Any Female Who Has Tinnitus — Is It Worse Before or During Menstruation?

[nicole m]

Hello all, I hope I can find someone that can relate.

I seem to notice my tinnitus symptoms are way worse the week before and sometimes during my period.

When this happens I get a louder static ring that accompanies the tinnitus, the feeling of ear fullness, and lightheadedness.

Is this a common occurrence for female sufferers out there?

I researched that tinnitus could also be impacted hormonally, thus the spikes during PMS.

I am also on the birth control Alesse, and perhaps that is a contributor to this. As my research resulted in a possibility that birth control brands may cause tinnitus.

 

[Ilias T]

Hi,

I don't know much about menstruation. The problem with spikes is this:

The triggers might not be the ones you assume. When I had my first spike I thought it was the shower. Turned out it wasn't. My spike triggers are these:

• If I am in a loud city for more than 3 hours.
• If I am in my home with sound that keeps going for too long, more than 12 hours. I'm talking about the machine that controls the heating, and all the pipes make noise too.
• Sleep position. Sleeping with my neck bent has caused spikes during my sleep. Now I sleep on my back and haven't had a spike like this since last year.
• Bad quality speakers. Since I switched phones, my spikes also changed somewhat and got better.
• Sleep deprivation itself did not cause a spike but it is like putting oil in fire that can make my spikes last for much longer.

Now some things I have read about spikes from others:

• Alcohol might be a trigger.
• Too much sugar? I doubt that's a trigger but who knows.
• Certain medications, and I saw someone telling that they smoked weed and got a major spike. So avoid drugs and smoking.
• Hormonal imbalance which is what you are asking. It could be a trigger.

That's all I had in my pocket. Good luck

 

[nicole m]

@Ilias T, sleep position also affects my tinnitus spikes during sleep! I'm a side sleeper and on the hunt right now to find the perfect side sleeper pillow. Perhaps I'll start sleeping on my back as well.

 

[Drachen]

Hi there, Nicole!

During PMS, it is possible that you could be experiencing higher blood pressure than normal. Have you been able to connect any other instances where your blood pressure is high and when you experience spikes, such as during exercise or other rigorous activity? If so, this may be the reason why. This could also explain the lightheadedness.

As both you and Ilias above have mentioned, hormonal imbalances can be a factor as well.

I looked up the birth control you are using, Alesse, and have indeed found it to be listed among the potentially ototoxic medications as reviewed by the ATA. Please keep in mind that, though a substance may be on this list, it is not guaranteed to worsen your symptoms or cause hearing damage. It is something you should keep in mind all the same.

I'm not sure if you are able to do this given your sexual activity, but you may want to consider not using the birth control for an extended period of time and see if it makes any difference on your spikes.

As I was posting this, I noticed a "similar thread" at the bottom of the thread, which has posts from other females who have also stated they do receive spikes during the cycle. You may view that thread here.

I do certainly wish you the best going forward and that your symptom ceases to be a nuisance in your life.

 

[Steph1710]

My tinnitus is SO loud just before and during my period.

In fact, I know a period is due because my tinnitus is louder.

Oh the joys of womanhood. I might grow a penis and be done with it.

 

[Gstar2020]

Hi,

Thanks for your post.

I was wondering the exact same thing because I've noticed that my tinnitus is bad during my period too. Very loud.

I was wondering if my pill (Norgeston) was the cause to my issues but my GP doesn't think so.

I wish I knew the reason behind my onset.

Steph, your post made me laugh!

 

[Steph1710]

Steph, your post made me laugh!

Hehe.

 

[arcanesystem]

Sometimes my tinnitus spikes during my period, sometimes it acts up after my cycle finishes, and sometimes it doesn't spike at all! I too have noticed my tinnitus sometimes gets aggravated during my period, but because it's so spontaneous, I wonder if it's really the stress and pain I'm going through rather than anything hormonal. With myself, I would likely attribute it to temporary BP changes.

 

[Shizune]

I have a Kyleena IUD and don't have a regular cycle because of it. I would say I get my period every few months. I've only had tinnitus since July. I recently had my "period" and my tinnitus was definitely louder than usual. Right before, not so much during.

 

[glynis]

@nicole m,
It could be due to water retention before your period.
Try over the counter medications.

Love,
Glynis

 

[sounsensitive202]

I also have poor hearing, loud tinnitus and light-headedness during menstruation. The hyperacusis seems low.

 

[Dann_sheep]

I can say mensturation does not affect at all the tinnitus.