Dizziness after your period: what to know

A heavy or prolonged period can leave you short of iron or red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. This may cause tiredness, weakness, breathlessness or a racing heartbeat as well as dizziness. Not every episode is caused by menstruation: dehydration, low blood sugar, anxiety, an inner-ear balance problem or an irregular heart rhythm can also contribute.

Notice whether the feeling is faintness when standing or spinning with head movement, and record bleeding pattern, clots, pain, meals and medicines. That detail helps separate likely causes.

Sit or lie down when dizzy, rise slowly and drink regularly. Eat a balanced meal if you have skipped food. Do not start iron tablets solely because you feel dizzy; a clinician can decide whether blood testing and treatment are appropriate. Arrange a routine appointment if this repeats, follows heavy bleeding, or affects work, walking or daily activities.

Get urgent help for fainting, chest pain, severe breathlessness, new weakness, confusion, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, or bleeding that is difficult to control. Seek prompt advice if you feel close to fainting, cannot stand safely, or symptoms continue despite rest and fluids.

Ask whether your bleeding pattern suggests iron deficiency, whether a blood count or iron test is useful, and whether contraception or another treatment could reduce heavy bleeding. Bring a record of cycle dates, pad or tampon changes, dizziness timing and associated symptoms.