How to Stop Dizziness During Period
When you feel unusually weak and unsteady during your period, you can say you are experiencing dizziness. In some people, dizziness is present as a spinning sensation. You may feel like you or your surroundings are moving, even in a steady position.
However, dizziness during periods is not a common symptom. It may be a coincidence or a sign of an underlying issue. If you experience prolonged dizziness during your period, it is best to see your doctor.
If you experience dizziness during your periods, this article is here to help. We will discuss the common causes of dizziness during periods when you should see a doctor, and how physical therapy in Garland, TX, can help stop this symptom.
Is Dizziness During Periods Normal?
Dizziness during your period is not a typical symptom, but some people might experience it. Sometimes, this symptom is unrelated to your menstrual cycle, and at other times, it may indicate an underlying issue. For instance, if you experience heavy bleeding or have anemia, you are likely to feel dizzy and lightheaded during your period.
Common Causes of Dizziness During Menstruation
If you experience dizziness and lightheadedness during your period, it may be due to one of these reasons;
Dehydration and Hunger
Menstrual cramps can cause you so much pain that you avoid or even forget eating or drinking. Although you may avoid food to avoid worsening your stomach pain, doing so may cause dizziness. In addition, your hormones can affect your hydration levels, making you feel dehydrated and lightheaded.
Blood Loss and Anemia
When you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells carrying oxygen throughout your body, you have anemia, resulting in lightheadedness and dizziness. Heavy bleeding can cause iron-deficiency anemia, leading to dizziness. Also, if you are already anemic, your condition may worsen during your period without proper treatment.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
PMDD is a severe type of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). This condition comes with severe menstrual symptoms before and during your period. If you have PMDD, you are likely to feel dizzy during your period.
Prostaglandins
Prostaglandins are responsible for cramps during periods. These substances can cause contractions in the uterus wall to regulate the menstrual cycle. However, if your body produces excess prostaglandins, they can travel through the bloodstream, constricting vessels and leading to dizziness.
Vestibular Disorders
The vestibular system consists of sensory organs in your inner ears and position sensors in your neck. This system helps with maintaining balance and the body’s position in space.
If you experience flu symptoms, you may catch a virus that affects your inner ear, causing a disorder. This disorder may make it difficult for your brain to keep your body upright while maintaining other functions, resulting in dizziness, fatigue, and memory problems.
Home Remedies for Dizziness During Periods
Home remedies may help reduce dizziness during your periods. You can practice the following to help reduce your symptoms;
- Drink enough water to stay hydrated. You can keep a water bottle near you as a reminder.
- Include enough iron in your diet. Leafy greens, beans, meat, and fish are excellent iron sources.
- Practice deep breathing
- Eat three substantial meals per day to stabilize your blood sugar. Avoid sugar to avoid spikes in your blood sugar levels. You can set a timer to remind you to eat regularly.
When Should You See a Doctor for Dizziness During Your Period?
Typically, dizziness during periods is temporary. However, if it is prolonged, you should see a doctor. It may be a sign of a more serious condition. You should also see your doctor if you experience any of the following accompanying symptoms;
- Confusion
- Intense headache
- Loss of consciousness
- Periods lasting more than seven days
- Severe cramps
- Unexplained changes in your menstrual cycle
- Very heavy periods that require changing your pad or tampon every hour
How Can Physical Therapy Help With Dizziness During Periods?
Physical therapy can help with dizziness caused by problems in the vestibular system. When you visit your physical therapist for treatment, they will diagnose your condition and create a suitable treatment plan.
Your physical therapist will monitor your progress through treatment and make appropriate changes when necessary.
Physical Therapy Treatments For Dizziness During Periods
After your physical therapist has assessed you, they will recommend appropriate treatment to treat your dizziness. Some physical therapy techniques used to treat dizziness during periods include;
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Vestibular rehabilitation in Garland, TX, aims to improve your vestibular system. The treatment consists of exercises that repeatedly expose you to actions that make you dizzy. This way, your brain can adapt and reinterpret faulty signals to reduce symptoms.
Gaze Stabilization
Gaze stabilization is another physical therapy technique for improving focus on objects without feeling dizzy. The exercises used in this treatment can help recalibrate the eye, inner ear, and brain.
Your physical therapist may ask you to focus on a stationary object while you move your head slowly. As you progress through the treatment, your exercises may involve focusing on moving objects further away.
Balance Training
Dizziness makes you prone to falls. Fortunately, balance training involves exercises that strengthen your leg and core muscles. These muscles keep you upright, improve stability, and prevent falls.
Balance physical therapy treatment in Garland, TX, may include exercises that improve your balance. These exercises may include standing and sitting down from a chair without using your hands, putting your heel in front of your toe, and walking while alternating knee lifts. Your physical therapist will recommend the best exercises for you to help improve your condition.
Conclusion
Dizziness is not ordinarily associated with menstrual periods. However, if you experience this symptom, it may be due to underlying conditions like anemia and dehydration. Pay attention to your body, stay hydrated, eat regular meals, and relax to reduce your risk of dizziness.
However, if you are still dizzy despite these, you should see your physical therapist at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers—Garland Campbell. They can assess you and develop a tailored treatment plan that addresses the underlying cause of your dizziness.