Hormonal Migraines: Origin, Symptoms, Remedies, and Prevention Strategies
Hormonal headaches, such as menstrual migraines and PMS headaches, are a common issue for women, especially during certain stages of their reproductive cycle. These headaches are primarily caused by fluctuations or imbalances in estrogen levels[1][4][5].
During perimenopause and menopause, treatment will follow a similar approach and include both acute and preventative care[2]. Common symptoms of hormonal headaches include throbbing pain often on one side of the head, aura (visual disturbances) before the headache in some cases, sensitivity to light, sound, and smell, nausea or stomachache, dizziness, blurry vision, appetite changes, chills, sweating, and sometimes less frequent urination or food cravings[1].
Treatment approaches depend on headache severity and frequency but usually include pain relief with over-the-counter painkillers or NSAIDs, hormonal treatments such as birth control pills or patches to stabilize hormone levels (under medical supervision, especially if pregnant), and lifestyle adjustments like regular sleep, exercise, hydration, and balanced diet[1]. Supplements such as magnesium and vitamin B2 may also help[3].
Non-medical therapies like neuromodulation devices, acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy, yoga, massage, biofeedback, and ice packs can reduce headache severity[1]. It's important to avoid overuse of pain medications to prevent rebound headaches[3].
Tracking headache patterns and potential hormonal triggers in a headache diary can help tailor the treatment. Natural remedies and optimizing body function through reproductive health monitoring can be valuable to address estrogen dominance or hormonal imbalances underlying these headaches[3].
A menstrual migraine can occur between 2 days before, to 3 days after the start of menstruation, likely due to a drop in estrogen[6]. Continuous hormone therapy, often in the form of hormonal birth control, may help regulate hormone levels and prevent headaches from occurring[6].
Eating small and frequent snacks, maintaining a regular sleep pattern, and avoiding stress may help in managing migraines[7]. Preventative medications for hormonal headaches may include hormones, NSAIDS, magnesium supplements, and triptans[7].
In menopause, people may notice an increase in the number and severity of migraine symptoms likely due to hormonal fluctuations[2]. If symptoms are new or worsening, a person should speak with a doctor about either starting a treatment or changing their treatment plan[2].
The primary cause of hormonal headaches is a change in estrogen levels[8]. Serotonin acts as a primary hormone trigger in headaches for anyone, but its interaction with estrogen is a prime factor in causing hormonal migraine headaches for females[8].
Hormones can induce pain responses and alert a person to underlying health conditions[9]. Therefore, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for the best treatment approach during menopause and to manage hormonal headaches effectively.
- Menstrual migraines and PMS headaches are common medical-conditions in women, especially due to fluctuations in estrogen levels during certain stages of their reproductive cycle.
- During perimenopause and menopause, treatment for hormonal headaches will include both acute and preventative care, following a similar approach as during other stages.
- Hormonal treatments such as birth control pills or patches, pain relief with over-the-counter painkillers or NSAIDs, and lifestyle adjustments are common treatment approaches for hormonal headaches.
- Natural remedies like maintaining a regular sleep pattern, eating small and frequent snacks, and avoiding stress can help in managing migraines, especially during hormonal fluctuations.
- Preventative medications for hormonal headaches may include hormones, NSAIDs, magnesium supplements, and triptans, and it's important to avoid overuse of pain medications to prevent rebound headaches.
- If symptoms of migraines or hormonal headaches are new or worsening during menopause, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for the best treatment approach and to manage these health-and-wellness issues effectively.
