AB241. SOH25_AB_088. “FAQs to ENT on the menopause”

Background: As oestrogen levels decline during menopause, women may experience a range of ear, nose & throat (ENT)-related symptoms due to hormonal changes. A relatively left-field question from females of a certain maturity for an ENT specialist at a consultation is as to whether the menopause is contributory to her complaints. Not all can be explained in medical terms but frequently asked questions (FAQs) with possible explanations are presented.

Methods: An online narrative analysis using Google and MSN search engines was conducted for menopause in conjunction with ear, nose, throat, hearing loss, tinnitus, ear pain/itch, blocked ears, dizziness, vertigo, rhinitis, nasal congestion, headache, facial pain, postnasal drip, dry/sore mouth/throat, swallowing difficulties, voice changes, globus pharyngeus, laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)/gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A literature review of the health databases comprising “Embase”, “Scopus”, “Web of Science” and “Google Scholar” was also performed using the same terms.

Results: Questions regarding ENT symptoms and conditions are relatively common online and in the clinic but there is relatively little evidence for a direct correlation with hormonal changes. ENT symptoms are omitted in general publications on symptoms of menopause. Hearing loss and tinnitus are more common in younger men but the incidence equalises in menopausal women possibly due to the fall in oestrogen levels. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), dizziness, formication and pseudo-eustachian tube dysfunction seem to be more frequent. Voice change, postnasal drip, globus and reflux are possibly associated with less serum oestrogen.

Conclusions: Almost every symptom presenting to an ENT surgeon can be aggravated by the menopause but not all can be explained.

Keywords: Ear, nose & throat (ENT); frequently asked questions (FAQs); hormonal; menopause; oestrogen