If you’re in perimenopause, chances are you’ve started noticing peculiar changes in your body. You might feel a bit more weighed down, your skin might be drier than usual, and you might even be dealing with the occasional hot flash. But there’s one change that you may have yet to expect: perimenopause tinnitus and ringing in your ears.

So, what’s the deal with this symptom? Let’s explore why it happens and what you can do about it.

Why do women experience tinnitus during perimenopause?

The sensation of ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus, can be caused by several factors, including hormonal changes. Estrogen levels tend to decline during the menopause transition, which can lead to changes in the way sound is processed by the brain. In addition, Meniere’s disease, a disorder of the inner ear, is more common in women over 50. However, in most cases, tinnitus is not severe and can be easily treated.

How can menopause tinnitus be treated?

Unfortunately, there’s no surefire cure for menopause tinnitus. However, there are a few things that may help to ease your symptoms. One option is menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), which can help to regulate hormone levels and reduce the symptoms of menopause tinnitus. In addition, MHT can also help to improve sleep quality, which can in turn alleviate tinnitus symptoms.

Making some lifestyle changes can also be helpful. Try to avoid trigger foods, such as caffeine and alcohol, which can aggravate the condition. Furthermore, exercise and relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation may help relieve symptoms of tinnitus. Thankfully, with a little trial and error, most women are able to find a treatment that helps them manage their menopause tinnitus and go about their daily lives uninterrupted.

Are there any supplements that can help manage menopause tinnitus?

While MHT may be the most common method for managing the annoyance of ringing in the ears, supplements are also a popular solution. For example, Vitamin B-12 and ginkgo biloba are just two of the nutrients that have been found to be beneficial. Additionally, herbs such as black cohosh and dong quai can anecdotally help to reduce the severity of perimenopause symptoms.

Nevertheless, before taking supplements to help manage your tinnitus, consult your doctor or pharmacist to ensure they’re safe and won’t interact with any medications you’re currently taking. Once you’re given the green light, adding supplements to your treatment regimen may help ease your transition into this phase of your life.

Are there any dangers associated with prolonged ringing in the ears?

Although occasional tinnitus is generally not a severe condition, it can also indicate other health conditions, for example, high blood pressure, allergies, or neurological dysfunction. While ringing ears can be annoying, it is wise to consult a doctor if the symptoms are severe or persist for more than a few weeks to rule out any other potential causes.

Here’s what matters

If you’re struggling with ringing in the ears, know that treatments are available, and you don’t have to go through it alone. perry offers a thriving online community of other individuals facing the same issues. You can connect with them, share your story, and offer support to one another. Download perry in the App Store  or Google Play Store.

So, join us today, and let us help you meet & connect with others, who understand.

References

1. Yu, JN., Nam, G.E., Han, K. et al. Association between menstrual cycle irregularity and tinnitus: a nationwide population-based study. Sci Rep 9, 14038 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-50559-5

2. Koenen L, Andaloro C. Meniere Disease. [Updated 2022 Sep 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536955/

3. Harper-Harrison G, Shanahan MM. Hormone Replacement Therapy. [Updated 2022 Feb 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493191/

4. Chen, H. C., Chung, C. H., Chen, V. C. F., Wang, Y. C., & Chien, W. C. (2018). Hormone replacement therapy decreases the risk of tinnitus in menopausal women: a nationwide study. Oncotarget, 9(28), 19807–19816. https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.24452

5. Singh, C., Kawatra, R., Gupta, J., Awasthi, V., & Dungana, H. (2016). Therapeutic role of Vitamin B12 in patients of chronic tinnitus: A pilot study. Noise & health, 18(81), 93–97. https://doi.org/10.4103/1463-1741.178485

6. von Boetticher A. (2011). Ginkgo biloba extract in the treatment of tinnitus: a systematic review. Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment, 7, 441–447. https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S22793

7. Geller, S. E., & Studee, L. (2006). Contemporary alternatives to plant estrogens for menopause. Maturitas, 55 Suppl 1(Suppl 1), S3–S13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2006.06.012

8. Grossan M, Peterson DC. Tinnitus. [Updated 2022 Apr 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430809/

9. University of Auckland. (2022, August 12). Breakthrough in search for tinnitus cure: Scientists are excited by results from a trial of a new treatment for tinnitus. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 15, 2022 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/08/220812114014.htm

Disclaimer: This is not medical advice, does not take the place of medical advice from your physician, and is not intended to treat or cure any disease. Patients should see a qualified medical provider for assessment and treatment.