Vertigo

Vertigo is most commonly caused by problems in the inner ear or brain that affect the body's balance system. The most prevalent form, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), occurs when calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and disrupt the fluid signals that the brain uses to determine spatial orientation. Other common causes include labyrinthitis, an inner ear viral infection, Meniere's disease caused by fluid pressure changes, and reduced blood flow to the vestibular system. In women, hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause are a significant but often underdiagnosed contributor to recurring dizziness and balance disturbance. Addressing these underlying circulatory and hormonal factors is the primary approach taken by the botanical formula in this collection.

Research on natural supplements for vertigo is growing, particularly around botanicals that improve cerebrovascular circulation and reduce inner ear inflammation. Astragalus has been shown in Chinese clinical research to improve microcirculation in the small vessels supplying the inner ear and brainstem. Licorice root's anti-inflammatory properties have been studied for their effects on inner ear fluid regulation. Black cohosh has clinical evidence for reducing vestibular symptoms associated with hormonal changes in perimenopausal women, with a systematic review in the journal Climacteric noting significant improvements in dizziness frequency in this population. These supplements work best for vertigo with hormonal or circulatory components rather than BPPV, which responds primarily to physical repositioning manoeuvres.

Yes, and this connection is more significant than is widely recognised. Oestrogen receptors are found throughout the inner ear and vestibular nuclei in the brain. Fluctuating oestrogen levels during perimenopause, menstruation, or postpartum recovery can alter inner ear fluid pressure and disrupt the vestibular signal processing that maintains balance. Research published in Menopause: The Journal of the Menopause Society found that women in perimenopause had significantly higher rates of vestibular dysfunction compared to pre-menopausal women. Vitex chasteberry, an ingredient in our Vertigo Comfort formula, has been studied for its ability to modulate hormone fluctuations during these transitions, addressing one of the root hormonal contributors to recurrent dizziness.

Sudden severe vertigo accompanied by any of the following symptoms requires immediate medical evaluation: new severe headache, double vision, difficulty speaking, limb weakness, or loss of consciousness. These can indicate a serious neurological event such as a stroke or cerebellar bleed. For recurring mild to moderate vertigo without these warning signs, a GP referral to an ENT specialist or neurologist can identify whether the cause is BPPV, Meniere's disease, vestibular neuritis, or a hormonal imbalance. Supplements are most appropriate for people with confirmed non-emergency vertigo seeking additional natural support alongside or after completing formal diagnosis and treatment. This content is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice.