Headaches, Migraines and Menopause

Menopausal Headaches and Migraines: causes and treatment options

Millions of Americans deal with regular migraine headaches, but did you know that 7 in 10 migraine sufferers are women? This is largely due to fluctuations in the production of estrogen levels. During menopause, a woman’s estrogen hormone levels decrease, and this may have an impact on headaches and migraines. Menopausal women may experience a change in their migraine attacks in association with menopause; the change occurs perimenopausal or postmenopausal.

Women experience headaches and migraines in many different ways. In some women, headaches are linked to hormonal fluctuations, and they tend to come and go with their menstrual cycle. For these women, menopause may provide some welcome relief from migraines.

For others, migraines may worsen or just start for the first time at perimenopause. A large number of women suffering from migraines are either perimenopausal or postmenopausal. Many of those who are perimenopausal believe they will be cured of migraines after completing the hormonal changes of menopause. If you’ve begun hormone replacement therapy, you might find headaches springing up as a side effect. Some may first experience migraines while using hormonal contraception. If you experience migraines while using hormonal contraception, please speak to your women’s healthcare provider.

What Does a Migraine Feel Like?

Typically, migraines cause a moderate-to-severe throbbing pain that is worse on one side of the head and is usually aggravated by physical activity. Other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and noise, are common. Migraines usually last 4 to 72 hours and may rarely occur up to several times a week.

What is a Migraine with “Aura”?

Sometimes, a migraine is just a migraine, but other times, a migraine is immediately preceded by some other strange symptoms, called the “aura.” These symptoms include:

• A tingling or numb sensation in the face or fingers
• Mild visual hallucinations, like flashing lights or floating shapes
• Temporary blindness in peripheral vision
• Distortions in perception, like the sense of taste, touch, or smell
• Confusion, mental fog

What are the Causes of Migraines?

The causes of migraines aren’t well understood, but medical researchers believe that fluctuating hormones play an important role. Changes in your brain chemistry can cause your brain’s blood vessels to swell, pushing on nerves. Migraines run in the family and are more common in women than men.

Treating Migraines During Menopause

Migraines can be extremely painful and debilitating for the sufferer. Please come in and see us if you’re experiencing migraines. We want to help you overcome this serious condition.

One thing that might be helpful for your doctor is if you keep a diary to log instances of migraines. This will help you answer your doctor’s questions, such as: What time of day and how often do your migraines occur? How would you rate the pain? Did anything trigger the migraine? How long did it last, and did anything help mitigate the pain?

You and your doctor can discuss reducing migraines, such as getting plenty of sleep, using relaxation techniques, and changing your diet. Your doctor may recommend biofeedback therapy – a type of therapy in which the patient learns to control bodily responses voluntarily with the help of a machine and licensed therapist. Some patients have also had success with acupuncture.

Taking birth control pills during perimenopause may provide both contraception and relief from hot flashes and migraines. If you have menstrual migraines during perimenopause, you may want to use a low-dose estrogen on the days surrounding your period as a preventive measure.

Some treatment options for migraines include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  These drugs, which include ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin) and aspirin, may relieve migraine headaches.
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Excedrin Migraine
  These over-the-counter medications may also provide relief from migraines.
• Triptans (tryptamine-based serotonin receptor agonists)
  These drugs include Imitrex, Maxalt, Axert, and Zomig. They work by constricting blood vessels and blocking pain pathways in the brain.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  Hormone treatment might ease migraines in some women while exacerbating them in others. Speak to your doctor about your concerns.
• Botox
  It may help treat chronic migraine headaches.
• Other medications
  Certain cardiovascular drugs, antidepressants, and anti-seizure drugs seem to prevent or reduce the frequency of migraine headaches.
• Vitamins and minerals
  Supplementation of coenzyme Q10, magnesium, and high doses of vitamin B2 may also prevent or reduce the frequency of headaches.

 

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