Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Understanding Hormonal Headaches


It is common for lots of women to experience hormonal headaches. They can be very painful and deplete the body of much needed energy. Hormonal headaches can affect women of all ages, but it is more likely to occur in women who are at the stage of starting the menopause.

They are thought to be caused by hormonal changes that affect the body, most likely due to the drop of estrogen levels. The headaches can be more frequent at times such as ovulation, usually just before or after. There are other possible causes for hormonal headaches.

The symptoms of a hormonal headache can be likened to those of a migraine. There is usually throbbing pain on one side of the head. The sufferer may also experience vomiting or feeling nauseous, as well as sensitiveness to bright light and deafening noise.

Many people first suffer from hormonal headaches as an adolescent; this is attributed to the drop in estrogen and serotonin levels at this time of life. Women may also suffer from hormonal headaches when the menopause is just starting, just before their monthly menstrual cycle or if they are on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

There are some things that hormonal headache sufferers can do to try and minimise the effects of these headaches. It may be worth trying to track when your ovulation time occurs every month (similar to the charting that couples use when trying to conceive). This may help you to know when the headaches are likely to start and finish. Starting on a course of oral contraception is also an effective method for some women.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and making changes to certain habits may help to reduce or eliminate the chances of having hormonal headaches. Daily exercise such as running or an aerobics workout will keep you strong and healthy. Pilates and yoga are also good too as they can strengthen your muscles and tone your body.

Having a healthy diet will contribute immensely to beating and deterring hormonal headaches. Avoid foods that are processed, particularly meats. Cut out any food with additives or those that contain Monosodium Glutamate (MSG). It is recommended that you try and drink between 6 and 8 glasses of water daily.

Alcohol, caffeine and sugar may be triggers associated with hormonal headaches so these are best avoided. Try not to snack during the day and then have a big evening meal. Eat between 5 and 6 small meals throughout the day; this will help to keep your blood sugar levels stable and hopefully deter those headaches from appearing.

If the headache becomes quite serious then it is more likely that it will be classed as a hormonal migraine. It is possible that your medical doctor can prescribe NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents) to help with the pain of this condition.

Any woman who has had a hormonal headache knows how painful it is. Following the above guidance will help to eliminate stress and reduce the chances of a hormonal headache forming.

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