What is POTS?

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a blood circulation disorder that affects the autonomic nervous system—responsible for regulating automatic body functions like heart rate and blood pressure. It’s characterized by a rapid increase in heart rate when moving from sitting or lying down to standing, often accompanied by symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, or even fainting. According to Healthdirect, POTS typically flares when the body struggles to properly regulate blood flow to the brain upon standing. 

I was diagnosed with POTS in my early 20s and have been managing my symptoms on my own ever since. For me, episodes tend to hit hardest the week after my period and can last anywhere from 2 to 5 days. During that time, symptoms can be pretty debilitating.

My symptoms:

• Seeing dots or black spots when I stand or change positions

• Feeling like I might faint or fall, followed by a brief head rush or headache

• Extreme fatigue, low energy, and overall heaviness in my body

What helps me manage it:

• Drinking 1,000 mg of sodium via an electrolyte mix (I use LMNT)

• Wearing  compression socks

• Listening to my body: taking it easy, going for light walks, and avoiding intense activity and the sun

These steps usually get me back on track, and I’ve learned how to spot the signs early and adjust my day accordingly.