Breathing Dysfunction and Menopause

Written By Noor H

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.

Noor H
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