Hormonal migraines are most commonly experienced by women and are associated with the female reproductive cycle and sex hormones. They are known to be precipitated by fluctuations in the levels of estrogen and progesterone. Serotonin is a chemical closely associated with migraines and it has been observed that a decline in estrogen levels also causes a decline in the level of serotonin. Women mostly experience a drop in estrogen levels during menstruation, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause and pregnancy. Intake of oral contraceptives is also known to trigger this type of migraine.

Causes of Hormonal migraines:

• Pregnancy
• Imbalance of the female sex hormones
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Menstruation
• Menopause
• Oral contraceptives
• Childbirth

Symptoms of Hormone headache:

The headache begins on one side of the head and may gradually branch out to the other side as well.

This is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, vertigo, increased sensitivity to light, sound and smell.

The symptoms differ from woman to woman.

The degree of pain ranges from moderate to excruciating.

Migraine symptoms can also vary during different episodes.

The attack can last from a few hours to few days.

Hormonal migraines: A nuisance for women

Different women respond differently to hormonal migraines. The symptoms also tend to be different from woman to woman. The headache pain can be sudden and debilitating in the case of many women and is accompanied by irritability, fatigue, mood swings and tiredness.

Treatment of Hormonal migraine:

In order to get treated it is essential for you to consult a doctor and take prescription medicines such as NSAIDs (non steroidal anti—inflammatory drugs) such as naproxen sodium, ketoprofen, ralfen, ketorolac and nalfon. Drugs containing an ergotamine agent can also be administered to patients suffering from hormonal migraines. Frova, a drug belonging to the class of tryptans has also been found helpful in treating this type of migraine.

Other treatments:

Exercising: Regular exercise helps release endorphins that are the natural pain relieving opiates found in the human body.

Relaxation techniques: These include deep breathing exercises and meditation techniques that help prevent migraines.

Aromatherapy: Oils of lavender, eucalyptus, marjoram and sandalwood are effective in relieving migraine headache.

Alternative therapies: These include acupuncture, shiatsu, reiki and spa therapy.

Biofeedback: Hormonal migraines are known to respond well to biofeedback and can be prevented.