Menopause Support Group

Menopause is the physiological cessation of menstrual cycles associated with advancing age. It normally occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55, when the body begins to slow and stop the production of eggs, estrogen and progesterone production decreases, and menstruation diminishes, eventually stopping altogether.

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Vertigo - Perhaps a Migraine?

megsmom8816
megsmom8816
It has been two and a half years since my last period. I am 47. The blood work shows I am in menopause. I have had some mood swings, weight gain, the typical "oops can't remember what I was talking about"....For the past couple of months I have been having severe vertigo (I have had a cat scan and anything more severe was ruled out). I had brain surgery three years ago for a Chiari Malformation, and one of the symptoms was vertigo but it improved after the surgery.

I did some research, and it sounded like Migraine Associated Vertigo. I can't work when I have the vertigo, and it leads to somewhat of a panic attack if I am at work. I teach high school, and the noise, the lights, etc really get to me. At home the vertigo is there, but not as severe. I guess I am rambling because today was one of those days that I had to leave work and drove home (slowly because of the vertigo) crying because I do not feel like me anymore. Is anyone else having this severe disequilibrium? I feel like a hypochondriac. I have seen a neurosurgeon and he says maybe migraines....but could it be menopause causing it?
fighting4change
fighting4change
I know vertigo can happen during peri or meno, I assume from the hormone fluctuations. I only know one person who had vertigo that started with menopause and she had a hyst with ovary removal. Her vertigo was so bad she had to hold onto things when she walked. She also became very disoriented to the point of not knowing where she was when she ran errands. She was beginning to think she had Alzheimer's along with the vertigo. HRT helped both issues.

Hope you find something that helps - that sounds awful!
hotmom1
hotmom1
I had some mild vertigo during perim. It would hit at random times but wasn't too bad. Just a bit irritating. I haven't had it in a few months but I had a TAH 5 months ago so am menopausal now. Hope it gets better soon.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Vertigo sometimes accompanies hot flashes, which many perimenopausal and menopausal women experience.
Vertigo can be the outcome of fluctuating hormones and changes that occur in the blood vessels that are located in the nervous system as well. Sounds like you have ruled out the possibility of anything serious. I hope it gets better for you! Judy
megsmom8816
megsmom8816
Thanks everyone. I did have brain surgery in 2008, and vertigo was a symptom then, but it is more severe now than it was even then. It is almost debilitating at times. I think it is hormonal...and today it is raining and snowing, so I wonder if the weather played a role.
deleted_user
deleted_user
When was your last MRI? Just wondering if you could be experiencing a mass effect. Any antibiotics or steroids recently? Your history and description of symptoms flags neuro not meno. You are a strong woman and reading your concern means its a big deal. Please be extra careful and consider a second NS opinion. Hope you have a good week.
megsmom8816
megsmom8816
I am getting more testing. I am going to get the balance testing done in a few weeks, and if that is okay (which I don't think it will be.....I tried it before and couldn't make it through the activities without throwing up) then I will go to another NS. I am 47....but still feel too young to live like this.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Yes you are and such spirit! I'm sending prayers for the wisdom of the medical folks and your patience and perseverance with them.
megsmom8816
megsmom8816
Thank you very much! I have 7 more years to work, a very stressful job (high school teacher) and hope to someday be able to be very active with grandchildren when I have them. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger :)