I was wondering if anyone has experienced having a stuffy nose during menopause. I saw my ENT and he thinks my right nostril is congested due to hormone changes. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this and what they have done for it?
– Carrie from Lyle, WA
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Mac5 years ago
Oh thank goodness, my nose and sinuses have been awful since I became peri-m. Some days it is ok and then out of the blue I get so congested abs can’t breath out of one nostril abs if I blow my nose there is so much mucus.
Helen5 years ago
Me too! I had to take over the counter Afrin to finally get some relief and breathe through the nose and sleep comfortably. I only had to take it once. It’s been almost 7 weeks without needing it again.
Debbie Jay5 years ago
Thank God someone else is suffering with this, because I thought it was just me! When I mentioned it to my GP, he said he’d never heard of menopause affecting women in this way and dismissed it. He did give me a nasal steroid spray which helped but still bunged up from time-to-time. Hope you breathe easy soon.
Carric5 years ago
He told me to try a sinus rinse but haven’t tried that yet. I’m about ready to stop all hormone replacement I have been on and see if that helps. I guess I have to decide if I want the 1000 hot flashes a day or a stuffy nose. I’d rather be hot than not be able to breath thanks for you comment
Debbie Jayreplying to Carric5 years ago
I can’t have HRT but I am still stuffy, so it may not be your HRT anyway.
Carricreplying to Debbie Jay5 years ago
You could be correct. My ENT said because I have a crooked septum I may need surgery to open up my air way. But I keep thinking if I can find the cause of why my nose is inflamed then I wouldn’t need surgery. Just seems like there is something that could reduce inflammation.
Mandyreplying to Carric5 years ago
I’ve had surgery twice and I’m STILL suffering terrible
Karenreplying to Carric5 years ago
Do the sinus rinse! I have been doing it twice a day, with Flonase right after, and it took about a month but finally the stuffiness is gone! And I tried going off the HRT, and the 1000 hot flashes a day and night made me absolutely miserable, I haven’t slept in months, and am going back on. HRT has not actually been the problem, being off it is a big problem!
Pazleyreplying to Karen5 years ago
I also I’m on a constant stuffy nose or runny nose cycle and I just didn’t get why, glad I’m reading this is somewhat common. I want to stop taking the estradiol that I started taking spring on 2020, it’s not like it works 100% for me, so I’m afraid if I stop the estradiol the 1000 hot flashes and heavy sweating will be unbearable.
Shelley5 years ago
Many sinus infections and congestion come from poor gut flora according to my naturopath. Given that the gut seems to be at the root of serotonin which can be linked to cortisol and lord knows the adrenal fatigue during menopause starting with your gut may be helpful. I used high doses of allimax garlic and oil of oregano then a couple hours later probiotic for a few days. “Weed and feed” my ND called it. Have only had 1 sinus infection in 5 years and going through menopause in that time.
Carric5 years ago
Thanks just started back on my gut and vaginal support pro biotics maybe this will help.
Shelleyreplying to Carric5 years ago
Good luck!
Jo5 years ago
Thanks for posting. I’ve been peri m for several years and have had a persistent stuffy/runny nose. Also some phlegm and chest congestion but no proper cold just in this state pretty constantly...
Shannon5 years ago
Me too!! I’m almost feel like I get a deep wheeze too
Becca5 years ago
I too am constantly having to blow my nose or clear my throat. The phlegm is killing me. I’m either pre or peri menopausal. I’m currently 44, and am on progesterone. Not sure if this started before or after I started taking it. I only take it for 15 days out of month, but the sinus/phlegm issue never changes. It’s just instantly with me.
Clarereplying to Becca4 years ago
As soon as I hit peri I started having problems with phlegm. Now my periods have stopped it’s a lot worse and of course covid hasn’t helped. The phlegm makes me cough and if looks could kill I’d be 6 foot under. I find drinking fluids a lot and avoiding air con and central heating that dry me out helps
Jackie5 years ago
I’ve been suffering for months with a stuffy nose and mucus in my throat, I also have a chronic cough and I think it’s due to hormones.
