Dizziness in women: causes and what to do

Dizziness may describe spinning, imbalance, lightheadedness or a feeling that you might faint. Heavy menstrual bleeding can contribute to iron deficiency and tiredness; see Iron Deficiency Anaemia for more detail. Heat, vomiting, diarrhoea, missed meals and not drinking enough can also affect circulation or blood sugar. A spinning sensation triggered by turning in bed or moving the head can occur with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. Anxiety, an irregular heartbeat such as Atrial Fibrillation, and some medicines may cause a different pattern.

The timing matters. Note whether symptoms follow standing, head movement, exercise, heat, meals or your menstrual cycle, and whether hearing changes, headache, palpitations or nausea occur.

Sit or lie down as soon as dizziness starts, then rise slowly when steady. Drink fluids, avoid driving or climbing while symptoms continue, and eat a balanced snack if you have gone without food. Keep cool and rest after heat exposure; Heat Exhaustion can need prompt attention. Do not stop prescribed medicine without advice. Arrange a clinical review if episodes recur, last longer than expected, interfere with work or walking, or follow unusually heavy periods.

Seek emergency help for dizziness with fainting, chest pain, severe breathlessness, a new one-sided weakness, trouble speaking, confusion, a severe sudden headache, or a fast or irregular heartbeat. Get urgent advice if you cannot keep fluids down, are becoming very drowsy, or feel faint with heavy bleeding. A clinician can check blood pressure, pulse, ears, medicines and blood tests when appropriate.

Ask: Could my periods, pregnancy, medicines, hydration or blood sugar be contributing? What should I record about timing and triggers? Do I need checks for iron deficiency, anaemia, an inner-ear problem or an irregular rhythm?