Dizziness brings with it feelings of lightheadedness, unsteadiness and a false sense of motion. Sometimes the feeling of dizziness can persist for a longer time or can vanish within a few minutes. Health conditions such as fainting, irregular heartbeat, headaches, vision loss, etc. are clear indications of a person experiencing dizziness. These sensations start occurring in the female bodies before and during the periods majorly due to the hormones.
When the PMS stage is approaching, there are changes in the body because of the production of estrogen and progesterone hormones which lead to conditions like headaches, nausea and dizziness. The release of progesterone leads to constriction of blood vessels which can further lead to a temporary decrease in the blood flow to the brain –making one feel lightheaded.
Girls experience a false sense of motion with the onset of menstruation because of the fluctuations in hormones. The estrogen and progesterone levels drop down with the start of periods which cause an effect on the circulation, neurotransmitters, blood vessels and the blood pressure — leading to a feeling of fainting. Heavy periods are one cause of feeling dizzy because excessive blood loss can bring temporary changes in the blood pressure. Certain women face the condition of being anaemia because of heavy periods which affects the oxygen saturation of the blood going to the brain ultimately increasing the chances of feeling dizzy. Another reason for feeling lightheaded could be severe cramps which occur before and during periods.
Solutions for treating Dizziness:
- Dehydration makes the blood pressure low and thus girls and women should ensure they drink plenty of water and other fluids to maintain normal blood pressure and avoid dizziness.
- Flickering blood sugar levels in the body leads to lightheadedness and dizziness. When the blood pressure shoots down suddenly, the chances of suffering from dizziness increases. Binging on sweets before and during the periods is natural because of the change in our hormones but it can affect the blood sugar levels as well. To stabilise, girls and women should eat wholesome diet throughout the day and should avoid eating refined sugar. Including protein in the diet for strength is necessary.
- Including iron in the diet is important in order to cope up with the situation of excessive blood loss in the body. Eating foods which are a good source of iron like fish, meat, green vegetables, quinoa, tofu, broccoli, and so on is important to meet the body requirement and cope up with the situation of anaemia.
- Choosing to eat a multivitamin before and during the periods helps in controlling the symptoms of dizziness because of the supply of vitamins like vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin C and iron.
- Drinking ginger tea and menthol tea helps in treating dizziness and period cramps which occur during and before periods.
- Breathing techniques are known to control the symptoms of dizziness. Practising breathing techniques reduces the amount of pain in the body thereby preventing the chances of feeling dizzy. It also helps in dealing with anxiety and mood swings. Breathing techniques are also known to improve the quality of blood by increasing oxygen and removing Co2.
Apart from the above-mentioned techniques, girls and women should avoid skipping meals during and before the periods in order to avoid weakness, headaches, nausea and dizziness. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables and a diet rich in vitamins and minerals for the feelings of dizziness to subside.
FAQ’s
2. Why do I feel dizzy during my period?
Dizziness during periods is caused by fluctuations in the estrogen and progesterone hormones. These hormonal changes affect blood circulation, neurotransmitters, and blood pressure, leading to a sense of fainting or lightheadedness. Women with heavy periods may experience dizziness due to excessive blood loss, which lowers blood pressure and can lead to anemia, affecting the oxygen supply to the brain.
3. What causes dizziness before period?
Dizziness before periods is commonly associated with Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). During PMS, the body undergoes hormonal changes, particularly in estrogen and progesterone levels. These changes can lead to symptoms like headaches, nausea, and dizziness due to constricted blood vessels and fluctuating blood flow to the brain, causing a feeling of unsteadiness or lightheadedness.
4. How to treat low blood pressure during period?
Low blood pressure during periods, especially with heavy menstrual flow, can cause dizziness. To treat low blood pressure during periods, increase your fluid intake to maintain hydration. Consuming foods rich in iron, such as spinach, fish, and meat, can help counter blood loss. Breathing exercises and taking a multivitamin with essential nutrients like vitamin C, B12, and B6 can also help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
5. Why do I feel dizzy on my period?
Dizziness during periods is primarily caused by a drop in hormone levels like estrogen and progesterone. These hormonal fluctuations affect blood vessels, circulation, and blood pressure, leading to a sensation of dizziness. Heavy menstrual bleeding can also reduce blood volume, causing low blood pressure and dizziness, especially if you are prone to anemia.
6. What can I do if I feel dizzy and weak during my period?
If you're feeling weak and dizzy during your period, it's important to maintain hydration and eat small, frequent meals throughout the day to stabilize blood sugar levels. Including iron-rich foods such as quinoa, green vegetables, and lean meats in your diet can prevent anemia from heavy blood loss. Avoid skipping meals and ensure you're getting plenty of rest. A hot water bottle on your abdomen and drinking ginger tea can help ease period cramps, which can also contribute to feelings of weakness.
7. How to manage dizziness before and during periods naturally?
To manage dizziness naturally before and during periods, maintain proper hydration by drinking water and herbal teas like ginger or menthol tea, which help ease dizziness and cramps. Consuming a nutrient-rich diet with iron, protein, and multivitamins is essential. Breathing techniques and light exercises such as walking can improve blood flow, helping prevent dizziness. Avoiding refined sugars and processed foods is also recommended for blood sugar stability.
8. What are the signs of dizziness caused by heavy periods?
Dizziness caused by heavy periods can be recognized by lightheadedness, a false sense of motion, and feeling faint. Heavy blood loss lowers blood pressure, leading to anemia, which decreases the oxygen supply to the brain. Women may feel weak, shaky, and unsteady during menstruation due to these factors. Severe cramps and fatigue can further intensify the sensation of dizziness.
9. How can I avoid feeling dizzy and shaky during my period?
To avoid feeling dizzy and shaky during your period, it’s important to focus on hydration and nutrition. Drink plenty of water and include iron-rich foods such as broccoli and spinach to replenish the blood loss. Avoid consuming too many sweets, as fluctuations in blood sugar levels can contribute to dizziness. Regular meals, light exercises, and breathing techniques can also help reduce dizziness and shakiness.
10. How does dehydration contribute to dizziness during periods?
Dehydration lowers blood pressure, which can increase the risk of dizziness during periods. When the body lacks sufficient fluids, blood volume decreases, making it harder for the heart to pump enough blood to the brain, causing lightheadedness. Drinking adequate water and fluids, especially during menstruation, helps maintain normal blood pressure and reduces the chances of feeling dizzy.