Ari5 years ago
Sometimes at night, I do. Someone else commented that they’ve been having mucus in the throat, and oh boy, do I have that. For about a year now, especially after eating, i have to expel mucus because I just feel so much phlegm in my throat. I hate it, and it had never happened, except when I was sick. I never thought it could be because of peri menopause. Oh the joys.
Carric5 years ago
I have also noticed more post nasal drip and phlegm. Yea oh the joys, we go thru periods, child birth and now all this, ugh!
Jo5 years ago
I thought it was just me. I also get darker circles beneath my eyes. I purchased the Mute anti-snoring device which has a eucalyptus scent that helps my breathing.
Carric5 years ago
Yes I is just ordered some nasal cones as my ENT said I could try those. I bet that will be a cute picture haha
BB-C5 years ago
Yes! Mostly in the evenings and before bed, one nostril will swell. I have little to no mucus to blow out but I do have some post nasal drip sometimes. I have allergies but this is different than what I’ve ever experienced and it isn’t the time of year for my allergies. I thought it was maybe related to inflamed nerves in my neck and back. But it just started when my hormones really got out of whack.
Taz5 years ago
This is exactly my issue. Only in the evening at night and only one nostril at a time. Like the membranes are swollen for no reason.
Sue5 years ago
The same here
Katherinereplying to Sue5 years ago
I too had same issues, but noticed high sugar intake will cause Inflammation in sinuses ,, and eating oats caused post nasal drip,, when I eliminated sugar , clear sinuses no symptoms, works every time ,, just try and figure out your limit,, read labels you will be shocked,, 25 g max daily intake if possible?
Raqreplying to Katherine5 years ago
I have had the post nasal drip, popping in ear for a very long time. It has gone away because I have given up oats which I used to eat a lot. I hadn’t connected the two! Also had a few biscuits yesterday and I normally eat no sugar! Post nasal drip came back with fury!
Bess1973replying to Katherine5 years ago
Sugar is in everything! I had to eliminate sugar as a teenager for health. I could not eat anything
Ladell8replying to Katherine4 years ago
I got it down to 15g. It’s strict but it alleviated a whole host of issues.
Michele4 years ago
Same problems here with the one nostril and it only occurs at bedtime. During the waking hours I don’t have any difficulty. I saw an ENT who said the MRI showed a deviated septum. He offered a surgical option but I declined since the problem is only at night. So now my bedtime routine is a Claritin-D with a squirt of Flonase, and I wear Breathe Right strips while I sleep.
Ameroon45 years ago
Same here. I’ve notice this all summer long and even now. I thought I was having allergies in the summer but now that you mentioned this it makes sense. I’m in my 4th year of peri-meno and I don’t know what’s normal anymore but I know I’m not alone!
Carric5 years ago
Thanks it is good to know I am not alone in my suffering of a stuffy nose and so many other symptoms I totally agree with you I have NO idea what is normal anymore. Seems every day some other kind of symptom pops up. Take care
Smudge5 years ago
“Unexplained rhinitis” has been plaguing me for years. Stuffed up first thing, and reminds me of my Mum who always had to have a tissue nearby. It seems to be hormone related as I tracked in on Clue before using Caria. Admittedly just drinking certain wines or eating wheat can set me off so I think that over sensitivity to things generally is a symptom. Over active reaction/ inflammation reaction. The commenter who mentioned gut flora makes sense. Back to the Yakult morning drink for me!
Carric5 years ago
Yes my mom always had a tissue too. Yes I just started back on my pro biotics for gut flora and vaginal health. Maybe I need to stay on them, I do have a lot of food allergies so maybe it is something I have been eating or now have an allergy to. Thanks and good luck
Tara5 years ago
I’ve also had unexplained sinus congestion/runny nose during menopause. When I have hot flashes (ugh!) even my ear canals drain.
