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Not just head noise: Hidden symptom thousands of women ignore

Thu, February 12, 2026 - 23:50
2 min
Not just head noise: Hidden symptom thousands of women ignore Photo: What head noise indicates in women (Freepik)

Do you hear ringing, buzzing, or hissing that others don’t? The cause could be hormonal.

Why this happens is explained by British doctor Amir Khan on Instagram.

Why phantom noise occurs

Renowned TV doctor Amir Khan urges not to ignore strange sounds in the ears. According to him, this symptom often appears at a certain stage of life, but patients rarely connect it to the real cause, continuing to suffer in silence.

Dr. Khan explains that tinnitus, the medical term for ear noise, and balance problems often accompany menopause.

Many are surprised to hear that menopause affects the ears and coordination, but from a medical point of view, this is completely logical, the expert notes.

The reason is estrogen. Receptors for this hormone are not only in the reproductive system but throughout the body, including the inner ear and the brain.

How it works: a simple explanation from the doctor

Blood flow

The inner ear is very sensitive to circulation. When estrogen levels drop, the small blood vessels supplying the cochlea become less stable.

Nerve sensitivity

Due to the lack of hormones, the nerves responsible for hearing become more irritable.

Fluid in the ear

Estrogen regulates salt and water retention in the body. Hormonal fluctuations change the composition of fluid in the inner ear, causing dizziness or the sensation that the room is spinning.

Dr. Khan warns about an indirect effect: menopause often brings insomnia and anxiety. Because of this, the brain becomes hypersensitive to any signals, making the ear noise seem even louder.

What tinnitus sounds like

The sounds may be constant or intermittent. The most common types are:

  • Ringing or buzzing

  • Hissing like an old TV

  • Pulsing in time with the heartbeat

  • Music or singing, less common

When to see a doctor immediately

Although tinnitus during menopause is not life-threatening, the doctor advises not to endure it and to consult a family doctor for symptom management.

  • The noise is accompanied by sudden hearing loss

  • Severe muscle weakness occurs

  • Severe dizziness or vertigo occurs

  • Symptoms appear after a head injury

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.

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