PMS-Related Dizziness

PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is a notoriously common problem. The condition occurs due to (drastic) hormonal changes during menstrual periods, which cause the majority of symptoms, including dizziness. It is important to distinguish between normal and abnormal menstruation. In the former case, everything goes in a natural way. In the latter case, this is not natural or seasonal: it is a manifestation of systemic diseases and disorders. It is imperative that you treat these conditions instead of expecting them to end by themselves.

What is PMS?

Premenstrual syndrome causes a whole bunch of hormonal, cardiovascular and other types of symptoms, which signal a general hormonal shift. The second phase of the cycle is characterized by increased progesterone. Actually, this is the body’s reaction to ovulation and, consequently, a possible conception, as it prepares itself for pregnancy. If there is no conception, hormone levels drop. It is the drop and physiological changes caused by it that trigger what we know as premenstrual syndrome.

Low progesterone results in low vascular elasticity and slows down their response to changes in air pressure. This causes hypertension in women. In turn, hypertension causes dizziness and headache.

Normal PMS

• Drowsiness;
• Thirst;
• Lack of concentration and memory (not severe);
• Sudden (but not dramatic) changes in feeding habits (like, for example, suddenly wanting a food that is untypical of your daily menu);
• Mild dizziness.

Abnormal PMS

• Severe dizziness bordering on fainting;
• Fainting;
• Continuous fatigue and drowsiness;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Indigestion (constipation, diarrhea, bloating);
• Severe headache, head feeling heavy;
• Fatigue, irritability, sharp and uncontrolled mood swings, nervous breakdowns;
• Melancholy, crying, depression;
• Uncontrolled urges to take alcohol;
• Insomnia;
• Increased agitation;
• Pain localizing in different areas (lower abdomen, side, behind the breastbone, etc.)

What causes abnormal PMS

In most cases, abnormal PMS occurs due to systemic diseases, which can be diagnosed through a thorough examination. Here are the most common causes of abnormal PMS:

• Endocrine abnormalities (firstly, dysfunction of organs that produce hormones);
• Cardiovascular diseases (including arterial hypertension);
• Tumors (particularly, hormone-dependent ones);
• Kidney issues;
• Injuries (cranial) and other factors.

Prevention of abnormal PMS

These prevention steps will do if dizziness and other symptoms do not go beyond moderate. If you have a history of abnormal menstruation, they can reduce the symptoms. However, you do need to trace the cause. Here are the steps:

• Cut down on alcohol about a week or two before the cycle is over;
• Reduce physical, emotional and other load (they stimulate adrenaline production and increase blood pressure);
• Enjoy life (read a book, watch a movie, go for your hobby, take a walk);
• Reduce the intake of salt;
• Enjoy massage, regular (but not too rigorous) physical exercise, contrast shower;
• Do not lift weight that is heavier than 5 kg.

Doing these simple steps will help you at least significantly reduce the symptoms, even if you have abnormal PMS. If these steps do not work, you may be dealing with a kind of problem, which requires a trained endocrinologist’s advice.