What can cause dizziness when cycling?

[Thompson]

So I've been training for a big ride I'm doing next month (London 100). The last few rides I have started to become dizzy after the first 5 mile or so. I don't really know what is causing it.

I was thinking maybe it's because I've been losing weight? It's not intentional but I've lost about a stone this last month (not through lack of eating, I'm quite a pig to be honest). I always eat on long rides and take gels and bars and drink but nothing seems to help.

Any ideas what could cause it/stop it?

Thompson.

 

[vickster]

Eat before you ride?
How often has this happened and over what time period? How far are you riding? How often

I'd get checked by your GP if it continues, get your BP checked, unintentional weight loss can be a red flag, example for diabetes. Get blood tests done if GP thinks necessary

Maybe take a rest for a week too, could just be fighting a virus. No point putting health at risk

 

[Thompson]

Always ride after breakfast anyway.

Happened the last 5 rides I've done, over a 2 week period. Riding between 30-90 miles depending on the weather!

Mm, I figured if I lose another stone or so I'll go to the Doc's, but it sounds a bit odd saying im losing weight when Im exercising haha.

Thanks for the reply!

 

[Markymark]

You eating enough the night before? Are you drinking enough when off the bike?

 

[Thompson]

Oh yeah, food intake isn't an issue, I just love shovelling it down my throat

probably not drinking quite enough but I am drinking a lot more than what I was last year.

 

[Markymark]

Also, are you going from 0-100 straight from the blocks...so to speak?

 

[Crackle]

So I've been training for a big ride I'm doing next month (London 100). The last few rides I have started to become dizzy after the first 5 mile or so. I don't really know what is causing it.

I was thinking maybe it's because I've been losing weight? It's not intentional but I've lost about a stone this last month (not through lack of eating, I'm quite a pig to be honest). I always eat on long rides and take gels and bars and drink but nothing seems to help.

Any ideas what could cause it/stop it?

Thompson.

You're young so this shouldn't be happening. I do not pile in with see the doc often but in this case, I would, just to rule out some obvious stuff with a simple urine and blood test. Might be nothing but go anyhow.

 

[Thompson]

MakryMark: No, generally don't go mental till I've warmed up a bit.

Crackle: I'll up the calories a bit this month and see if that helps but if not I think it will have to be a Doc.

 

[vickster]

Assume you are burning 30 calories a mile (40 if fast and hilly) and increase your intake accordingly

How heavy are you? If you have much weight to lose, probably not a concern, keep an eye

 

[Thompson]

9 stone 5 at the minute. Not really wanting to lose any more.

 

[vickster]

How tall are you? Have you always been skinny?

 

[Thompson]

5 foot 10. Yeah always been thin

 

[jefmcg]

GO SEE A DOCTOR!! You've lost a 6 kg in a month while eating lots of food and you are getting dizzy. What are you waiting for?

Dizzy shouldn't be ignored anyway. Even if it is nothing serious underlying, it could be a prelude to passing out, which could be very bad if riding down hill or amongst traffic.

 

[vickster]

5 foot 10. Yeah always been thin

See a doctor, that's a lot of body weight

 

[jefmcg]

Yeah, according the the NHS

Your body weight can regularly fluctuate, but the persistent, unintentional loss of more than 5% of your weight over 6 to 12 months is usually a cause for concern.

You've lost nearly 10% in a month.