Many women experience dizziness during ovulation, but few know why it happens or what they can do about it.
If you’re experiencing dizziness with ovulation, you’re not alone—you should always talk to your doctor first about your symptoms, but there are things you can do to lessen the symptoms. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Does It Happen?
There are a few possible explanations for why some women experience dizziness during ovulation.
Hormonal Changes
One possibility is that it’s a side effect of the hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle.
As you probably know, ovulation is when the ovary releases an egg. This happens about midway through the cycle—usually around day 14—and is triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH).
This increase in LH causes the levels of other hormones, like estrogen and progesterone, to fluctuate as well.
These changes in hormone levels can lead to symptoms like dizziness, headaches, and fatigue.
Blood Sugar Levels
Another possibility is that dizziness during ovulation is caused by low blood sugar levels or blood sugar variations.
This can happen because of the way your body uses energy during different parts of the menstrual cycle.
For example, during the follicular phase—the first part of the cycle—your body is working hard to grow an egg.
This means that you may need more energy and your blood sugar levels may be higher than usual.
When blood sugar levels drop, it can cause lightheadedness and dizziness.
Menstrual Migraines
For some women, the days leading up to their period are marked by a familiar and unwelcome symptom: dizziness.
This symptom can be accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms like fatigue, irritability, and headaches.
While the exact cause of these menstrual migraines is not known, it is thought that they may be caused by changes in hormone levels.
Estrogen levels typically rise during ovulation and then drop sharply just before menstruation begins.
This rapid change in hormone levels is thought to trigger migraines in some women.
Fortunately, there are a number of treatments that can help to ease the symptoms of menstrual migraines.
Pain relievers, relaxation techniques, and regular exercise are all helpful in managing this condition.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
PMS is a group of symptoms that many women experience during the second half of their menstrual cycle, starting around ovulation and ending with menstruation.
PMDD is similar to PMS, but it is much more severe. The symptoms of PMDD can be so severe that they interfere with work, school, and social activities.
Many women with PMDD feel like they are unable to function normally during this time.
Dizziness is one of the symptoms of PMDD. It can happen before or during your period, or in the days leading up to ovulation.
Dizziness during ovulation can be caused by a sudden drop in estrogen levels.
This drop in estrogen levels can cause blood vessels to constrict, which reduces blood flow to the brain.
This can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and even fainting. If you experience dizziness during ovulation, it is important to drink plenty of fluids and avoid standing for long periods of time.
You should also avoid strenuous activity and hot baths or showers. If you experience severe dizziness or fainting, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Another factor that can cause dizziness is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).
BPPV is caused by a change in position of the head, which causes the release of calcium crystals into the inner ear.
These crystals then interfere with the normal movement of fluid in the inner ear, resulting in a feeling of dizziness or vertigo.
Although BPPV is not harmful, it can be very uncomfortable and can cause a great deal of distress.
Fortunately, there are a number of treatment options available that can help to relieve the symptoms of BPPV and make ovulation a more comfortable experience.
Chronic Stress
Lastly, another possible cause is chronic stress.
When we are stressed, our bodies release a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol helps to regulate our blood pressure and heart rate, but it can also have some unwanted side effects.
In high enough levels, cortisol can cause dizziness and even fainting. For women who are already dealing with the hormonal fluctuations of ovulation, the added stress of cortisol can be enough to trigger these symptoms.
If you find that you are feeling dizzy during ovulation, try to take some time to relax and reduce your stress levels.
Taking regular breaks throughout the day, practicing meditation or deep breathing exercises, and spending time in nature can all help to ease stress and improve your overall health.
How can you get relief?
Make sure you’re eating enough throughout the day
Smaller, more frequent meals can help to stabilize your blood sugar levels and may help to reduce the severity of your symptoms.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
If possible, avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol, as they can dehydrate you and make your symptoms worse.
Dehydration can cause your blood pressure to drop and make you feel dizzy.
Get plenty of rest
Many women find that getting plenty of rest helps to alleviate dizziness during ovulation.
If you can, take a nap or go to bed early to make sure you’re getting enough sleep.
Try to get regular exercise
Exercising regularly is important for maintaining your overall health, and it can also help to reduce the symptoms of dizziness during ovulation.
By increasing your heart rate and improving your circulation, exercise can help to keep your blood pressure level.
In addition, exercise gives you a chance to focus on your breathing, which can help to ease any feelings of anxiety or stress that may be contributing to your dizziness.
And finally, regular exercise can help to improve your overall sense of well-being, making it easier to cope with any discomfort that you may be feeling.
So if you’re feeling dizzy during ovulation, make sure to take some time out for a healthy dose of exercise.
Remember, dizziness during ovulation is a common symptom and you are not alone!
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to ease the symptoms, including staying hydrated, getting extra rest, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol.
If you’re experiencing dizziness during ovulation, these tips should help you feel better soon and as always, talk to your doctor about your symptoms.