Menopause and Migraines: Uncovering the Link
Migraines and menopause can be a complex combination for many women, as hormonal fluctuations during this time can impact the frequency and intensity of migraines.
Migraine is an unpredictable neurological condition that may improve or worsen as a person transitions through menopause. During perimenopause, the fluctuating hormones often cause migraines to worsen or become erratic. However, once menopause is fully established and hormone levels stabilize at a lower level, migraines often improve for many women.
Treatments to alleviate migraine pain during menopause include behavioral interventions like relaxation techniques, yoga, and stress management to reduce migraine frequency and intensity. Medications can also be used to stop or prevent migraines and to control pain and nausea during attacks. Keeping a headache diary to identify triggers is recommended.
Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is prescribed primarily to treat menopausal symptoms rather than migraines. While it may influence migraine patterns, it is not specifically indicated to improve migraines. In fact, recent studies suggest that MHT may worsen them.
A new class of migraine drugs called anti-CGRPs are formulated specifically for the prevention of migraine. These drugs, when combined with lifestyle changes such as getting more frequent exercise, managing stress, and monitoring and avoiding migraine triggers, can offer migraine relief.
Certain complementary and alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, biofeedback, cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, yoga, supplements, and herbs like butterbur or melatonin, can be incorporated into a migraine treatment plan. Transcranial magnetic stimulation may help reduce the frequency of headaches or ease symptoms when migraine occurs.
It's important to note that menopause is not a medical condition, and a person does not need to consult a doctor solely due to this. However, if a person's migraine condition has stopped or improved and they would like to stop taking migraine medications, they should contact a doctor. Similarly, if their migraine headaches change or worsen during menopause or perimenopause, if they do not get relief from migraine medications, if they would like to try HRT, if they began menopause very early, before the age of 40 years, or if their periods suddenly stopped without explanation, they should also seek medical advice.
In summary, navigating migraines during menopause requires a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and potentially complementary therapies. It's crucial to work closely with a doctor who takes your symptoms seriously and specializes in migraine to find the best treatment plan for you.
- Migraines can become more complex during menopause due to hormonal fluctuations, which can increase their frequency and intensity.
- As women transition through menopause, migraines may either improve or worsen, with the latter often being the case during perimenopause.
- Behavioral interventions like yoga, stress management, and relaxation techniques can help reduce migraine frequency and intensity in women struggling with menopause-induced migraines.
- Medication is also used to prevent or control migraines and their associated symptoms during attacks, although menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is not specifically indicated to improve migraines.
- A new class of migraine drugs called anti-CGRPs, when combined with lifestyle changes, can offer substantial relief from migraines.
- Complementary and alternative therapies such as acupuncture, biofeedback, cognitive behavioral therapy, and supplements like butterbur or melatonin can be beneficial additions to a migraine treatment plan.
- It's essential to consult a doctor if a person's migraine condition improves or stops, they want to stop taking migraine medications, or if their migraines worsen, regardless of whether or not they have entered menopause.
- Navigating migraines during menopause involves a blend of lifestyle changes, medications, and potentially complementary therapies, necessitating close collaboration with a doctor who specializes in treating migraines.