Leslondon5 years ago
I have also noticed congestion over the past couple years and am peri.... need to remember a tissue if out walking If your issue is specific to nasal passage maybe try Nedi Pipe? And probiotics I feel help.
Mrstidd5 years ago
OMG - I just thought my allergies were getting worse! I have for years had to take tissues every time I go outside because my nose would run.I definitely cannot breathe through my nose when outside running. Indoors it would be ok or stuffed up in one nostril. This has been like this all through my menopause and I have a digestive tract condition. Very interesting about the connection with the gut and HRT. Thank you. I will look into improving this.
Mandy5 years ago
Me too
Claire5 years ago
OMG! I’ve been stuffed up pretty much every day for 5 years....! Thought it was just me. I have to clear my nose every day, and it feels like I’ve a tonne of mucus behind my nose and above the back of my throat that I just cannot get to. But in my head I imagine it would be amazing just to get this out. Had steroids, Beconaise, and done nasal rinses (which I was gutted didn’t shift it). So now I think I might need some Yakult? Anything is worth a shot?
Taz5 years ago
Oh yes! Especially at night. I’m flip flopping from side to side to let one side drain and then the other. Didn’t attach it to menopause but at this point I’m just thinking everything is related.
Dolphinsal5 years ago
Yes hooray I’m not alone! I just use ax decongestant as in process of changing my Gp as he’s not interested
Kate5 years ago
Finally!!! I thought I was the only one with either a stuffy nose or a runny nose. I wake up in the morning with sinus type symptoms and when I am out walking a runny nose. 2 years ago the GP but it down to the high blood pressure tablets I was on but now I am not on any medication and I still experience it!!!! ?
Shaz5 years ago
OMG! Me too! Inflamed and congested but nothing to blow out and always in the evening before going to bed.
Cheryl5 years ago
Suffering with the same symptoms. Not sick, just stuffy or runny nose at times. I use a nasal wash when it gets bad and that helps A LOT!
Kate5 years ago
I also experience a stuffy nose or nostril with phlegm. I usually wake up like this. Initially the doctor thought it was some medication I was on so it was stopped. That was a year ago and I’m still experiencing it. I use a nasal spray which helps sometimes but usually if I go for a walk in the morning it clears for the rest of the day. I also use a lavender spray in my room at night to try and help the symptoms.
Lee-lee5 years ago
Just sat down to read all these comments and we are all on the same page I’ve been feeling congestion this whole time and I just turned 50 November 30 and I am feeling all types away hang in there ladies I’m taking Claritin that helps but these hormones are crazy and they’re making me crazy but have faith that’s what I lean on the days go by the years are going by and today I had a great hike with my daughter and I feel awesome happy holidays everyone holidays everyone!!!
Jo5 years ago
I have the sane issue. I started taking allergy meds and using the MUTE nasal sleeping device. It helps.
Karen5 years ago
Stuffy nose in the night and every morning when I wake up! Gives me morning g headaches. Eases when I’m vertical and moving about.
Caron5 years ago
This started recently for me: blocked nose and really dry mouth and throat despite hydrating well. I thought it might be covid. I seem to be in a different perimenopausal phase - after 8 months without a period I got one, then a lighter one 2 week later. Body is confused and stressed (for non-meno reasons too).
Jo5 years ago
Omg!! This is a symptom too?!? I have just put this down to allergy! I can’t believe I’m learning so much from this app! It’s brilliant!!! Thank you ?
Lisa5 years ago
Yes! I have experienced a blocked sinus for around a year now, I was putting it down to having had Covid in October, I have started to use a nasal rinse, but it comes and goes and morning and night are worse! I am 3 years peri menopause. I also have lots of nasal drip in the evenings, it’s really unpleasant!
