For many people, tinnitus feels like an unsolvable mystery. One of the most overlooked contributors is hormones. If you have ever wondered about tinnitus what causes the ringing in your ears, you may be surprised to learn that hormonal shifts during menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause can all play a role. Researchers are discovering that hormone fluctuations can influence blood flow, brain activity, and even the delicate cells of the inner ear, which makes tinnitus worse for some individuals.
Can Hormonal Changes Cause Tinnitus
Research shows that women and people who menstruate may experience hearing loss or changes in hearing sensitivity during times of hormonal fluctuation, especially at higher frequencies. These changes are most commonly linked to decreased estrogen levels. Estrogen influences blood flow to the cochlea and auditory pathways, and when levels drop, the auditory system can become more vulnerable to damage. This makes tinnitus more likely to appear or worsen during these periods as discussed on one of our related blogs.
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Perimenopause is another time when hormonal changes can influence tinnitus. As estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate, many women report new or worsening tinnitus. Stress, poor sleep, and anxiety during this stage can also amplify the experience of ringing in the ears.
Can Hormone Changes Affect Your Ears
Hormones are not only responsible for reproductive health. Estrogen and progesterone receptors are found in the inner ear. Studies published in Wiley have shown that fluctuations in these hormones can change how the auditory system functions. For example, estradiol has been found to protect the cochlea and auditory nerve fibers, supporting healthy hearing function.
When estrogen levels decline, performance of the auditory pathway can drop. Some women experience changes in brainstem responses, middle ear pressure, and low-frequency hearing thresholds. These shifts highlight how sensitive the auditory system is to hormonal fluctuations.
How Do You Stop Hormonal Tinnitus
Stopping hormonal tinnitus often requires a multifaceted approach. Some women benefit from hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which replaces lost estrogen and progesterone during menopause. A study in Oncotarget found that HRT may lower the risk of tinnitus, although other research in BMJ Open warns that long-term use may increase risk in certain populations.
Natural strategies are also important. These include:
- Phytoestrogens from soy and flaxseed that mimic estrogen in the body
- Herbs and supplements such as B vitamins, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids
- Lifestyle changes like stress management, regular exercise, and healthy sleep
- Therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) to help the brain adapt to the sound
It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any treatment plan.
Does Menopause Make Tinnitus Go Away
Menopause is not a guaranteed solution for tinnitus. Some women find that their symptoms improve after hormone levels stabilize, while others continue to experience persistent ringing. As we’ve shared in one of our Treble Health blogs, women with higher levels of estradiol before menopause were less likely to experience hearing loss, suggesting a protective effect of estrogen.
Unfortunately, estrogen remains low after menopause, and this can contribute to continued hearing loss and tinnitus. Managing stress, using hearing aids if necessary, and considering therapies such as CBT remain essential steps.
Low Estrogen and Tinnitus
Estrogen plays a vital role in auditory function. Estrogen receptors are found throughout the auditory system, including the cochlea and auditory pathways. When estrogen levels drop, blood flow to the inner ear may decrease, neuroregulatory mechanisms can be disrupted, and structural changes in the middle ear may occur. These shifts increase the likelihood of tinnitus.
This is why many women notice ringing in the ears during perimenopause and menopause. Stress and sleep disturbances can make symptoms worse, creating a cycle that often requires both medical support and lifestyle adjustments.
Hormonal Imbalance and Tinnitus
Thyroid hormones also play a key role in auditory development. Dysfunction of the thyroid can affect the cochlea and auditory pathways, sometimes resulting in tinnitus. A study published in Scientific Reports found that thyroid imbalance may contribute to tinnitus through its effects on the organ of Corti, a critical structure in the inner ear.
For individuals with both thyroid disorders and tinnitus, addressing thyroid health may reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Hormone Replacement Therapy and Tinnitus
HRT remains a debated option for women experiencing tinnitus during menopause. On the one hand, research from The Better Menopause suggests HRT users may be three times less likely to develop tinnitus. On the other hand, prolonged use has been linked to increased risk in some cases.
One possible explanation is that estrogen influences electrolyte balance in the inner ear, and too much fluctuation may disrupt auditory pathways. This idea is discussed in the Journal of Laryngology and Otology.
The decision to use HRT should always be made with guidance from a physician.
Managing Hormonal Tinnitus
Effective management blends medical, lifestyle, and therapeutic strategies. These include:
- Medical evaluation with an ENT or audiologist to rule out underlying causes
- HRT or supplements if recommended by a healthcare provider
- Hearing aids to improve overall hearing and reduce the perception of ringing
- CBT or TRT to retrain the brain and lower distress
- Lifestyle adjustments such as exercise, balanced diet, and sleep support
Can Seasonal Changes Cause Tinnitus
While hormones are a major factor, seasonal changes can also affect tinnitus. Shifts in weather patterns and light exposure influence melatonin, cortisol, and other hormones that regulate sleep and stress creates a spike in tinnitus intensity in some people. Research from PubMed shows that sleep disruption in particular can increase the perception of tinnitus.
This may explain why tinnitus worsens during seasonal transitions or travel across time zones.
Interesting Facts
- One study found that tinnitus severity was lower in women who breastfed their children
- Large-scale studies show that women with irregular menstrual cycles are more likely to have tinnitus
Taking Action for Hormonal Tinnitus
You don’t have to let hormonal shifts and ringing in your ears take over your daily life. By learning more about tinnitus, what causes it, and how hormones play a role, you can find ways to bring back balance and calm.
Supportive options include stress management, natural tinnitus remedies, and expert care. Treble Health offers guidance from audiologists who understand the hormonal connection. When paired with lifestyle changes like better sleep and relaxation strategies, these steps can help ease symptoms and improve your sense of control.
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