Migraines and Hormones

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

12 May 2009 04:41 PM

My mother was around my age when she started having migraines. I'm starting to consider the fact that some of my splitting headaches recently are the result of monthly hormone changes.

Symptoms of migraine can include:

• Moderate to severe pain (may be a pounding, throbbing pain) that may shift from one side to the other or affect the whole head.
• Sensitivity to light, noise, and/or odors
• Blurred vision
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Sensations of heat or cold
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Aura -- seeing bright, flashing lights or dots, blind spots, and/or wavy lines

I've definitely been experiencing some of these symptoms with the onset of my period -- the pain, the loss of appetite and upset stomach, the fatigue. The pain was bad enough that I was crying.

According to WebMD, between sixty and seventy percent of women with migraines report that the migraines are related to their menstrual cycles. So if I am having menstrual migraines, at least I'm in good company!

Research has found a relationship between hormone levels (particularly estrogen levels) and headaches and/or migraines. Estrogen levels drop right before menstruation starts, and many women suffer migraines just before or during menstruation. During the late 1960s, researchers noticed that migraines can be more severe when a woman is undergoing hormone therapy (like birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy during menopause).

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are a popular treatment for menstrual migraines. These are available without a prescription -- like ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). Experts suggest that if you suffer from menstrual migraines, you may have the best results from starting NSAIDs two to three days before your period and continuing until your period stops.

Some prescription medications may also help treat menstrual migraines. Ergotamine drugs, beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics have all been used to help prevent menstrual migraines. Your doctor can help you determine the best course of treatment if menstrual migraines are a problem.

Learn more about Aimee Amodio

Aimee is a fiction writer... dog lover... music lover...

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger