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Writer's pictureDr. Salome Masghati, MD
Jul 24, 20243 min read

My Journey with BPPV: How Hormonal Changes Impacted My Health and What I Learned



Last year, I found myself grappling with an unexpected and unsettling condition: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). The sudden dizziness and spinning sensations with even slight head movements were both disorienting and frightening. Around the same time, I also began experiencing joint pain and fatigue. Initially, I didn't connect these symptoms to a common cause, but my journey led me to a deeper understanding of how hormonal changes during perimenopause can affect our health in surprising ways.

My Personal Story

As I navigated the challenges of BPPV, it became clear that my symptoms were not isolated incidents. I was entering perimenopause, a phase marked by significant hormonal fluctuations, particularly a decline in estrogen levels. It was a revelation to learn how these changes could contribute to various symptoms, including the vertigo that had disrupted my life.

Estrogen plays a crucial role in calcium metabolism and bone health. Its decline can lead to decreased calcium absorption, contributing to conditions like osteoporosis. In my case, it also caused the tiny calcium deposits in my inner ear, known as otoconia, to dislodge, leading to the vertigo episodes characteristic of BPPV.

Understanding BPPV and Hormonal Changes

For many women, the connection between hormonal changes and BPPV is not immediately apparent. However, declining estrogen levels can significantly impact the inner ear's balance mechanisms. When the otoconia move into the semicircular canals, they disrupt normal fluid movement, triggering vertigo.

Women experiencing BPPV symptoms, such as dizziness or spinning sensations with head movements, especially around the time of menopause, may benefit from having their hormone levels checked. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or other hormonal treatments prescribed by healthcare providers can help stabilize estrogen levels, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of BPPV episodes.

Other Causes of BPPV

While hormonal changes were a significant contributor in my case, several other factors can also lead to BPPV:

  • Vitamin D Deficiency: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium metabolism. Insufficient levels can lead to calcium deposits in the inner ear, contributing to BPPV.

  • Viral Infections: Certain viral infections affecting the inner ear, such as vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis, can damage the balance organs and lead to BPPV.

  • Structural Problems: Head injuries, surgeries on the ear or head, or conditions like Meniere's disease can disrupt the delicate balance mechanisms, increasing the risk of BPPV.


My Road to Recovery

After getting my hormone levels checked, I started on a treatment plan that included hormone replacement therapy. The difference was remarkable. Not only did my BPPV episodes become less frequent and severe, but my joint pain and fatigue also improved significantly.


In addition to hormonal treatment, I incorporated other strategies into my recovery:

  • Vitamin Supplements: Correcting deficiencies in vitamin D and calcium.

  • Physical Therapy: Vestibular rehabilitation exercises helped improve my balance and reduce vertigo symptoms.

  • Chiropractic Atlas adjustment: I found a local chiropracter that focuses on Atlas adjustments and it has helped my neck pain




Helping Others Understand

My experience with BPPV and perimenopause has made me determined to help other women understand the variety of symptoms that can arise during menopause. If you are experiencing symptoms like dizziness, joint pain, or fatigue, consider consulting with healthcare providers to evaluate your hormone levels. Addressing hormonal imbalances and other contributing factors not only improves symptom management but also enhances overall quality of life.

By sharing my story and the knowledge I've gained, I hope to empower other women to seek the help they need and navigate this challenging phase with greater confidence and understanding. Together, we can manage BPPV and other menopause-related symptoms, reclaiming stability and well-being in our daily lives.




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