Hormones and Headaches

by Connie
(NC, USA)

Hi Mary Kay...

When I was in my twenties, I started getting migraine headaches. They weren't very frequent, maybe one every six months or so.

Over time, that progressed. By the time I was in my thirties, the headaches were debilitating and came as frequent as once or twice a month.

I couldn't function when I had one of my migraines, the pain was too severe. I sometimes wished someone would take a sledge hammer to my head because I knew the pain of the hammer would be far less than the pain I was experiencing and would at least put me out of my misery.

Eve the best headache medicine alone never worked. I needed dark, cool, silence. Sometimes for hours.

Then, I got pregnant with my first and only child. My headaches stopped. For nine wonderful months I was headache free.

What a blessing that was! However, in the back of my mind I kept thinking, 'what if the headaches come back after I deliver my baby?' What if it's because my hormones are different being pregnant and it all just goes back after I'm not anymore?'

I delivered a healthy baby boy who has just recently turned seven. I have not, to this day, had a single migraine headache in the last seven years.

Is there a connection between hormones and headaches? Has anyone really researched this to try and find a cure for migraines?

I know it cured me.

Connie from http://www.power-of-giving.com/randon-acts-of-kindness.html

Answer:

Hi Connie,

Well I am glad you are better now. It is quite common for women with menstrual migraine to have a great improvement or even have their headaches disappear during pregnancy.

About 70% of migraineurs improve during pregnancy, while 30% stay the same or unfortunately get worse. For those with headaches during pregnancy if this is a new onset of headache, it should be evaluated by a physician as rarely blood clots can form during pregnancy and travel to the brain.

The good news for you is your migraines are gone. This does happen with some women, but you should know that you still have the potential to develop migraine later in life..specifically during the peri-menopause to menopause years. It doesn't mean it will happen, just that it might.

Yes, there has been plenty of research done on menstrual migraine as it is now called. It is now an official diagnosis according to the International Headache Society who determines the definitions of headaches.

Take care!
Mary Kay Betz MS RPA-c