Vestibular Health and Hormonal Changes in Women
Understanding the impact of hormones on balance, dizziness and well-being

Women experience a range of hormonal fluctuations throughout life—including menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause—that can influence various body systems, including the vestibular system, which controls balance and spatial orientation.

At Advanced Vestibular Clinics, we regularly see female patients who report increased dizziness, vertigo, and motion sensitivity around times of hormonal change. These symptoms are real, and there is help available.

🔄 Hormones and the Vestibular System

Oestrogen and progesterone play a role in regulating fluid balance, neurotransmission, and vascular function in the inner ear (Wang & Puel, 2020). When hormone levels shift, this can impact:

• Inner ear fluid pressure
• Vestibular nerve sensitivity
• Blood flow to balance centres in the brain
• Sensory integration from the eyes, ears and muscles

Some women may notice:

• Dizziness before or during their period
• Worsening symptoms during perimenopause or menopause
• Motion sensitivity during pregnancy

In some cases, these symptoms mimic or overlap with vestibular conditions such as vestibular migraine, Meniere’s disease, or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

🩺 How Vestibular Physiotherapy Can Help

While hormonal changes are not something we can eliminate, vestibular physiotherapy helps reduce their impact on daily life.

Our approach at Advanced Vestibular Clinics includes:

• Comprehensive vestibular assessment
• Education on symptom patterns related to hormonal changes
• Gaze stabilisation and balance training
• Graded exposure to motion or visual stimuli
• Relaxation and breathing techniques to calm the nervous system

We also work closely with your GP or specialists if symptoms suggest a hormonal or metabolic imbalance requiring medical input.

💡 Empowering Women Through Understanding

Understanding the link between hormones and vestibular function can help you:

• Track symptom triggers
• Build confidence in managing flare-ups
• Stay active and connected during hormonal transitions

If you’re a woman navigating hormonal changes alongside balance or dizziness symptoms, Advanced Vestibular Clinics is here to help.

👉 Learn more or book a consultation at www.avcphysio.com.au

📚 References

• Wang, J., & Puel, J. L. (2020). Hormones and inner ear function: Review and implications for therapy. Hormones and Behaviour, 121, 104700.
• Migeon, C. J., & Rose, J. A. (2005). Oestrogen and progesterone modulation of vestibular symptoms. Journal of Women’s Health, 14(7), 579–586.
• Waterston, J. A. (2004). Hormonal influence on vestibular disorders. Current Opinion in Neurology, 17(1), 51–55.