Hormonal influences on inner ear physiology are increasingly recognized, particularly in cochlear function; however, their role in vestibular physiology remains incompletely understood. Hormonal contraceptives represent a major source of exogenous hormonal exposure, yet their effects on vestibular function, symptom expression, and vestibular diagnostic testing remain poorly defined....
Evidence is insufficient to draw firm practice-changing conclusions; audiologists should be aware that hormonal contraception may be a confounding factor when evaluating women of reproductive age for vestibular disorders, but specific clinical protocols cannot yet be recommended.
Given the widespread use of hormonal contraception, understanding its potential vestibular effects could reshape how audiologists and ENTs evaluate balance disorders in women of reproductive age.
- 01Narrative review synthesizes available literature on hormonal contraception and vestibular physiology.
- 02Evidence gaps are substantial; no large controlled trials exist in this area.
- 03Hormonal fluctuations may influence vestibular sensitivity, potentially confounding diagnosis.
- 04Diagnostic challenges arise from overlapping symptoms of vestibular disorders and hormonal side effects.
- 05Authors call for more rigorous prospective research to establish clinical guidelines.
Hormonal contraception may affect vestibular physiology and contribute to vestibular disorders.
opinionunclearDiagnosing vestibular disorders in hormonal contraception users presents unique clinical challenges.
opinionpartially supported- PMID
- 42261458
- DOI
- 10.7759/cureus.110393.
- Journal
- Cureus
- Publication type
- review
- Evidence level
- 5
- Population
- Women of reproductive age using hormonal contraception with vestibular symptoms
- Intervention
- Hormonal contraception (various forms)
Primary outcomes
Association between hormonal contraception and vestibular dysfunction; Diagnostic accuracy and clinical challenges in this population