With hormone levels fluctuating during the menstrual cycle, it is natural for women to experience a number of physical and emotional changes. These hormonal changes can exacerbate any existing conditions and cause new issues as well. Some women develop migraines during period, while others become tired and experience heavy bleeding. Some women also experience dizziness. 

Why Do You Get Dizziness During Period?

So many underlying factors can make you feel dizzy during period.

1. Variation in Hormones

Hormonal changes that take place during period can cause all sorts of changes in your body. You may have no appetite and feel weak, which can affect your head and brain, causing a feeling of dizziness. You may also experience vomiting along with dizziness. Be sure to talk to your doctor if your dizziness or other symptoms become worse.

2. Low Blood Pressure

You are likely to feel dizzy during your periods if you have a very low blood pressure or low pulse rate. The blood supply to the brain becomes restricted when your blood pressure falls below a certain level. This shortage of supply can cause dizziness.

3. Side Effects of Contraceptive Pills

You may experience some side effects of taking contraceptive pills regularly. Dizziness during period is a typical one. Some women may also experience symptoms such as vomiting and nausea. Talk to your doctor if you think your contraceptive pills are the reasons behind your dizziness and nausea.

4. Anemia

You may suffer from dizziness during your periods if you already have anemia. It means you already have a low hemoglobin count that may get lower during periods. This often results in vertigo, blurred vision, and blackouts. Have your hemoglobin levels checked to confirm if that is the reason why you are experiencing specific symptoms.

5. Vertigo

You are likely to feel dizzy and lightheaded during periods if you have a history of a condition called vertigo. When you have this condition, it feels as if your head and body are in constant motion. You develop this condition when the vestibular system of the inner ear does not function properly.

6. Migraine

It is quite common for women to have migraine attacks during periods. This episodic neurological disorder can cause dizziness, difficulty thinking, an intense headache, sensitivity to light, nausea and sound, and a tingling sensation. Experts are of the view that the hormone estrogen has a connection with migraine activity.

7. Hypoglycemia

You can feel dizzy during your menstrual cycle because of hypoglycemia, a condition you develop when you have low blood sugar levels. You can also feel tired and experience other problems, such as intense sugar cravings, shaking, and perspiration. While hormonal changes may be responsible for a change in blood sugar levels, experts are still looking for a better explanation to establish a direct connection between hypoglycemia and a woman's menstrual cycle.

8. Fibroids

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths you develop in your uterus. Fibroids can result in excessive menstrual bleeding that can lead to anemia. That excessive bleeding can result in dizziness. Statistics show that 80% of women develop fibroids by the time they reach their 50s.

Note: Be sure to see your doctor when you experience dizziness during your period, especially if you experience the same symptoms during every period. Seek immediate medical attention if you also have other symptoms along with dizziness, such as muscle aches, sudden fever, and heavy bleeding.

Home Remedies for Dizziness During Period

It is important to identify the underlying cause of dizziness during your menstrual cycle, but you can also make things better by trying some simple home remedies.

1. Breathe Deeply

Deep breathing helps prevent dizziness by sending more oxygen to your brain. It also helps relax your nervous system to reduce dizziness.

• Sit in a comfortable position with your one hand on your abdomen.
• Use the thumb of the other hand to hold your nose.
• With your mouth closed and your thumb on one of your nostrils, inhale through your open nostril.
• Take a deep breath and hold it for a couple of seconds, and then exhale slowly.
• Repeat 10 times to feel better.

2. Increase Your Water Intake

You may be feeling dizzy because your body is dehydrated. You can resolve the issue by increasing your intake of fluids. 

• Drink a glass of water when you feel dizzy. Be sure to drink several glasses of water through the day.
• Include other fluids in your diet – you can have a cup of herbal tea made with a little honey. Broths, soups, and fruit juices also help.

3. Get Something to Eat

You may feel dizzy when your blood sugar levels go down. This is especially the case when you have diabetes. The next time you feel dizzy, you should go eat something. Do not stay hungry for long time when you are having your periods.

• A snack rich in carbs usually helps reduce dizziness.
• Eat a fruit with high water content to prevent dizziness.
• Consume a small bowl of yogurt with fruit to feel better.
• Enjoy roasted nuts like walnuts, cashews, etc., to improve blood sugar levels.

4. More Tips

Here are some more tips to help you deal with dizziness during period.

• Do not go for sugar drinks during your period because it can lead to a quick spike in blood sugar levels. You feel dizzy when these levels drop sharply.
• Try ginger tea to calm your stomach and prevent nausea. Drinking ginger tea during periods also helps relieve cramping.
• Lying down for a few minutes when you feel dizzy improves your condition. Be sure to drink a glass of water as well and take some deep breaths.