Can menopause affect your sinuses? - New Beginnings HRT Clinic

Menopause can affect various parts of the body, including the sinuses. As estrogen levels decline during menopause, tissues in the sinuses may become drier and thinner. This can make some women more prone to sinus infections and other problems. Key things to know:

The drop in estrogen during menopause can cause changes to mucous membranes in the sinuses, making them more susceptible to inflammation
Women may notice more sinus congestion, infections, and headaches around the time of menopause
Managing sinus symptoms may require extra care with hydration, diet, and lifestyle changes during this transition

How estrogen affects sinuses The lining of the sinuses contains estrogen receptors. Estrogen helps stimulate mucus production and blood flow in the sinuses. As estrogen drops during perimenopause and after menopause:

Mucus membranes can become drier and thinner. This makes it harder for the sinuses to trap bacteria, viruses, and allergens.
Blood vessels constrict. This reduces circulation and oxygen to sinus tissues.
Cilia function slower. Cilia are the tiny hair-like structures that sweep mucus and debris out of the sinuses.

These changes create an environment in the sinuses that is more prone to inflammation, congestion, and infection. Menopause sinus symptoms Many women begin noticing more sinus troubles as they enter perimenopause and menopause. Common symptoms include:

Chronic sinus congestion
Runny nose, post-nasal drip
Facial pain, pressure, headache
Recurrent sinus infections
Decreased sense of smell
Cough

For some women, these sinus issues and infections become a frequent problem around menopause. Changes to the sinuses around this time can make them persist longer and become more difficult to treat. Managing menopause sinus symptoms If you develop sinus troubles during or after menopause, there are things you can do at home to help relieve symptoms:

Stay hydrated - Drink plenty of fluids each day, like water or herbal tea, to keep sinuses moisturized.
Use a humidifier - Dry indoor air can exacerbate sinus membranes. Use a cool mist humidifier in your bedroom when sleeping.
Rinse with saline - Rinsing the sinuses with a saltwater solution helps flush out mucus and soothe inflamed tissues.
Avoid triggers - Allergens, cigarette smoke, pollution, and strong smells can further irritate sinuses.
Take OTC medications - Decongestants, antihistamines, nasal sprays, and pain relievers can temporarily alleviate sinus symptoms.

See your doctor if sinus troubles persist despite self-care, to rule out infection, polyps, or other issues. They may prescribe antibiotic or steroid nasal sprays to get severe sinus inflammation under control. Long-term solutions from New Beginnings HRT Clinic() As hormone specialists, we frequently help women whose sinuses and other tissues are affected during menopause. We offer customized hormone therapy to correct imbalances related to perimenopause and menopause. Bioidentical estrogen and progesterone therapy can help restore hormone levels to bring relief to sinus issues and other menopausal symptoms. Treatment helps: