Vertigo in women can be caused by multiple factors, primarily related to inner ear problems and other conditions affecting balance and circulation.

Main Causes of Vertigo in Women

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): The most common cause of vertigo, especially in women and older adults. It happens when tiny particles in the inner ear fluids move out of place, causing dizziness during head movements. It often resolves on its own but may require treatment with head movement exercises.

• Meniere’s disease: A disorder of the inner ear where fluid buildup leads to episodes of vertigo, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, nausea, and vomiting. It affects women slightly more than men and symptoms usually come in sudden bouts lasting hours.

• Inner ear infections and inflammation: Conditions like vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis caused by viral infections can lead to intense vertigo that may be constant and severe.

• Blood pressure and circulation issues: Low blood pressure, anemia (common in women due to menstruation), and poor blood flow to the brain can cause dizziness and vertigo.

• Neurological causes: Migraines, anxiety, and other neurological conditions can induce vertigo. Migraines cause dizziness along with light sensitivity and headaches, while anxiety can worsen dizziness.

• Other causes: Head or neck injuries, certain medications (e.g., some antibiotics, cardiovascular drugs), tumors, and central nervous system issues can also cause vertigo.

Summary

In women, vertigo is most often caused by inner ear disorders like BPPV and Meniere’s disease, blood circulation problems including anemia and low blood pressure, neurological causes like migraines and anxiety, and less commonly by infections or injuries affecting the vestibular system.

If vertigo is persistent or severe, consulting a healthcare professional is important for proper diagnosis and treatment.