Many women are surprised to learn that their menstrual health and hearing may be more connected than they think. A recent study of 558 premenopausal women revealed a startling statistic: 33% experienced tinnitus — the perception of ringing or noise in the ears with no external source.
More importantly, the study highlighted strong associations between menstrual disorders such as dysmenorrhea (painful periods) and menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding) with an increased prevalence of tinnitus.
Let’s explore what this means — and how a combined approach from a Functional Medicine Health Coach and Audiologist can support women experiencing both.
Key Study Findings:
- 1 in 3 premenopausal women had tinnitus
- Secondary dysmenorrhea was linked to a significant increase in tinnitus symptoms (p < 0.001)
- Menorrhagia (heavy bleeding) also showed a strong association with tinnitus (p < 0.002)
These findings suggest that hormonal imbalances, inflammation, and systemic stress may play a role in aggravating or even triggering tinnitus symptoms.
Why Are Hormones and Hearing Connected?
Hormones — particularly estrogen and progesterone — influence inner ear fluid balance, neurotransmitter function, and blood flow to the cochlea. When estrogen drops (as it often does premenstrually or in estrogen-dominant conditions), tinnitus symptoms may worsen.
Heavy periods can also lead to iron deficiency anemia, a well-known but often overlooked cause of tinnitus. When iron levels drop, oxygen delivery to the auditory system is compromised, increasing the risk of inner ear dysfunction.
How a Functional Medicine Health Coach Can Help:
- Root Cause Evaluation:
- Investigate hormone balance (estrogen dominance, progesterone deficiency, cortisol dysregulation)
- Assess for nutrient deficiencies (iron, magnesium, B12, zinc)
- Identify lifestyle and environmental stressors contributing to inflammation
- Cycle Tracking and Symptom Mapping:
- Help women correlate tinnitus flares with specific cycle phases
- Guide bio-individual lifestyle and nutritional changes across the menstrual cycle
- Nutrition and Supplementation Guidance:
- Support iron status through food and targeted supplementation
- Recommend anti-inflammatory, hormone-balancing foods
- Incorporate adaptogens and nervine herbs for stress modulation
- Mind-Body and Nervous System Regulation:
- Teach HRV training, breathwork, mindfulness and gentle movement
- Address emotional stress and trauma stored in the body
How an Audiologist Can Help:
- Comprehensive Tinnitus Assessment:
- Rule out hearing loss or auditory damage
- Use validated tools (THI, TFI) to quantify tinnitus impact
- Evaluate sound sensitivity and auditory processing challenges
- Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT):
- Combine sound therapy with counseling
- Tailor treatment to individual auditory and emotional needs
- Collaboration with Functional Medicine Practitioners:
- Co-manage cases with hormone specialists, GPs, or gynecologists
- Monitor symptom improvement through audiometric testing
Empowered Healing Through Integration
Tinnitus doesn’t exist in a vacuum. For many women, it’s the tip of the iceberg signaling deeper hormonal and systemic imbalances. By combining audiology with functional medicine and health coaching, we can offer a compassionate, science-based, and personalized path to relief.
If you or someone you know is struggling with tinnitus that seems to worsen around their period — it’s not in your head, and it’s not just your ears.
Are you ready to uncover the root cause and reclaim balance? Book a discovery session at Equilibrium Audiology and let’s explore how to reset your hearing health from the inside out.
