Have you ever gotten a migraine when your emotions were on the rise? Not surprisingly, migraines go hand-in-hand with hormone fluctuations, and women experiencing their menstrual periods are no exception to this. Some women receive the additional “gift” of a migraine every month.
Migraines are primarily a dysfunction of the nervous system with an inflammatory component. But in the case of menstruation, the hormone estrogen flairs up and causes women to become more susceptible to migraines.
If you’re not used to migraines, it may be important to differentiate them from regular headaches. Migraine symptoms include:
- Smell sensitivity
- Sound and light sensitivity
- Throbbing pain
- Flashes of light (auras)
- Vomiting and nausea
If migraines accompany your periods, you may need to work on naturally balancing your hormones.
Treating Migraines Naturally
A recent study found that approximately 27% of migraines were triggered by food and another 38% were triggered by alcohol. Common triggers include:
- Aged cheese
- Red wine
- Gluten
- Food additives
- Preserved foods.
To prevent migraines, avoid food triggers and focus instead on foods that are rich in magnesium. These anti-inflammatory foods can help, thanks to their high magnesium content:
- Nuts
- Avocado
- Seeds
- Fatty fish
- Turmeric
Migraines are debilitating for many people. We know from personal experience that they can keep you from working efficiently, participating in family activities, and getting adequate rest. Whether you experience them every day or once a month, contact our office if you would like help finding the root cause of your migraines.
