You don’t have to worry about dry eyes and perimenopause anymore as I’ve broken down its cause and how to resolve this hormonal issue.
Perimenopause is the time of life that is 2-12 years before menopause, or one year without a period. This is a time for lots of hormone fluctuations. There are common symptoms women think of for perimenopause such as feeling hot, weight gain, fatigue, and insomnia, but there are also lots of other very strange perimenopause and menopause symptoms that can occur. One of them is dry eyes.
Dry eyes is a common condition that affects many individuals, particularly women, during perimenopause and menopause. You’re not alone.
A dry eye is characterized by dryness, itching, burning, and other discomfort in the eyes. Understanding the connection between dry eyes and perimenopause is important to finding effective relief and managing this symptom. In this article, we will explore the link between dry eyes and perimenopause, dive into the hormonal changes that impact the eyes, and discuss how to identify dry eye symptoms during this stage.
Key Takeaways:
- Eye discomfort is a common symptom during perimenopause and menopause.
- Perimenopause is a transitional stage for 2-12 years before menopause characterized by hormonal changes.
- Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can impact tear production and ocular surface health.
- Identifying dry eye symptoms, such as dryness, itching, and burning, is important for seeking appropriate treatment.
- Menopause and dry eyes are closely linked, with hormonal changes often causing decreased tear production.
- Eye drops and natural remedies can provide relief for dry eyes during perimenopause.
The Connection Between Dry Eyes and Perimenopause
What is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the period leading up to menopause, typically occurring in a woman’s late 40s or early 50s. During this stage, the body undergoes hormonal changes, particularly in estrogen and progesterone levels.
Hormonal Changes and Their Impact on Eyes
The hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can have various effects on the body, including the eyes. These changes can lead to dry eye symptoms, as well as other discomforts like hot flashes and insomnia.
Think of estrogen as the “juicy” hormone in the body. When it decreases in perimenopause or menopause, women tend to get the “hot and dry” symptoms systemically including in the eyes, joints, hair, skin, nails, and vagina.
Understanding the impact of hormonal changes on the eyes is crucial to seek appropriate treatment and relief.
There are so many menopause remedies that women dont’ have to suffer through anymore.
Identifying Dry Eye Symptoms
Dry eye symptoms can manifest as dryness, irritation, redness, and blurred vision. Perimenopausal women need to be able to identify these symptoms to seek the necessary treatment and alleviate discomfort.
Does Low Estrogen Cause Dry Eyes?
Low estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause have been associated with various symptoms. Low estrogen and dry eyes are closely linked. Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and function of the tear glands and ocular surface. When estrogen levels decline, it can affect tear production and the quality of tears, leading to dry eyes.
While low estrogen is not the sole cause of dry eyes, it can contribute to the development and severity of this condition. Other factors such as age, other hormonal changes, and environmental factors can also play a role in dry eyes in perimenopausal women.
“Estrogen levels have a significant impact on tear production in women. When estrogen declines during perimenopause and menopause, it can disrupt the delicate balance of tears, resulting in dry eyes.”
Nurturing Eye Health with Proper Hydration
In addition to using eye drops, maintaining proper hydration is essential for promoting overall eye health and alleviating dry eye symptoms. Drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day helps to keep the body hydrated, including the eyes.
Proper hydration supports tear production and keeps the ocular surface moisturized, reducing the discomfort associated with dry eyes. It is recommended to aim for about 1/2 of your bodyweight in ounces of water per day, or more if necessary based on individual needs and activity levels.
I like to recommend electrolytes to my patients well. Some of my favorite brands are NUUN tablets and Go Hydrate packets. Look at your activity level, sweating, and climate. If you live in a hot and/or dry climate, electrolytes can be useful.
Hormonal Imbalance and Its Effects on Women’s Health
Hormonal imbalance can occur during perimenopause and menopause, leading to a range of symptoms that affect women’s health. These symptoms may include hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, anxiety, mood swings, weight gain, and dry eyes.
Managing hormonal imbalance through lifestyle changes, nutrition changes, exercise, supplements, vitamins or herbs, hormone replacement therapy, or other medical interventions can help alleviate the symptoms and improve the overall well-being of perimenopausal women.
Women need to consult with healthcare professionals to discuss their symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan. This will be the most efficient plan for you for sure.
By addressing hormonal imbalance, women can optimize their health and minimize the impact of hormone-related symptoms on their daily lives.
Dry Eyes Perimenopause Natural Remedies
In addition to conventional treatments, there are several natural remedies and lifestyle changes that can help alleviate symptoms of dry eyes in menopausal women.
At-Home Treatments for Relief
There are simple and effective at-home treatments that can provide relief for dry eyes during menopause:
- Using warm compresses: Applying a warm compress to the eyes can help stimulate tear production and alleviate dryness.
- Practicing good eyelid hygiene: Keeping the eyelids clean can prevent debris and bacteria from causing further irritation.
- Limiting screen time: Spending less time in front of screens can reduce eye strain and dryness caused by prolonged exposure to digital devices. Put the screens away for at least 60 minutes before bedtime. Also, using blue-light-blocking glasses can help reduce eye strain and also keep our circadian rhythm balanced.
Diet and Nutrition for Healthy Eyes
A healthy diet can play a significant role in maintaining eye health and reducing dry eye symptoms. Consider incorporating the following foods into your diet:
- Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids: Include sources like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds to promote tear production and reduce inflammation in the eyes.
- Foods high in vitamins A and C: Carrots, oranges, and leafy greens contain essential vitamins that support overall eye health.
- Making sure our blood sugar is balanced is helpful for all aspects of hormonal health. I recommend following the framework of having a source of lean protein, a source of healthy fat, and a source of fiber (fruits and vegetables) at as many meals as possible.
Lifestyle Changes to Alleviate Symptoms
Making certain lifestyle changes can help manage dry eyes during the menopause transition:
- Wearing sunglasses outdoors: Protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays can prevent further dryness and irritation.
- Avoiding irritants: Minimize exposure to smoke, wind, and other irritants that can exacerbate dry eye symptoms.
- Using soothing eye drops can also be helpful including just saline eye drops which improve the lubrication of your eyes.
Supplements to Alleviate Symptoms
- Omega 3 fatty acids can be helpful if you’re not getting enough through your nutrition.
- Lutein is also helpful for eye health.
- Vitamin A supplements are helpful for eye health as well as immune, skin, and thyroid health.
- Lots of people are deficient in vitamin D, so supplementing with this might be a good idea. In addition to it being helpful for several functions in the body, eye health is one of the benefits.
- Supporting estrogen levels and overall hormones in the perimenopausal or menopausal stage will inevitably help with the various symptoms, including dry eye.
- There are also several other herbal formulas on the market to help with dry eye. Working with a practitioner will help you determine which supplement regimen would be the best for you. *Not medical advice.*
Conclusion
Dry eyes during perimenopause and menopause can be a bothersome symptom for many women. With a combination of conventional treatments, such as eye drops, and natural remedies, such as at-home treatments and lifestyle changes, it is possible to manage dry eyes and alleviate symptoms during this stage of life. By taking proactive steps towards eye health, women can find relief and maintain optimal vision and comfort.
FAQ’s for Dry Eyes and Perimenopause
How do you stop dry eyes during perimenopause?
Dry eyes during perimenopause can be managed by practicing good eyelid hygiene, changes in nutrition, hormone replacement therapy, supplements for hormone balancing, limiting screen time, and staying hydrated. Eye drops can also help significantly improve this symptom. Consulting with an eye doctor will help you determine the best eye drops for menopause dry eyes.
It is advisable to consult with an eye care professional for personalized recommendations. Dry eye relief is completely possible!
Can perimenopause affect your eyes?
Yes, perimenopause can affect the eyes, leading to symptoms of dryness, irritation, and discomfort. Hormonal changes during perimenopause can impact tear production and the overall health of the ocular surface. This is usually due to low estrogen levels but could be due to other hormonal imbalances or even other medical conditions such as Sjogren’s.
Can hormonal imbalance cause dry eyes?
Yes, hormonal imbalance, and deficient estrogen levels, can contribute to dry eyes. Estrogen plays a role in maintaining tear gland function and ocular surface health. When estrogen levels decline, dry eye symptoms may arise.
Can low estrogen cause dry eyes?
Yes, low estrogen levels can cause dry eyes. Estrogen plays a role in tear production and maintaining a healthy ocular surface. When estrogen levels decrease, tear production may be reduced, leading to dry eye symptoms. It is important to consult with an eye care professional for appropriate management.
