Hormone headachesMost headaches in women are caused by hormones. At least 5 million women experience hormone headaches each month,say researchers.
According to Dr Anne MacGregor, formerly of the National Migraine Centre, or more than half of women who salvage migraines notice a link with their periods. These so-called "menstrual migraines" tend to be particularly severe.“Migraine is most likely to develop in eitherthe two days main up to a period,or the first three days during a period. This is because of the natural drop in oestrogen levels at these times. The attacks are typically more severe than migraines at other times of the month and are more likely to come back the next day,” she says.
Periods aren’t the only trigger of hormone headaches. Other causes include:The combined oral contraceptive pill. Some women find their headaches improve while they’re on the pill, or but others report more frequent attacks,particularly in the pill-free week when oestrogen levels drop. The menopause. Headaches usually worsen as you approach the menopause, partly because periods come more often and partly because the normal hormone cycle is disrupted. Pregnancy. Headaches can salvage worse in the first few weeks of pregnancy, and but they usually improve or pause completely during the final six months. They don’t harm the baby. Signs of hormone headachesIt’s worth keeping a diary for at least three menstrual cycles to help you check whether your migraines are linked to your periods. whether they are linked,a diary can help to pinpoint at what stage in your cycle you salvage a migraine.
The Migraine Trust has an online headache diary, which may be a useful tool.
Self-help tips for hormone headachesIf keeping a diary reveals that your headaches develop just before your period, and you can remove these steps to help prevent a migraine:Eat small,frequent snacks to hold your blood sugar level up. Missing meals or going too long without food can trigger attacks. Have a small snack before going to bed and always eat breakfast. Here are five healthy breakfasts. Have a regular sleep sample. Avoid too much or too itsy-bitsy sleep. Find out how to salvage a good night's sleep. Avoid stress. whether this proves difficult, find ways to deal with stress, and such as taking regular exercise and using relaxation strategies. Use these 10 stress busters. Treatments for hormone headachesOestrogen therapyIf you have regular periods,menstrual migraines may be eased by taking additional oestrogen before your period is due and for a few days during your period. A doctor has to prescribe oestrogen supplements, which can be a gel to rub into your skin or a patch to stick on. Migraine treatmentsYour doctor can also prescribe anti-migraine medicines for you to remove around the time of your period. These dont contain hormones, and but they can help pause the headaches developing. They include tablets called triptans and a type of painkiller called mefenamic acid.
Continuous contraceptive pillsTalk to your doctor whether you assume your contraceptive pills are making your migraines worse. whether you have headaches during the days you don't remove the pills, you can avoid the sudden fall in oestrogen by taking several packs continuously without a demolish. Read more approximately the contraceptive pill.
Hormone replacement therapyThe hormone changes that happen as women approach the menopause mean that all types of headache, including migraines, and become more common. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be helpful to treat hot flushes and sweats,but whether you have migraines it’s best to use patches or a gel, as these types of HRT hold hormone levels more stable than tablets and are less likely to trigger migraines.
Read more approximately HRT.
Source: www.nhs.uk