Understanding the root causes behind migraines in women
In the complex world of neurological conditions, migraines stand out as a significant health issue, particularly for women. A new study sheds light on the relationship between hormones and migraines, offering insights into why females are more susceptible to this debilitating condition.
Approximately 20% of people with migraine experience aura, temporary sensory disturbances that occur before the headache [1]. For women, hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can trigger these episodes, primarily through changes in estrogen levels [2][4].
Migraines tend to remit during pregnancy when estrogen levels are high and stable, but often worsen postpartum when estrogen rapidly decreases [4]. Oral contraceptives and hormone therapies can either worsen or improve migraines, depending on how they affect hormone levels, but may increase stroke risk in women with migraine with aura [2][4].
Research from 2018 suggests that estrogen increases sensitivity in the cells of the trigeminal nerve, potentially contributing to migraine episodes [1]. High estrogen levels may also increase the risk of migraine with aura by raising the chance of cortical-spreading depression [1].
Stress can be a migraine trigger, and it may have a stronger impact on the development of migraine in females due to increased inflammation [3]. Progesterone-only contraceptives can be alternatives to combined contraceptives for people who cannot take estrogen.
Magnesium supplements can be used as a form of preventive treatment for migraine [1]. Common triggers such as skipping meals, stress, alcohol (especially wine), caffeine, and sensory stimuli are important contributors to migraine episodes [2][5][4].
It's important to note that the link between migraine and hormones is not fully understood, and previous research has had flaws that make it difficult to understand the connection [1]. However, the findings suggest that hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle may be a factor in the increased likelihood of migraine in females [1][4].
In summary, the cyclical drop in estrogen around menstruation is a key hormonal migraine trigger in females, acting alongside a range of other environmental and lifestyle triggers to provoke migraine attacks [1][4][5]. Understanding this relationship can help women better manage their migraines and improve their quality of life.
[1] Migraine Research Foundation. (n.d.). Hormones and Migraine. https://migraineresearchfoundation.org/resource/hormones-and-migraine/
[2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Migraine. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20376241
[3] National Health Service. (2021). Migraine. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/migraine/
[4] National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2021). Migraine. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Migraine-Information-Page
[5] American Migraine Foundation. (2021). Migraine Triggers. https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/migraine-triggers/
- In the realm of neurological disorders, migraines are a considerable health-and-wellness issue, particularly for women's health, mainly due to their susceptibility to hormonal fluctuations during menstruation.
- The new study elucidates that estrogen, a crucial hormone, might instigate migraines by increasing sensitivity in the trigeminal nerve cells.
- Hormonal therapies like oral contraceptives can either alleviate or exacerbate migraines, with a potential increase in stroke risk for women with migraine and aura.
- Stress, a known migraine trigger, may impact women more due to increased inflammation during their menstrual cycle.
- Mental health, as a factor, is closely associated with migraines, as stress can act as a catalyst for migraine attacks.
- Migraines present a complex interplay between hormones, the person's health, and various environmental and lifestyle factors, making their understanding crucial for managing migraines effectively and improving women's quality of life.
