Many women complain of dizziness and low blood pressure during their periods. Have you ever felt like your period symptoms just wouldn’t stop? Menstruation can be difficult to deal with, ranging from cramping to overpowering weariness that makes you want to burrow back into bed. Did you know that some women experience low blood pressure during their periods? Yes, it is true! Some of the symptoms include feeling dizzy when standing up or suddenly feeling as if you are about to faint. If you are going through the same problem and are unsure how to deal with it, we are here to help! Some helpful tips include staying hydrated, controlling stress, and consuming iron-rich foods.
Signs of low blood pressure during menstruation
Low blood pressure, often known as hypotension, occurs when your blood pressure is significantly lower than normal. It might occur as a separate condition or as a sign of another condition. These are typical signs of low blood pressure during periods:
- Fast or slow heartbeats
- Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
- Fainting
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sleepiness
- Feeling weak, tired, and lethargic
What causes low blood pressure during your period?
Dizziness, fainting, and low blood pressure during periods can cause significant discomfort and weakness. Here are six possible causes for these symptoms:
- Hormonal Changes
Hormonal shifts in the body during periods have a substantial impact on your blood vessels, causing them to widen and so lower blood pressure. According to experts, changes in estrogen and progesterone levels are considered one of the potential factors contributing to lower blood pressure levels. Therefore, due to a decline in estrogen levels, you may experience dizziness, low blood pressure, and fainting.
- Heavy blood flow
Menstruation is the shedding of the uterine lining, which can lead to blood loss each month. During menstruation, some women experience minimal blood flow, while others experience significant flow. Significant blood loss, particularly in women with heavy periods, can cause low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting. This is the most prevalent reason why women experience fatigue and weakness during their periods. Women with high blood flow should absolutely see a gynaecologist.
- Anaemia
Anaemia is a disorder in which there aren’t enough red blood cells or haemoglobin in the blood to adequately transport oxygen throughout the body. According to earlier reports, anaemia can have a negative impact on cardiovascular health. During menstruation, women might lose a lot of blood, resulting in iron deficiency or anaemia. Low blood pressure during periods may result from anaemia because the body struggles to maintain adequate blood volume and circulation due to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity. Thus, period-related anaemia might lead to low blood pressure during menstruation.
- Hypoglycaemia
Hormonal imbalance during periods can lead to hypoglycaemia, or low blood sugar levels. This is because estrogen hormone levels increase your sensitivity to insulin, which decreases blood sugar levels. People with diabetes are more likely to experience hypoglycaemia than those without diabetes. Low blood sugar during menstruation can impair energy production, leading to low blood pressure and symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, and fainting.
- Dehydration
Dehydration has an important role as well. Many people become dehydrated during their periods as a result of increased fluid loss and possibly decreased fluid intake. According to reports, dehydration can drop blood pressure and cause dizziness and fainting in a lot of women during periods.
- Dysmenorrhea
Severe menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) can stimulate the release of chemicals in the body, which can reduce blood pressure and cause fainting. Pain can also cause vasovagal responses, which are abrupt dips in blood pressure in response to pain stimuli.
How do you cure low blood pressure during a period?
Here are 7 strategies to treat low blood pressure during periods.
- Stay hydrated
Dehydration can increase low blood pressure, particularly during periods, as well as other symptoms, including dizziness and nausea. To manage these symptoms, stay hydrated by drinking enough water—roughly 2 to 3 litres per day. You can also drink oral rehydration solutions (ORS), which perform wonders for restoring hydration levels. Aside from that, coconut water and lime juice can aid. Avoid high-sugar drinks, such as carbonated beverages and canned fruit juices, as well as excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption, which can contribute to dehydration.
- Stay active
Maintain a daily minimum of 30 minutes of light to moderate physical activity, such as walks, yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. During exercise, your heart rate increases, causing your heart to pump more oxygen-rich blood and boosting blood pressure levels. Always listen to your body and avoid excessive activity if you are feeling too tired during your period.
- Increase salt intake
Increased salt and sodium intake is linked to high blood pressure. Experts suggest taking modest salt intake throughout periods can aid in the management and maintenance of low blood pressure. However, it is important to remember that salty foods should be consumed in moderation to avoid further difficulties. Include homemade pickles, papad, and fritters as moderately high sodium options, and drink plenty of water.
- Compression socks
Wearing compression socks can help manage low blood pressure caused by periods. It promotes blood circulation in the legs by applying mild pressure to places such as the legs and ankles. Remember that compression stockings are indicated for patients experiencing mild symptoms.
- Manage stress
Stress is one of the known causes of hypertension (high blood pressure). However, it can exacerbate the symptoms of low blood pressure and menstrual discomfort. To help manage stress during your period, try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or moderate stretching activities.
- Eat balanced meals
Eating modest, regular meals throughout the day can help to maintain blood sugar levels and minimize decreases in blood pressure. Include complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your diet to maintain energy and avoid hypoglycaemia.
- Iron-rich meals
Heavy monthly flow can cause iron deficiency and anaemia, exacerbating symptoms of low blood pressure. Iron-rich foods such as spinach, red meat, beans, and fortified cereals can help you maintain your iron levels and promote healthy blood circulation.
Conclusion
If painful periods or low blood pressure during periods have been creating chaos in your life, then read out for more tips and information on Healing Pharma! Follow the above tips to manage low blood pressure during periods, and if the condition seems difficult to manage at home, ensure to consult the expert.
