Sip, Scroll, and Learn (Midlife Edition)

If you’ve ever had vertigo during midlife, you know it’s not something you “just shake off.” My first episode knocked me flat, literally. One minute, I was going about my day, and the next, the entire room was spinning so violently that I had to stay in bed for almost 24 hours. Any slight turn of my head set off another wave. I felt nauseated, disoriented, helpless, and completely blindsided.

After that experience, I knew one thing for sure: I never wanted to go through that again if I could help it. And like so many women in perimenopause and menopause, I wasn’t even aware that vertigo could be connected to hormones until it happened to me.

That’s what sent me down the rabbit hole of researching what actually helps prevent these episodes, not just in the moment, but long-term. The good news? There are supplements, habits, and lifestyle approaches that can strengthen your vestibular system, steady your nervous system, and reduce the chances of another dizzy spell taking over your day.

Because during perimenopause and post-menopause, your vestibular system (aka your balance center) becomes extra sensitive to hormonal dips, stress, inflammation, and sleep changes. Supporting it proactively can make a huge difference.

Let’s talk prevention: the gentle, natural, “support your body daily” kind.

1. Magnesium (Daily Nervous System Support)

This one is a biggie. Magnesium helps keep your nervous system calm and reduces vertigo caused by:

• stress
• vestibular migraines
• sleep deprivation
• muscle tension in the neck

Best forms:

• Magnesium glycinate (calming)
• Magnesium threonate (brain-supportive)

2. Vitamin D (Especially if You Have BPPV)

Low vitamin D has been linked with recurring episodes of certain types of vertigo, particularly BPPV (“loose crystals” vertigo). If your levels are low, supplementing can significantly decrease recurrence.

3. Ginkgo Biloba (For Circulation & Inner Ear Support)

Daily ginkgo helps support inner ear blood flow and neurological signaling.
Many women notice fewer dizzy spells with consistent use.

4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3s help reduce inflammation that can irritate the vestibular system and trigger dizziness. They also support brain health; major win for midlife women.

5. B Vitamins (Especially B6 & B12)

These support nerve function and neurotransmitter balance. Low B12 can cause the following, all of which can worsen vertigo:

• dizziness
• weakness
• fatigue
• brain fog

6. Adaptogens (Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Holy Basil)

Stress is a sneaky vertigo trigger. Adaptogens help stabilize your nervous system and reduce cortisol spikes that destabilize your balance.

7. Hydration + Minerals (Daily)

Most midlife women are mildly dehydrated (hello hot flashes), and the inner ear is extremely sensitive to fluid balance. A daily electrolyte routine = fewer dizzy episodes for many women.

8. Gentle Vestibular Strengthening

Think of it like “balance training” for your brain. A few minutes a day of the following, helps your brain recalibrate and reduces sensitivity.

• head-turn exercises
• eye-tracking
• slow balance shifts
• tai chi or yoga

9. Avoiding Common Vertigo Triggers

Everyone’s different, but common triggers include:

• high salt intake
• alcohol
• poor sleep
• high stress
• dehydration
• long gaps between meals
• sugar spikes

Small shifts make a big difference.

One Last Thought

Vertigo has a way of making you lose confidence in your own body. After my first episode, I caught myself wondering if another one was waiting around the corner every time I felt the slightest bit off balance.

While there are no guarantees, supporting your body consistently with the right nutrients, good sleep, hydration, stress management, and healthy daily habits can help create a stronger foundation.

Prevention isn’t about living in fear of the next episode. Give your body the support it needs so you can spend more time living your life and less time worrying about when the room might start spinning again.

Wishing you health and happiness,

Martine