Feeling dizzy, headaches and low blood sugar on period

[Pear21]

I’ve been getting some weird symptoms which have got increasingly worse over the past 2 or 3 years.

Every month before my period I start to feel light headed and dizzy, it’s a really horrible feeling but not sure how else I can describe it. Usually if I eat something sugary say a yoghurt I feel a bit better for a short time and then feel worse again.

I also get headaches usually behind one eye and down into the side of my neck. I’ve tried various store bought painkillers but usually don’t have much of an impact, if the headache has eased off at all during the day it is always there again the morning. This usually lasts about 5ish days.

I also get the dizzy feeling at other times through the month, so I’ve only recently linked it closely with my period. I’ve been investigated in the past for high blood pressure and also anxiety but nothing came of it (pre covid).

When I feel like this it makes it hard to look after the children. I’m also conscious that I’m probably gaining weight (or certainly not losing the lockdown weight gain) because when I feel like this I’m trying to resolve it by a big drink (often water/sometimes coffee in case caffeine would help?), painkillers if needed and a snack. The most recent time this happened I had 3 main fairly healthy meals but also had snacks of yoghurt, banana, biscuits, nuts, cake…. basically every time I felt dizzy and that my blood sugar might be low I ate something in case it would help.

I’m not sure I can go to my doctor with something ‘vague’ like this. The last time I tried to discuss with them they said it was probably anxiety.

Any tips or suggestions on how to deal with this please?

I am wondering if menstrual migraines are causing your symptoms. If your GP was unhelpful before I would see another doctor within it or even register with another practice. I would certainly go to the doctor with symptoms like described.

Have you had your eyesight recently tested by an optician? It would be worth mentioning this to them as well.

It may be an idea to keep a daily pain and symptom diary if you do not already do this as it would show patterns and give them clues.

Thanks for the advice. No I haven’t had my eyes tested recently (combination of lockdown/lack of childcare and generally neglecting myself) but you’ve prompted me to get that done.

Also, I think it’s a good idea to keep a diary. What should I include? Just dates of headaches and symptoms? Do I need to include anything else?

It’s been difficult to see a doctor (I’ve been putting that off as well!) or GP has a policy of only booking on the day appointments so you need to call up (at the same time as trying to get the kids ready for school etc and compete with people who are seriously Poorly who rightly take priority). Definitely need to start focusing on getting this sorted though!

Have you ever had your iron levels checked? I know mine are a bit low and my GP has advised me to take iron tablets each month during my period to boost them up a bit (I take a gentler form of iron for the rest of the month).

I had exactly these symptoms (mostly around my period but other times too). Low oestrogen can cause these symptoms - and women have low oestrogen before/during their periods. I was also diagnosed with vestibular migraines. Google them - it's a type of migraine where you feel dizzy and lightheaded but usually don't have a headache. These can be hormonal too and often occur near menstruation. I also have normal migraines like you, beind the eye and on one side of the head. They can last days. How old are you OP? Could you be perimenopausal? My symptoms all started in my early to mid-40s. My GP explained that at this age your hormonal fluctuations are quite dramatic and your oestrogen levels are naturally plummeting - this explains the normal migraines, vestibular migraines and dizziness. Even if you're not perimenopausal there could still be a hormonal reason as you notice symptoms around your period.

Thanks I’ll have a look I never thought you could have migraines without a headache how strange!

I’m 35

Wow just had a quick look at vestibular migraines. I’d never heard of this before. Definitely some similarities for example I often get headaches on long car journeys - I’d just put it down to stressful journey with kids etc. and I also feel funny in busy shopping malls eg department stores when it’s busy - I just put this down to anxiety but perhaps it’s vestibular migraine. Will do some more research very interesting thanks.

Should I tell gp I suspect I have this? I’m sure they hate people who refer to doctor google?? Or do I just give a list of symptoms?

Also if you had either menstrual or vestibular migraines what was the prevention/treatment if any?

Thank you

I had similar to this ever since having kids over a decade ago. Some times worse than others and every 3 months or so I also got a migraine just before my period. For years I thought it was stress then last year had bloods for another reason and discovered was anaemic. Iron supplements have sorted me out. Ask GP for blood test. Good luck!

@Pear21

Wow just had a quick look at vestibular migraines. I’d never heard of this before. Definitely some similarities for example I often get headaches on long car journeys - I’d just put it down to stressful journey with kids etc. and I also feel funny in busy shopping malls eg department stores when it’s busy - I just put this down to anxiety but perhaps it’s vestibular migraine. Will do some more research very interesting thanks.

Should I tell gp I suspect I have this? I’m sure they hate people who refer to doctor google?? Or do I just give a list of symptoms?

Also if you had either menstrual or vestibular migraines what was the prevention/treatment if any?

Thank you

I'd definitely see your doctor anyway. When I had your (exact same) symptoms she did loads of blood tests to rule things out - like vitamin D or B deficiency, anaemia, thyroid problems, low blood pressure, blood sugar problems etc. I also had a neurological exam. It's good to get these checked. Mine were all fine apart from Vitamin D but apparently nearly everyone's deficient in that!

It was when I mentioned how I feel weird/dizzy in busy places or when the kids are running riot that she suggested vestibular migraines. The more I learnt about them it was like a light bulb moment! It all just seemed to fit perfectly - especially the hormonal element and link to periods and perimenopause.

I think it's fine to mention your suspicions. My doctor actually thinks I have medical training now and often asks MY opinion! Haha!

As for treatment she mentioned (but didn't want to offer) HRT for me if things got worse. You might be too young for that. We found a real link to stress with me. I often get dizzy/migraines if I'm stressed or even just having a busy day. She told me to spend time alone each day, relaxing. Go for walks, long bath etc. It was all about slowing down.

That’s great your doctor investigated but not great you didn’t get any treatment.

I'm managing it now with relaxation techniques and it does seem to work. I wonder if there are any pills for these migraines...

Do you do the relaxation techniques when you start feeling dizzy or is it more preventative? Do you just rest and read a book on an evening for example? Or is it a specific technique you use? I have 3 young children so being quiet, sleep, and relaxation are not really a thing in our house haha

If I'm at home and I start getting dizzy I immediately go to my room to lie down and do some deep breathing. It works really well. But also I generally try to focus on reducing stress in my life. I try to have quiet time to relax each day (I know it's not easy with children, work etc). I noticed my symptoms almost disappeared during the first lockdown and it was because I stopped rushing around all the time. Life became quiet. Now life's hectic again so I have to work hard to manage it. I will ask the doctor about medication though. I read yesterday there are tablets for vestibular migraines.

Thanks that’s helpful.