Hormonal migraines are a type of headache linked to fluctuations in hormone levels. They commonly affect women due to the natural hormonal changes that occur throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. These headaches can vary in intensity, duration, and type, ranging from mild to severe, and are often classified as menstrual migraines or premenstrual syndrome (PMS) headaches.
The headache may be preceded by an aura, with nausea or vomiting and a sensitivity to light. Interestingly there are hormone receptors in the eyes.
They can also be accompanied by fatigue, poor appetite or cravings for salt and sugar and a general feeling of inflammation.
Causes of Hormonal Migraines
The tendency for these type of headaches to occur around the time of menstruation suggests that they are precipitated by a drop in either progesterone or oestrogen or by an imbalance of progesterone to oestrogen ratio, but in the direction of oestrogen excess.
Stress will make matters worse as stress can cause low blood sugar resulting in headaches, irritability and exhaustion.
The perimenopause, menopause, the contraceptive pill and HRT can all cause hormone levels to fluctuate.
Other causes of migraines/headaches -
- Skipping meals
- Poor sleep
- Over-exercise
- Artificial sweeteners
- Stress
- Alcohol
- Digestive turmoil
- Food sensitivities
- MSG
- Low salt
- Low blood sugar
- Not eating enough
- Low thyroid
Prevention and Relief of Hormonal Migraines
1. Consider the hormone balancing herb Chaste tree (Vitex Agnus-castus).
Studies show that women given Chaste tree for three months reduced the headaches they experienced during their menstrual cycle by 66%. Chaste tree can help balance hormones naturally, reducing typical premenstrual symptoms when taken regularly.
2. Avoid hormone disrupting chemicals.
As headaches can be caused by unopposed oestrogen (oestrogen dominance) it is important to reduce xenoestrogens (oestrogen mimicking chemicals) -
- Try to purchase hormone free foods
- Consider swapping out chemical laden toiletries and make-up for more natural products
- Avoid touching till receipts, or wash hands straight afterwards - BPA's are chemicals present in high concentrations in receipt paper and linked linked to reproductive harm. They are known as Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDC) because they can act as a xenoestrogens.
- Reduce the use of plastics in bottles, food stuffs etc.
3. Hydrate with salted water.
Adding a pinch of sea salt to a glass of water has been shown to alleviate migraines. It may be useful to add electrolytes to your water.
Neuroscientist Dr Stanton recommends that every migraine sufferer should start the day with one-eighth of a teaspoon of salt.
4. Consider taking natural progesterone like the one from Forefront Health.
Studies show that Progesterone appears to play a protective role against migraines.
5. Support liver function.
The liver plays a significant role in hormone balance and thyroid conversion. To support healthy liver function and detoxification the liver requires adequate protein and glucose (fruit, root vegetables, honey etc. The liver also needs adequate selenium, copper, zinc and vitamins A, E, and B.
Consider liver supportive herbs like Milk thistle, Dandelion, Andrographis and Digestive bitters.
6. B vitamins help migraines.
A 16-week study on women with episodic migraines revealed that supplementing with a B complex reduced headache attacks significantly. Several studies show that B vitamins can help prevent migraines.
Other studies show that taking Vitamin B2 at a dose of 400mg a day reduces migraines when taken consistently for 1- 3 months
7. Support thyroid health.
Migraines can be a symptom of low thyroid which often occurs around the perimenopause. It is important to speak to a health expert regarding thyroid health and blood results, even when the report shows results are within range.
The Forefront Health range helps to support healthy thyroid function.
8. Magnesium for migraines.
The American Migraine Association report that hormone related migraines can be prevented with magnesium. Magnesium can also help with tension headaches and cluster headaches. Since people with migraines often have low magnesium levels, the American Headache Society recommends a daily dose of 400 to 500 milligrams per day.
