Headaches are not just temporary discomfort; they can significantly affect quality of life. Research indicates that women are more prone to migraines than men, raising questions about the underlying causes. One major factor highlighted by studies is hormonal changes.
اضافة اعلان
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, hormone-related headaches are among the most common types affecting women, particularly during periods when estrogen levels fluctuate.
While hormone-related headaches are common, they can be managed. Awareness of the causes, careful symptom tracking, and maintaining healthy daily habits can reduce severity and allow women to carry out daily activities more effectively.
How Do Hormones Affect the Brain?
Estrogen is a key hormone in the female body, regulating reproductive functions and maintaining balance in several vital systems. When estrogen levels drop suddenly—as occurs during menstruation or postpartum—the brain becomes more susceptible to chemical changes that trigger migraine attacks. The perimenopause period is also a sensitive stage, with increased reports of headaches due to hormonal instability.
Menstrual Cycle and Headaches
Medical observations show that women often experience migraine attacks directly linked to their menstrual cycle. Tracking symptoms on a monthly calendar is an important step in understanding the connection. Medical solutions may include:
Preventive medications taken before menstruation.
Oral contraceptives, which may help some women.
Medically stopping the menstrual cycle in severe cases.
Differentiating Migraine from Tension Headache
Migraine: Characterized by throbbing pain lasting 4 hours to 3 days, sometimes accompanied by visual disturbances, sensitivity to light or sound, and nausea.
Tension headache: Usually presents as pressure or tightness around the head and is not associated with nausea.
Management and Prevention
Prevention is as important as treatment. Effective strategies include:
Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule.
Drinking water regularly to avoid dehydration.
Avoiding excessive caffeine.
Practicing relaxation exercises and behavioral therapy to reduce stress.
Seeking physical therapy for neck or shoulder stiffness.
