Menopause Headaches And MigrainesWhat are some of the causes and possible treatments for menopause headaches and migraines? Menopause refers to that period of a woman’s life after her last menstrual cycle. This should not be confused with perimenopause, which comprises of all the years prior to the actual menopause when a woman’s menstrual cycle is fluctuating wildly and getting ready to shut down. There are several symptoms which are associated with menopause. Some of these are minor discomforts while a few might be excruciatingly painful. Headaches and migraines are a common symptom of perimenopause. Causes of Headaches and Migraines during Menopause Every woman is unique and has her own story to tell regarding her menopausal symptoms. Some might breeze through the phase while others have a truly harrying time of it. There are immense hormone fluctuations during menopause and this is considered to be the main cause for headaches and migraines during perimenopause. However, in some women low levels of estrogen which are common during menopause are the main cause for excruciating headaches. Anxiety and general depression which are common occurrences during perimenopause can also lead to headaches. These factors can be easily contained by a more understanding environment where people understand the mood swings that a menopausal woman undergoes and sympathize with them. Hormone replacement therapy which is sometimes undergone during menopause might also lead to migraines in some women due to sudden hormone fluctuations. Common Triggers which Might Lead to Migraines in Menopausal Women Menstrual periods which cause the estrogen levels to reach the lowest are a common trigger for migraines. Stress and anxiety are other factors which could lead to menopausal migraines. Missing out on a meal can lead to hunger pangs which in turn can cause severe headaches and even migraines in menopausal women. For this reason, a proper diet taken on time is highly advisable to prevent migraines. Some foods are potent triggers to migraines. Caffeine and chocolates are commonly known triggers, alcohol and food additives called nitrates which are generally found in junk foods are other triggers. MSG which is common preservative found in the Asian food substances can also lead to headaches in menopausal women. Cure for Headaches and Migraines in Menopausal Women Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a common therapy which is prescribed to menopausal women suffering from headaches and migraines. Estrogen levels are increased in a woman’s body artificially; this is generally done at a regular basis and proves beneficial in some women. However, in others this constant hormone fluctuation caused to injecting estrogen can trigger migraines. One has to experience this therapy once to understand how one reacts to it. It is believed that ingesting both estrogen and progestin together can minimize the risks of HRT a great deal while increasing its positive affects. A healthy and balanced diet comprising of whole grains, fruits and vegetables while avoiding migraine triggers like chocolates, alcohols and caffeine can go a long way in fighting menopausal headaches. Aromatherapy, meditation, biofeedback, massaging and acupuncture can be useful. An overall improvement in the quality of life by regularly exercising and having constant sleep patterns can prove very beneficial in fighting headaches and migraines.
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