The Link Between Hormone Changes and Migraines

Migraines are more than just severe headaches, they’re debilitating neurological episodes that can significantly impact your quality of life. Hormonal changes are among the various factors that can trigger migraines, especially in women. 

Here at Neurology Specialists of Albuquerque, board-certified Timothy Ownbey, DO, specializes in diagnosing and managing a range of neurological disorders, including migraines. 

How hormones influence migraines

Hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, have a major impact on the brain and the way the brain handles and perceives pain. Estrogen, for example, affects the levels of serotonin and other chemicals in the brain that influence pain perception. Fluctuations in estrogen levels can trigger migraine episodes or make existing migraines worse.

Menstrual cycle and migraines

For many women, migraines are closely linked to their menstrual cycle. These menstrual migraines typically occur in the days leading up to or during menstruation when estrogen levels drop sharply. 

The influence of hormones on migraine is so prevalent that menstrual migraines are classified as a distinct headache disorder.

Pregnancy and migraines

Hormones change during pregnancy and that can affect migraine patterns. While some women experience a decrease in migraine frequency during pregnancy, particularly in the second and third trimesters, others may see an increase or no change at all. 

This variation is due to the body's changing hormone levels and individual responses to these changes. If you have a history of migraines and are pregnant, Dr. Ownbey can help you manage your migraines safely during this period.

Migraines and menopause

Peri/menopause, which marks the end of a woman's reproductive years, is another time of dramatic hormonal fluctuation and decline. As estrogen levels decline, some women may experience an increase in migraine frequency or severity. 

However, post-menopause, when hormone levels stabilize at a lower level, many women find that their migraines improve. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can also affect migraines during menopause, sometimes alleviating them and other times worsening them, depending on the type of HRT and individual response.

Birth control and hormone therapy

Hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement therapies can both influence migraine patterns. Some women find that hormonal birth control helps regulate their migraines, while others may experience increased frequency or intensity of migraines. 

Strategies for managing hormone-related migraines

There are several strategies for managing migraines. Keeping a detailed migraine diary can help identify patterns related to hormonal changes, enabling better planning and management. Preventive medications, lifestyle changes, and nonhormonal treatments can also improve hormone-related migraines.

For menstrual migraines, preventive treatments such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) taken around the menstrual period can be effective. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate hydration, and stress management techniques like yoga and meditation can also help reduce migraine frequency and severity.

Other approaches, such as biofeedback and cognitive-behavioral therapy, can provide additional relief without the risks associated with certain medications.

It’s possible to reduce the impact of hormone-related migraines and improve your overall quality of life. If you experience migraines and suspect they may be related to hormonal changes, contact us at Neurology Specialists of Albuquerque to request an appointment with Dr. Ownbey. We can help you explore tailored treatment options to get your migraines under control.