Snoring is the response your body has to multiple factors; therefore, a lot of factors can result in a person snoring, whether they are a male or a female. So, it should not come as a surprise that women, too, snore. To learn what causes snoring in females, carry on reading.
5 Causes of Snoring in Females
Generally, female sex hormones are responsible for increasing the possibility of snoring. So to say, gender might be linked to snoring more than one would think.
So, what actually causes snoring? Pregnancy and menopause are usually accompanied by snoring. That’s not all, since obesity, nasal congestion, hypothyroidism, and more conditions could result in this nighttime symptom.
Below, you’ll find a list of reasons behind snoring in females:
- Pregnancy: Although it is a miraculous time, pregnancy brings a lot of hormonal and bodily changes. The body gains weight during pregnancy, which may cause the blood vessels in the nasal cavity to expand. With time, snoring becomes more prominent, in particular around the third trimester. However, snoring goes away rapidly and noticeably.
- Menopause: Menopause, too, brings forth hormone changes, which include a reduction of estrogen and progesterone. Moreover, weight gain may also take place, which often leads to obesity and changes in breathing. In short, menopause is a common cause of snoring in females.
- Obesity: A primary reason behind snoring in females is obesity. With extra weight gain, extra tissue forms in the throat, neck, and even tongue. As a result, obesity adds to the risk of airway collapsing during sleep. Furthermore, due to obesity, the volume of the lungs might decrease, affecting the breathing pattern.
- Hypothyroidism: When the production of thyroid hormones drops low, the breathing passages might narrow. This leads to hypothyroidism, which can affect the function of other organs and even cause snoring.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Your airways narrow if you are suffering from obstructive sleep apnea. Snoring is a main symptom of obstructive sleep apnea since it affects the breathing pattern. Many people assume that sleep apnea only affects men, but studies have shown that it occurs in women as well.
How to Stop Snoring in Women?
Snoring needs to be assessed by a doctor for a professional diagnosis, as there are many underlying conditions that might be responsible. After diagnosis, you can receive adequate treatment for snoring. Below, we have listed a few useful tips to stop snoring in females:
- Steer clear of smoking, consuming alcohol, and sedatives.
- Visit a doctor to treat nasal congestion.
- Incorporate lifestyle changes and treatments to reduce obesity or excess weight
- Consult your doctor on exercise for the throat and mouth
- Use a nasal dilator
- Ask your doctor for suggestions on oral appliances like a snoring mouthpiece
- Opt for Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) Device if required.
Takeaway
Snoring in females could occur due to multiple causes, such as pregnancy, menopause, obesity, and more. Talk to the Village Park Family Dental team today at (281) 376-4444 for effective treatment, or you can visit us at 12617 Louetta Rd Suite #204, Cypress, TX 77429