Why Won’t the Room Stop Spinning? Exploring the Connection Between Thyroid Issues and Vertigo

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The link between thyroid function and vertigo is complex and not always clear. However, it is key to understand in order to determine whether or not the dizziness is linked to abnormal levels in the thyroid gland. Often, the disturbance can be linked to endolymph fluid in the inner ear.



You can address your hypothyroidism symptoms with a holistic approach focused on thyroid health. HealthierU provides education on nutritional supplementation that may support not only your thyroid, but also your overall health.

In several studies, hormonal factors have been noted as contributors to vertigo, particularly imbalances in estrogen and progesterone levels.

As women moved through reproductive cycles, including during pregnancy and menopause, the fluctuations in hormones were linked to episodes of vertigo and dizziness.



Because thyroid issues affect your balance, they can also impact the inner ear. The precise mechanism depends on the type of thyroid issue, and it may be that many changes in the body caused by a thyroid issue are working together to contribute to vertigo symptoms.

Hypothyroidism and Vertigo

Hypothyroidism can result in thyroid hormone production. These hormones affect many body systems, but one of the major changes may be an increase in blood pressure, or hypertension. Hypertension can contribute to dizziness and balance issues.

Blood pressure is the measure of the force of the blood pushing against the walls of your arteries between heartbeats and when your heart is at rest. Increased blood pressure is a common and related condition to hypothyroidism.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism may also worsen or trigger feelings of dizziness, such as:

• Excessive fatigue
• Pain, especially in joints and muscles
• Heavy or irregular periods
• Bradycardia, or slow heart rate

Influence on Sex Hormones

Thyroid imbalances can cause many reproductive problems for both men and women. Thyroid hormones are key components for the proper functioning of the endocrine system, affecting menstrual cycles, fertility, and reproductive health.

Symptoms that may be experienced related to hormone fluctuation from thyroid dysfunction:

• Decreased libido, or sex drive
• Infertility
• Menstrual irregularities
• Erectile dysfunction

Influence on the Cardiovascular System

Hypothyroidism can affect the cardiovascular system by causing thickening of the blood vessels, which can then lead to high blood pressure, or hypertension. High blood pressure may cause dizziness or dips in blood pressure when changing position, known as orthostatic hypotension.

Hypothyroidism can adversely affect the way the heart functions, like altering how effectively the heart pumps blood through the body.

Autoimmune Changes



Autoimmune thyroid diseases, such as Graves’ disease, can cause vestibular dysfunction. When your immune system attacks the thyroid gland, harm can also be caused to the inner ear, which can result in balance disorders or vertigo.

But why does this happen, you ask?

One theory is that thyroid autoantibodies change the makeup of the endolymph fluid. Your body makes thyroid antibodies as your immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid gland. This is an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Changes in the endolymphatic fluid can alter the flow, which then causes vertigo.

Hyperthyroidism and Vertigo



Heart palpitations and arrhythmias are common in thyroid disorders, as there may be too much or too little of thyroid hormones in the body, causing fast or irregular heartbeats.

A rapid heart rate is a common symptom of hyperthyroidism, which is called tachycardia. It can cause less blood to flow to the brain, resulting in lightheadedness and vertigo.

Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism may include:

• Fatigue
• Sleep disturbances
• Muscle weakness
• Sensitivity to heat and cold
• Anxiety
• Dry skin and brittle nails
• Digestive concerns

If you are experiencing any changes in your health or the onset of a new symptom, it is important to consult your health care provider as soon as possible for a timely and accurate evaluation. If the symptoms could be linked to a thyroid disorder, HealthierU can help identify the problem and design a personalized and holistic plan of care. Contact us today for a free consultation.

The most important thing you can do to manage symptoms is to treat the underlying cause.  You will have to primarily address the thyroid issue, but there are also holistic ways to address and control the symptoms.

#1: Undertake Physical Therapy

Depending on the underlying cause of the vertigo, consulting a physical therapist for focused treatment can help to alleviate the symptoms.



Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy is a specialized physical therapy designed to reduce dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues by training the brain to adapt to inner ear imbalances. It uses targeted exercises like gaze stabilization, balance training, and repeated and controlled movements to improve, and in many cases, resolve vestibular system deficits.

#2: Take Preventive and Protective Measures

Preventive measures and habits can help to keep hypothyroidism-related vertigo at bay. As some preventive actions are related to comfort, others can be linked to avoiding physical risk.



• Lie down and rest as able when symptoms are present.
• Stay consistently hydrated.
• Obtain adequate hours of quality sleep.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco products.
• Move slowly during flare-ups.
• Avoid sudden movements, such as bending down or sitting-to-standing transition.
• Do not drive or use machinery during symptomatic episodes.
• Remove trip hazards in your environment.
• Maintain adequate lighting.
• Consult your physician or pharmacist before trying new medications, supplements, or remedies.

#3: Improve Thyroid Hormone Levels

Improving thyroid hormone levels requires taking daily and lifelong medications to replace the missing thyroid hormones for hypothyroidism. The exact dosage will be based on the results of routine blood tests.



Often, supplements can be helpful to restore and maintain hypothyroid symptoms, such as:

• Iodine
• Selenium
• Iron
• Zinc
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin A
• Magnesium
• Copper

If your thyroid is overactive and you have a hyperthyroidism diagnosis, the treatment is aimed at reducing the production of thyroid hormones.

Eating well may prevent deficiencies in most nutrients, and supplementation often proves necessary to restore optimal levels. Your healthcare providers and HealthierU can help to determine which nutrients you may lack and the optimal supplemental doses for your needs.

Follow an Unprocessed, Balanced Diet

There are a lot of opinions out there about what to eat and what to avoid for hypothyroidism.

There is not one “best” diet for hypothyroidism. However, a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes unprocessed foods, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, may help you feel your best and keep you healthy.

Keep in mind, there are certain precautions people with hypothyroidism should consider before adding certain foods to their plates or taking certain supplements. Always consult your medical provider before adding any new medications, supplements, or over-the-counter products to your daily routine.

Commit to Exercise and Stress Management

Exercising with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism has many benefits. It increases energy levels, improves sleep quality, and helps relieve other symptoms of thyroid disease.

However, if your thyroid levels are not under control, exercising could cause problems. If your thyroid condition is not well-controlled or if it is a new diagnosis, exercise may actually cause harm. Potential problems with exercise depend on the type of thyroid disease.

Once your thyroid symptoms are under control and your hormone levels are normal, incorporating exercise into your routine is not only safe, it is encouraged.

Avoid Endocrine Disruptors

Synthetic chemicals in products like plastics and fragrances can mimic hormones and interfere with or disrupt the delicate endocrine functioning.

Unfortunately, we are exposed to these chemicals daily and are especially vulnerable to them during phases of accelerated development, including childhood or pregnancy.

Some of the impacts on our metabolism and immune, nervous, and reproductive systems can have long-term and even lifetime adverse health effects, such as learning disabilities, obesity, diabetes, reproductive problems, and cancer.

Ways you can avoid endocrine disrupters in your daily routine:



• Wash your hands frequently.
• Dust, vacuum, and avoid chemical cleaners.
• Avoid synthetic fragrances in personal care and home products.
• Substitute plastic containers for glass.
• Consume organic food that was not treated with pesticides.
• Avoid water that is bottled in plastic.
• Scrutinize cosmetics or products you use on your skin.

If you have questions about whether your vertigo is related to thyroid function, and if you naturally support your health, you have come to the right place.

HealthierU begins by conducting a comprehensive nutritional assessment. Once we confirm the likely cause of your symptoms, you’ll receive a personalized program that addresses your specific needs with a holistic approach to care.



Our lifestyle programs make recommendations for diet, exercise, and whole-food supplementation. Nutritional changes and adding supplements are some of the best ways to support your thyroid function, treat thyroid-associated vertigo, and return your body systems to the proper working function.

Contact HealthierU today to schedule a free, complimentary consultation designed to help you get back to your best life with natural treatment for thyroid-associated vertigo in Brooklyn.