How do hormonal changes cause headaches and migraines in women?
What are the symptoms of hormonal headaches and migraines?
What treatment options are available for hormonal headaches and migraines?
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in estrogen levels, can trigger headaches and migraines in women. These fluctuations are common during menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum period, motherhood, perimenopause and menopause.
Women also experience headaches or migraines while using the oral contraceptive pill. Estrogen influences chemicals in the brain that affect a woman's pain sensation, which can lead to headaches or migraines during these times.
Symptoms of hormonal headaches can include a dull, throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head, sensitivity to light or sound, and sometimes nausea. Migraines can be more severe, with intense, pulsating pain often accompanied by visual disturbances (aura), nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. These symptoms can last for a few hours to several days.
Treatment options may include:
● Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, triptans (specifically for migraines), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can provide relief.
● Hormonal therapy: Choosing to stop hormonal contraceptives, using estrogen supplements during low-estrogen periods, or managing hormone levels with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help stabilize hormone fluctuations and reduce headache frequency.
● Lifestyle modifications: Regular physical activity, stress management techniques, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches and migraines.
● Dietary adjustments: Avoiding known triggers, such as caffeine, alcohol, and certain foods, can help prevent headaches. Some women choose to stop drinking coffee and alcohol altogether.
Hormonal fluctuations can be a significant trigger for headaches and migraines in women, but understanding these patterns and triggers is the first step toward effective management. The fact is, hormones are critical components to human survival and well-being.
Healthcare professionals severely underestimate the number of women in the world that have low estrogen and testosterone levels. Instead, healthcare professionals prescribe antidepressants or synthetic estrogen when bioidentical hormone replacement is the answer with so many long term benefits and fewer side effects.
Bioidentical hormones are compounds manufactured in a laboratory to chemically match the hormones naturally produced by the human body, primarily estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
Unlike conventional hormone therapies, which may use synthetic or animal-derived hormones, bioidentical hormones aim to offer a more natural hormone replacement option.
The primary advantage of bioidentical hormones is their chemical similarity to the body's natural hormones, which may lead to a reduction in side effects for some women. Advocates for BHRT argue that this can result in a more efficient and natural way to restore hormonal balance.
Additionally, BHRT can be customized to fit the specific hormonal needs of each individual, potentially offering a more precise treatment method.
At Epiphany women’s health, we use pellet therapy to administer BHRT. We believe that the pellets offer the safest and most reliable mode of treatment.
Oral medication, patches, and creams can cause damage to the liver and often cause rollercoaster like symptoms because their release of the hormones are not consistent. Pellet therapy offers slow release at a consistent rate.
Please book a consultation to discuss your symptoms, possible lab tests to determine if you have an underlying health condition, and possibly beginning bioidentical hormone therapy.
Always consult a healthcare professional for the most current information and personalized advice.
We would love to discuss your condition and our treatment options in more detail with you. We are conveniently located in Peoria, IL and Fairhope, AL. We are here to get you back on top of your game and living your best life.
If you’re ready to take the first step, please book an appointment online.
“My visit at Epiphany Women’s Health was wonderful! Dr. Boyd took a lot of time discussing my personal health needs, and was sure to make sure any questions I had were answered. The office staff was so welcoming and kind! My appointment ran smoothly from start to finish with no wait time! I’m happy to call Epiphany Women’s Health Care my home for female healthcare!“
Each one of our providers is board certified and experienced. Rest assured they will provide superior care that you deserve.
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