“Vertigo can be caused by underlying causes related to your period,” says Tiffany Pham, DO, an obstetrician-gynecologist in Houston, Texas, and medical advisor for Flo Health. (To be clear, I'm talking about a faint, dizzying sensation that can make you feel like you're about to pass out. This is slightly different from vertigo or the feeling that the room is spinning, which can occur in the inner ear, or neurological problems.)
Most causes of premenstrual dizziness are harmless, but sometimes they can indicate an underlying health condition that requires treatment. Either way, identifying the root cause of your dazed spells can help you get back on more stable footing. Here's a look at the main causes of premenstrual dizziness and what to do about each.
1. Premenstrual syndrome
If that feeling of dizziness or faintness tends to come up suddenly, before It may be related to PMS or premenstrual syndrome during your period.
“[PMS] These can include a variety of symptoms leading up to your period, including mood symptoms, abdominal bloating, pelvic pain or cramps, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, breast tenderness, skin changes, or appetite changes,” says Dr. Pham.
PMS, as you might guess, is caused by fluctuations in hormones like progesterone, which can affect levels of feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin. When you're stressed, the problem tends to worsen and symptoms worsen, notes the National Library of Medicine.
A thing to do
PMS usually goes away once your period starts, and although annoying, the symptoms are harmless. However, if your PMS symptoms are severe or interfere with your daily life, contact your gynecologist or primary care physician. It can help you create a plan to make your cycle run more smoothly.
“PMS can include a variety of symptoms leading up to your period, including mood symptoms, bloating, fatigue, and dizziness.”—Tiffany Pham, DO, ob-gyn.
2. Menstrual migraines
PMS can also trigger migraines a few days before your period (this is also caused by hormonal fluctuations). Sometimes it can cause people to feel dizzy. It's a nauseating, dizzy feeling where the room is spinning and it's difficult to balance, says Dr. Pham says:
A thing to do
If migraines cause dizziness, talk to your doctor about migraine treatment options. You can also take over-the-counter pain relievers such as Excedrin or Advil (ibuprofen), use an ice pack, or sleep. However, if these methods do not work, you may need specific migraine medications, which your doctor may prescribe.
3. Dysmenorrhea (aka painful periods)
Most people experience mild cramps for a day or two during their period. But for some people, the pain can reach a level where they actually feel dizzy, says Kiarra King, M.D., a Chicago-based OB/GYN and women's health medical advisor at Oura.
Experts call this dysmenorrhea, or menstrual cramps that are so severe that you can't do your normal activities. It may be caused by abnormal contractions of the uterus or by conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.
A thing to do
If cramps are severe, contact an obstetrician/gynecologist. Tests (such as pelvic exams, blood tests, ultrasound, etc.) may be done to rule out underlying conditions causing the pain. From there, they can create a specific treatment plan to help relieve your pain. In the meantime, taking NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen, or using a heating pad may help relieve cramps.
4. Anemia
Over time, very heavy periods (when you lose a lot of blood) can cause iron deficiency anemia, which can make you feel weak, dizzy, and even cause heart palpitations or shortness of breath, notes the Mayo Clinic.
Other common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include:
- fatigue
- Weakness
- pale skin
- cold hands and feet
- headache
- Sore and inflamed tongue
- brittle nails
- loss of appetite
A thing to do
If you think you have anemia, your doctor may order blood tests to find out. If so, “you might consider taking an iron supplement to help increase iron levels in your blood,” says Dr. Pham. You can also try eating more iron-rich foods, such as spinach, eggs, red meat, and fortified cereals. Some people try taking hormonal birth control pills because they can make their periods lighter and reduce blood loss in the future, she adds.
5. Rapid and severe blood loss
It's not common, but if you lose a lot of blood due to a very heavy flow (soaking through more than two pads or tampons in an hour), your blood pressure can plummet, making you feel worse, says Dr. King. light.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, potential causes of excessive vaginal bleeding include:
- Hormonal imbalances (such as thyroid disorders or PCOS)
- uterine fibroids
- Epidemic
- IUD
- ectopic pregnancy
- Legacy
- certain bleeding disorders
A thing to do
“If you're experiencing rapid bleeding, you'll want to call your doctor,” says Dr. King. “We might need to get it checked out quickly” to make sure something more serious doesn’t happen.
6. Toxic shock syndrome (TSS)
TSS is a rare but life-threatening bacterial infection that manifests as dizziness, sudden high fever, confusion, vomiting, and a rash on the palms or soles of the feet. Although anyone can get it (including children and people assigned male at birth), it has been linked to tampon use because tampons can potentially allow bacteria to become trapped in the vagina, enter the cervix and uterus, and spread into the bloodstream. Cleveland Clinic.
A thing to do
TSS is uncommon, but if you notice any of its side effects and use tampons frequently, call your doctor and go to the emergency room as soon as possible.
You can protect yourself from TSS by changing your tampons at least every eight hours and using a tampon with the lightest absorbency for your flow, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Causes of dizziness not related to menstruation
Sometimes the dizziness you feel before or during your period isn't actually related to your menstrual cycle, says Dr. King. Common culprits include:
- dehydration: According to the National Institutes of Health, along with dizziness, you may also experience dry mouth, dry skin, dark-colored urine, or feeling drowsy or tired.
- Low blood sugar: If you haven't eaten for too long, your blood sugar may fall below a healthy range, especially if you have diabetes. Low blood sugar can cause dizziness, anxiety, and irritability. You may also feel like your heart is racing or like you can't think clearly, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
- Orthostatic hypotension: According to the Mayo Clinic, this is a type of low blood pressure that occurs when you go from lying down to standing or sitting. For example, you may feel temporarily dizzy, faint, or have blurred vision when you get up from a chair or out of bed.
How to prevent period-related vertigo
Preventing period-related vertigo depends on the cause, says Dr. Pham. Dizziness caused by PMS, menstrual cramps, or heavy menstruation can often be managed with hormonal contraceptives. She added that the same goes for menstrual-related migraines, which can be treated with prescription migraine medications. If your problem is caused by anemia, taking iron supplements may help correct the deficiency and help you feel better.
Focusing on basic self-care, such as eating balanced meals and snacks, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep will also help lower the likelihood of non-cyclical causes of dizziness, such as dehydration or low blood sugar, Dr. King says. .
What to do when you feel dizzy
Above all, don't try to push because you could fall or get hurt. If possible, slowly lower yourself to a sitting position or find a place to lie down, says Dr. Pham. If you can't sit, at least have something to hold on to to feel stable. Once the dizzy feeling subsides, add that you should stand up slowly and carefully.
This also means that if you need a break to take your mind off the groggy feeling, take a day off.
If you feel dizzy before your period, can it mean you are pregnant?
That may be possible, but only if your period doesn't actually come. Dizziness is not a very common early pregnancy symptom, but it can affect some people. “This may be caused by hormonal changes that lower blood pressure, especially early in pregnancy,” says Dr. Pham.
Are there any other clues that I may be pregnant? Bloating, fatigue, peeing more than usual, nausea, vomiting, mood changes, and sore or swollen breasts, Planned Parenthood writes. But don't rely solely on the symptoms. If you think you might be pregnant, take a pregnancy test to get a definitive answer. Dr. King says:
When to See a Doctor
In most cases, feeling groggy before your period is caused by normal hormonal fluctuations during the month.
However, if you feel dizzy before or during your period and are unable to do your daily routine, tell your doctor. Dr. King recommends using a period tracker to keep tabs on your menstrual cycle and symptoms. This can help you and your doctor narrow down what might be happening.
Of course, if you experience serious symptoms such as muscle weakness, heavy bleeding, or signs of TSS, call your doctor and go to the emergency room as soon as possible.