One of them is a feeling of dizziness, lightheadedness, or unsteadiness from time to time.

While its frustrating and sometimes a little scary, its thankfully far from abnormal.

Research estimates that1 in 4 people experience dizzinessat some point during menopause.

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Want to know exactly why menopause can cause dizziness?

During menopause, reproductive hormones likeestrogen,testosterone, andprogesteronewill fluctuate wildly with dips and spikes.

This hormonal imbalance can throw a whole host of body systems out of whackwhich can lead to dizziness.

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board-certified OB/GYN and chief medical director atBonafide Health

Here is a breakdown of some of the reasons why:

1.

Blood vessel changes

Your hormones help control the way that yourblood vessels narrow and widen.

This same system is also partlyresponsible for hot flashes, which can occur as blood rushes through dilated vessels.

close up of person drinking a green smoothie that may cause their poop to be green

Both are potentially a sign of vascular orblood vessel dysfunctionwhich can lead to unsteady feelings.

Poor sleep

There are a few different reasons why you tend to havepoorer sleep qualitythroughout menopause.

No matter the cause, this lack of shut-eye can lead to afeeling of imbalanceor unsteadiness the next day.

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Fluctuating glucose levels

Hormones can also helpregulate your bodys insulin response, i.e., how it processes sugar.

And some of the main side effects of hypoglycemia?

Shakiness, weakness, and feeling lightheaded.

cup of matcha green tea sitting on a wooden ledge

board-certified OB/GYN and chief medical director atBonafide Health

That, coupled withjoint pain, can bring on a lack of coordination and make you feel off-balance.

Water retentionis a common complaint during perimenopause, says Dr. Dweck.

Heres Exactly How It Can Affect Your Poop

Are there any long-term complications of dizziness during menopause?

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Eventually, things will start to level out.

And because declining estrogen causesthinner skin during menopause, you might end up bruising more easily.

Turns out, some simple steps can go a long way toward keeping menopause-related dizzy spells to a minimum.

Woman drinking a protein meal replacement shake in the kitchen

What you put into your tank will ensure youre not running on fumes or feeling weak.

Aim to incorporate more whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats, and produce into your daily meals.

This loss of fluid can wreak havoc on your steadiness.

Dehydration results inlower blood pressurewhich can cause dizziness, especially upon standing, says Dr. Dweck.

ensure youre replenishing by getting11.5 to 15.5 cups per day, through drinking and eating water-rich foods.

All this can lead to feeling less lopsided the next morning.

it’s possible for you to do this with mindfulness activities likeguided meditations,gentle yoga, orbreathwork.

Of course, always talk to your healthcare provider before trying out any new supplements.

If its starting to hit you on a daily, youll want to consult with your care team.

From there, your provider can determine which treatments would be right for you.

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