Candy5 years ago
I’m finding the same thing, Morning and evening is worse, continuous sore throat for a few years now with drip down back of throat. I’ve used oreganol nasal spray which seems to help unblock my nose. I also get coating at the back of my tongue. I also feel it going down my throat into upper respiratory tract, with in intermittent itchy scratchy feeling. Had no idea this could be related to menopause, who’d have thought it?! So glad to have downloaded this app. Also the buzzing feeling, hands and legs, I thought I had neuropathy, seems it’s ‘normal’ for menopause. My mind is blown ?.
Julie5 years ago
When I wake up in the morning lately, yes! I keep thinking that I must have been snoring very badly but my husband says it’s not changed at all that he’s noticed. It goes away, but is sometimes coupled with a pounding headache. I just figured it’s weather changes, winter/sinuses/inflammation- but maybe it’s hormonally related.
Caron5 years ago
Yes. Me too. At night. Hadn’t thought of it as menopause related but maybe it is. Can’t see any other causes obvious in my case.
Devereaux5 years ago
I've had this same issue.. My doctor prescribed Flonase... I have allergies and this helps with the swelling at night!
Nancy5 years ago
I would say my nasal congestion is due to menopause but my husband has the same symptoms so I’ll chalk it up to allergies in my area. What I have had the last year and half is extremely dry nasal passages and sores that I get inside my nasal passages. They are so painful it even makes the outside of my nose red. Does anyone else get painful sores inside the nose?
Helen5 years ago
Yes!! Sensitive to the touch. I was told by the pharmacist to have the doctor check for any potential tumors forming. Saline nose drops didn’t help. Sniffing a vapor stick - there’s a brand called Boom Boom which helps with un stuffing it. But I get all these big mucus when I blow my nose, which can be bloody. I’m always thankful for my showers, when I can clear most of it.
Loni5 years ago
It is SO comforting to read these posts and realize you’re not alone. I’ve had a chronic sore throat, thick mucus and a stiff feeling in my sinuses for 4 months. Not much comes out when I blow. My ENT suggests it might be due to silent reflux- might be worth a little research for some of you with similar symptoms. I also have some tight breathing symptoms which apparently might be due to the acid reflux irritating the airway or tightening of the airways as a protective mechanism. I just keep wondering how all these symptoms can be coming out of nowhere. Nice to know peri is probably contributing because I’m not hearing that from doctors.
Beta5 years ago
Absolutely!! I’m experiencing stuffy nose, runny nose, post nasal drip, and a dry cough. All began when I started to have hot flashes, irregular periods.
Magnolia5 years ago
Sometimes we assume a stuffy nose is just that or allergies. First time I’ve heard anyone mentioning hormonal changes.
Ceecee, UK5 years ago
Oh my, yes, yes! I thought it was a sudden allergy to my cats but for the last 18mths I’ve suffered really bad congestion and dry eyes (especially when I wake first thing).
Helen5 years ago
Wow! Really? Omg- I thought I got something stuck in my nose or I was infected with COVID that only got so far as my right nostril. Strangest thing ever- I never used to have snots to pick out of my nose regularly and now I do. I was also attributing it to the dryness here in California, but this could be another menopausal symptom. Thank you for sharing. I always have this new feeling of something poking the inside of one nostril, for the last 6 months.
Kelly4 years ago
Yes! It’s an every night occurrence that I have to blow my nose and sometimes it is continuous until I fall asleep. Never connected it with menopause. I have a nasal nose cleaner called Nävage that works with salt pods and that helps.
Amanda4 years ago
I thought it was just me, but yes, since my periods have become more “wonky”, my head and ears get much more congested! I had no idea it was related to my peri- symptoms. Thank you ladies! Hugs!
Abbey4 years ago
Suffered the past five years with the blocked stuffy nose. For no reason. Saw ENT before covid. Now just seem to be lost in the system I get Mirgane have done since I was 11 when my periods started. Have Botox in my forehead to help with them. Fed up with blocked nose and headaches