Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers, influencing everything from our moods to our menstrual cycles. And when it comes to migraines, hormones play a significant role in women’s lives. In fact, more than 8 out of 10 people with chronic migraine are women.
So, what’s behind this hormone-migraine connection? It all starts with estrogen, the hormone that can trigger migraines when levels rise and fall. One in four women will experience a migraine at some point during their life. And for many, these episodes are linked to hormonal changes.
For example, some women may notice their first migraine around the start of their period, while others may feel the symptoms begin 2 days before or 3 days after menstruation. Pregnancy and menopause are also common times when hormonal shifts can trigger migraines. Breastfeeding, on the other hand, seems to have a protective effect for some women.
So, how can you identify your personal patterns? Keeping a migraine journal can help you track when your symptoms occur during your menstrual cycle. And if you notice that your migraines tend to strike around the same time each month, there are ways to take control.
For instance, taking an NSAID pain reliever or triptan a few days before your period may help prevent a migraine. Or, consider taking birth control pills and skipping the placebo week to keep your hormones level. These strategies can make a big difference for some women.
But what about when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding? While migraines during these times can be challenging to manage, there are non-drug treatments that can help. Yoga, massage, staying hydrated, and getting extra rest can all contribute to migraine relief.
And what about menopause? This life stage is marked by a decline in estrogen levels, which can lead to fewer migraines for many women. However, the transition period leading up to full menopause (known as perimenopause) can be a different story. Estrogen fluctuations during this time can trigger migraine attacks. Hormone replacement therapy and certain medications may help alleviate symptoms.
The good news is that many women find their migraines decrease after menopause. By understanding the role of hormones in your migraines, you can take steps to manage your symptoms and regain control over your health.
Takeaway: Hormones play a significant role in triggering migraines for many women. By tracking your patterns, using non-drug treatments during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and exploring hormone-related therapies during menopause, you can better navigate the hormonal landscape and reduce the frequency of your migraine attacks.
