Why do I get light headed during my cycle?

In most cases, it’s normal to feel a little light-headed during your period, but it can be a sign of an underlying condition. Some more common reasons for this symptom are: Anemia from blood loss: Anemia is a condition in which you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body. This can make you feel light-headed. Iron-deficiency anemia, which is the most common type of anemia, can be caused by heavy periods. If you have iron-deficiency anemia, you may need to take iron supplements during your period. Pain from cramps: Cramps are the feeling of your uterus contracting, which happens during your period in order to help shed the uterine lining. They can range from mild to severe. Cramps are a normal part of a menstrual cycle, but severe cramps may be a sign of an underlying condition such as endometriosis. Pain from cramps, especially severe ones, can cause you to feel light-headed during your period. Action of hormones called prostaglandins: Prostaglandins are hormones that help regulate many bodily processes, including your menstrual cycle. However, it’s possible to produce excess prostaglandins during your period. Excess prostaglandins can cause your cramps to be worse than normal, because they can contract the muscles in your uterus. Some prostaglandins can also constrict blood vessels throughout your body, which can cause headaches and make you light-headed. Period-related migraine: This affects approximately 60 percent of menstruators. They’re caused by fluctuating levels of estrogen, and can happen right before, during, or after your period. Like other types of migraine, period-related migraine causes one-sided, throbbing attacks that can cause you to feel light-headed. Dehydration: Hormones can affect your hydration levels, and their fluctuations around your period can make you more likely to become dehydrated. This can make you feel light-headed.