People who are struggling with these symptoms may benefit from an ear exam (Image: Getty)
Women who notice a subtle ear symptom might be going through a major change in their bodies. Whilst certain signs of this major change are obvious, an expert has claimed one body part might be quietly raising important warning signals.
Roughly 13 million people across the UK are currently experiencing or have already completed menopause. Dr Amir Khan, who frequently features on ITV daytime shows including Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, stated that there is « one menopause symptom hardly anyone mentions ».
It impacts a body part that few would imagine relates to menopause, yet it can make everyday life challenging. Tinnitus in the ears could indicate that you are entering perimenopause or progressing through menopause, reports the Mirror.
Despite receiving less attention than hot flushes or emotional changes, evidence demonstrates that approximately 30% of women develop new or intensified tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears) during this transitional period. Dr Khan said: « When estrogen drops, it affects blood flow and tiny receptor cells inside the inner ear. These cells help you pick up sound clearly.
« So, during perimenopause, many women notice sounds feel muffled. It’s harder to follow conversations, particularly in busy places. This isn’t just ageing, it often tracks with hormonal fluctuations. Tinnitus, that ringing in your ear. It can be a buzzing, whooshing or ringing sound. »
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« Hormone changes make tinnitus more noticeable, especially at night when it’s quiet or during periods of higher stress. Estrogen supports the auditory pathway and when levels fall, the nerves can become more sensitive and misfire, creating those phantom sounds. »
He continued: « Finally, your balance and dizziness. Now, your balance system lives in the same inner ear space. Estrogen helps regulate fluid levels, so during menopause, you might get brief spells of dizziness, sensitivity to motion or a floaty, off-balance feeling.
« This can be especially common if symptoms flare with your cycle during the perimenopause. Really common things, and this is why it’s important to talk about it.
« These ear symptoms can really impact confidence, especially if you’re already dealing with things like brain fog and poor sleep. The good news is these [ear issues] are treatable and, once you know what’s causing them, there are things you can do to help. »
What might help with hearing problems?
Dr Khan recommended that the initial step he would advise a patient to take is obtaining an audiological assessment, particularly if sounds appear « muffled or one-sided ». With tinnitus, he proposed solutions such as sound therapy, establishing proper sleep patterns and possibly reducing caffeine consumption, as this can exacerbate tinnitus.
For people experiencing balance problems and dizziness, Dr Khan emphasised that staying hydrated is crucial and encouraged people to make « slow position changes » when moving. For certain women, they may discover that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can assist in « stabilising symptoms ».
Those seeking further details about HRT can access information on the NHS website here. Various types, potential side effects and alternative treatments are available.
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