How changing estrogen levels may contribute to menopausal tinnitus, the different symptoms you could experience, and treatments that can help.
Tinnitus, also known as ringing in the ears, is a condition characterized by hearing a sound that only the affected person can perceive. Many women experience tinnitus during perimenopause or post-menopause. Studies indicate that decreased estrogen levels may contribute to tinnitus during menopause, but the precise relationship is not fully understood. While there is no known cure for tinnitus, treatments such as sound therapies, counseling, using a hearing aid, or removing excess ear wax may provide relief.
Does low estrogen cause tinnitus?
During perimenopause, hormonal fluctuations can lead to various symptoms, including tinnitus in some women. Low estrogen levels may play a crucial role in this. Estrogen affects the functioning of the auditory system and helps protect against a decrease in sensitivity to sound. Damage to “hair cells” in the auditory pathways is a leading cause of tinnitus. Studies suggest that women with irregular menstrual cycles and lower estrogen levels are more likely to experience tinnitus. Additionally, menopausal symptoms like stress, anxiety, and poor sleep can contribute to tinnitus.
Hormone replacement therapy and tinnitus
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a prescription treatment that replaces reproductive hormones lost during menopause. It helps with symptoms such as hot flashes, anxiety, and sleep problems. There are conflicting research findings on whether HRT may help with tinnitus. One study found that menopausal women using HRT were less likely to develop tinnitus, while another suggests that long-term HRT use may increase the risk of tinnitus. If tinnitus significantly impacts a person’s life, they must consult their doctor about HRT’s potential benefits and risks.
Tinnitus and Menopause SUMMARY
- Some women may experience tinnitus, a ringing in the ears or other phantom sounds, during menopause.
- Research indicates that reduced estrogen levels may play a role in the functioning of auditory pathways and help protect against hearing loss.
Background noise can help mask tinnitus symptoms, while therapies like tinnitus retraining therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy can lead to long-term improvements. - If tinnitus and hearing loss are both present, using hearing aids can help. Also, removing excess ear wax may alleviate symptoms.