If you feel menopause only results in hot flashes, you are mistaken. There are several other symptoms that menopause could bring, more than you can imagine. The other day, I had a patient come over and discuss how dripping nose and sinus issues became a regular phenomenon after the 40s.
Well, this isn’t a much-talked symptom, but it may happen in a few during perimenopause and menopause because of the fluctuating hormone levels. We will discuss how menopause can cause nasal problems and mention a few tips to avoid them.
Before we do that, here is an introduction to myself. I am Dr. Karen Pike, and I have been associated with the medical field for a long time. Because of my profession, I have interacted with several women and realized how unaware most of them were about menopause and its associated symptoms. Because of this, I created Simply Menopause, which allowed me to reach the maximum number of women globally. To learn more about me and my work, click here.
Why Does Menopause Cause Nasal Problems?
If you are wondering about the causes of allergies, nose drips, and sinuses that occur quite frequently during menopause and the transition period, here are some probable reasons.
Low Estrogen Levels
As I have mentioned in my writings, estrogen isn’t only a reproductive hormone. It also has other functions. Studies have shown estrogen’s anti-inflammatory properties. Low estrogen levels make your body susceptible to pain and inflammation, which could result in several conditions. Post-nasal drip and nasal allergies are included in the list, which mostly happens when your nose lining is inflamed.
Reduced estrogen levels also impact your nose’s mucus production, drying the nasal tissues. When this happens, your nasal glands increase mucus production to moisten the nasal lining, leading to a runny nose.
Reduced estrogen levels also lead to a compromised immune system, especially if you aren’t careful about your lifestyle and diet. This could increase the incidence of an allergic reaction, which can sometimes trigger nasal inflammation and runny nose.
Consequences of An Aging Nose
Both genders experience a change in the structure and skin of their noses with age, which causes them to lose strength. Your nose may look wider, heavier, and more prominent as you age. These changes in nasal physiology could make you more prone to rhinitis and other nasal passage problems.
What Nasal Problems Can You Have In Menopause?
We discussed above how hormonal imbalances could trigger frequent nasal problems in women. Although this isn’t a common symptom, many can experience it when transitioning into or even during menopause. Let’s look at some nasal problems you can experience in menopause.
Rhinitis
Fluctuating hormonal levels are responsible for rhinitis in menopause. Hormonal imbalances can often trigger allergic rhinitis, which can cause sneezy, itchy noses, blocked or runny noses, coughs, itchy, red, and watery eyes, and an itchy mouth.
You may have symptoms like a stuffy or runny nose, facial swelling and pain, and mucus discharge in the case of nonallergic rhinitis. You may also experience a change in your sense of taste and smell or a fever. If you recurrently experience rhinitis symptoms, do not pass it off as one of the menopausal woes. Contact the doctor at once, as you could have any underlying condition. Early intervention will help solve the matter as soon as possible.
Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis sufferers know how troublesome the condition may be. So, do you find your sinusitis problems getting worse with menopause? Or do you feel that you’ve suddenly been experiencing too many sinus-like symptoms, such as headaches and nasal congestion, along with irregular periods and hot flashes?
Yes, I am referring to the perimenopausal symptoms. Many female patients often ask me if they may have sinus issues in menopause. The answer is YES. Sinus isn’t a common symptom of menopause but may occur in some due to hormonal imbalances. As mentioned, low estrogen levels may cause the nasal passages to dry and inflame. It may even result in increased mucus production that could lead to sinus or aggravate the condition in those going through it already. Some of the symptoms of sinusitis to watch out for include:
- Headache
- Pain at the back of the eyes and on your face
- Stuffy nose and nasal discharge
- Cough which worsens at night
- Fever
- The feeling of fatigue and illness
Tips to Manage Nasal Problems in Menopause
If you have nasal discharge, fever, and other discomfort, the first thing to do is speak with your healthcare provider. However, nasal congestion is uncomfortable. Here are some tips that will give you relief.
- Staying hydrated thins the mucus and makes it pass out of your nose quickly, gradually relieving a blocked nose and sinus congestion. You may feel that a cup of coffee will relieve you from sinus problems, but that’s a misconception. Increased intake of caffeine and sugary beverages could dehydrate you, making the linings of your nose, mouth, and sinuses inflamed and swollen, worsening your symptoms further.
- Do not exert much pressure if you have a stuffed or runny nose. Blow your nose gently, lest it could cause several complications like severe headaches or a ruptured eardrum, which is rare but not impossible.
- Steam inhalation is one of the best remedies for nasal blockage and sinus congestion. You’ll need a big bowl, warm water, and a towel. Position your head over the warm water bowl. Now, use the towel to cover the back of your head. Inhale slowly and deeply for two to five minutes. This helps relieve inflammation and thin the mucus, making you feel better. You could include essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, or rosemary in the water for a better feel.
- Over-the-counter saline sprays help clear nasal congestion to a greater extent. Yet, seeking a doctor’s advice would help you choose the appropriate ones. Stop using the drop if you have nose stings, nosebleeds, or noise pains.
- Herbal teas have antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. So, sipping on a steamy infusion will help you feel better when you have nasal problems. The top-ranked teas include licorice tea, nettle tea, ginger tea, chamomile tea, green tea, eucalyptus tea, and turmeric tea.
Conclusion
So, as an ending note, I would like to say that nasal problems in menopause are unheard of, but you cannot deny their existence. If your symptoms last for a long time and do not get better with home remedies, seek medical assistance immediately. Being aware of the menopausal symptoms helps you deal with them quickly.
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