prevent this.