Can menopause cause dizziness?

Written by Abbi Connor

Women's Health Copywriter

Man smiling in blue t-shirt against yellow background

Medical review by Hassan Thwaini

Clinical Pharmacist and Copywriter | MPharm

Is unexplained dizziness causing your head to spin? You’re not the only one. Many women describe sudden bouts of light-headedness during midlife, but getting to the bottom of it can be confusing. We’re here to help you understand why it’s happening and guide you back to balance.

Does menopause cause dizziness and light-headedness?

Yes, menopause can cause dizziness. It’s a lesser-known but surprisingly common symptom that many women experience as hormone levels begin to fluctuate. You might feel a sudden sense of the room spinning, a floating sensation, or unsteadiness when standing up too quickly.¹

The duration of these episodes can differ for everyone. Some women experience them occasionally during perimenopause, while others may notice them for longer periods if the underlying hormonal changes aren’t managed.

Dizziness is one of several common menopause symptoms that can impact daily life alongside things like hot flushes, fatigue, mood swings, and irregular periods. If you’re noticing these changes, it’s worth discussing them with a menopause specialist who can help you understand what’s happening and guide you towards effective treatment.

Why does menopause cause dizziness?

The hormonal shifts of menopause affect more than just your mood and menstrual cycle, interacting with multiple systems in the body. These interactions can lead to dizziness in several different ways:

Vestibular changes: Drops in oestrogen can affect the inner ear’s vestibular system, which can lead to dizzy spells.¹

Fluctuating blood pressure: Sudden changes can cause light-headedness, especially when standing up quickly.²
Blood sugar changes: Hormonal shifts can cause glucose levels to fluctuate, leading to dizziness when levels dip.³
Sleep disruption and anxiety: Both can impact your equilibrium and increase the sensation of dizziness.⁴

Dizziness isn’t just in your head. It’s your body’s way of signalling that it’s adapting to hormonal change. Understanding these connections can help you regain your balance and feel in control again.

How to handle dizziness from menopause

While dizziness can be unsettling, there are ways to ease it:

Stay hydrated: Dehydration can worsen dizziness. Aim for regular water intake throughout the day.
Eat balanced meals: Regular meals with protein and complex carbs can help to steady blood sugar.
Move slowly: When getting up from sitting or lying down, take your time to prevent sudden drops in blood pressure.
Check your vitamin D levels: Vitamin D deficiency can worsen bouts of vertigo.⁵ If you want to consider supporting your Vitamin D levels, you may want to consider a vitamin D supplement.
Speak to a professional: If your dizziness is persistent, or happening alongside other symptoms, it might be time to book a consultation with a clinician.

The numan take

Perimenopause and menopause affect every woman differently, and dizziness is just one of many ways hormonal changes can show up in the body. What’s important is recognising that these symptoms are valid and often interconnected, not random or imaginary. By understanding how fluctuations in oestrogen influence balance, blood pressure, and energy levels, you can start to make sense of what your body’s telling you and access the support you need.

References

Castillo-Bustamante M, Neşe Çelebisoy, Echavarria LG, Franco I, Valencia S, Gonzalez S, et al. Balance in Transition: Unraveling the Link Between Menopause and Vertigo. Cureus [Internet]. 2024 Apr 29 [cited 2024 Nov 19]; Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11135238/
Lee EJ, Keller-Ross ML. Menopause and its effects on autonomic regulation of blood pressure: Insights and perspectives. Autonomic Neuroscience [Internet]. 2025 May 29;260:103295. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1566070225000578
Bermingham KM, Linenberg I, Hall WL, Kadé K, Franks PW, Davies R, et al. Menopause is associated with postprandial metabolism, metabolic health and lifestyle: The ZOE PREDICT study. eBioMedicine [Internet]. 2022 Oct 18;0(0). Available from: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/ebiom/article/PIIS2352-3964(22)00485-6/fulltext
Terauchi M, Odai T, Hirose A, Kato K, Akiyoshi M, Masuda M, et al. Dizziness in peri- and postmenopausal women is associated with anxiety: a cross-sectional study. BioPsychoSocial Medicine [Internet]. 2018 Dec;12(1). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6291970/
Pecci R, Mandalà M, Antonella Marcari, Bertolai R, Paolo Vannucchi, Santimone R, et al. Vitamin D Insufficiency/Deficiency in Patients with Recurrent Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. The Journal of International Advanced Otology [Internet]. 2022 Apr 7 [cited 2025 Oct 21];18(2):158–66. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9624169/

Written by Abbi Connor

Women's Health Copywriter,

Abbi is a women’s health copywriter with a background in digital marketing and a passion for empowering women through clear, compassionate, and evidence-based content. At Numan, she crafts clear, engaging copy that helps women understand their bodies, navigate hormone testing, and take charge of their health with confidence. When she’s not writing, you can find her studying for her Gender Studies master's degree, planning her next trip to the sun, or stomping around the woods with her Golden Retriever, Moose.

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Medically reviewed by Hassan Thwaini

Clinical Pharmacist and Copywriter, Master of Pharmacy (MPharm)

Hassan is a specialist clinical pharmacist with a background in digital marketing and business development. He works as a Clinical Copywriter at Numan, leveraging his research and writing abilities to shine a light on the health complications affecting men and women.

See full profile

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