Breathing Dysfunction and Menopause

Did you know that changes in hormones can cause breathing dysfunction?

What we know:

• Blood CO2 levels in women are 8% lower than men.

• Women overall have lower ventilation than men. We have smaller airways and the diaphragm is 9% shorter.

• Progesterone is a respiratory stimulant and maintains muscular tone in airways. Therefore, sleep apnea risk increases in menopause.

• Women hyperventilate during the luteal phase. Therefore CO2 levels are even lower. This is believed to exacerbate migraine symptoms, pain and TMJ symptoms.

• Women with disordered breathing associated with menopause may present with symptoms including:

  • Breathlessness.

  • Chest tightness.

  • A feeling of air hunger.

  • Pursed lips.

  • Sighing or yawning.

What can you do? Breathing exercises to retrain your breathing. Click here to watch a youtube video.