Can menopause cause dizziness and make me feel like fainting?

Dizziness and vertigo are both very common during the menopause. Taking Ginkgo biloba tincture might help, as this herb improves circulation, particularly to the head.

You may also find simple breathing exercises useful - they are easy to do during spare moments and boost the blood flow to the head.

Your body tends to become more sensitive generally at this time, so be aware of how much caffeine and sugar-containing foods you are eating, as they can trigger your nervous system to produce adrenalin, which can lead to dizziness.

Low blood sugars and dehydration can also be factors so make susre that you are eating little and often and drinking plenty of plain water throughout the day.

Check with your doctor that your blood pressure hasn't fallen too low, which is always a possibility.

If you are even mildly anaemic you are more likely to feel dizzy and light-headed, so if you have had heavy bleeds consider taking a natural iron tonic such as Floradix or Feroglobin.

Eileen Durward