Many people experience headaches, and there are a number of reasons for this: stress, diet, physical strain. But did you know that hormone imbalances can cause intense headaches and migraines as well? When your body is used to a certain level of a hormone, too much or too little can result in an adverse reaction.
How do you know?
How can you identify when a headache or migraine is caused by a hormone imbalance? Usually, hormonally induced migraines and pain are found in conjunction with other symptoms. When you notice any number of these symptoms coinciding with frequent headaches, it could be possible that they are hormonally based:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased or persistent acne
- Joint pain unrelated to exercise
- Sudden cravings for alcohol, chocolate, or salty foods
- Difficulty coordinating movement
- Lower than average urination
- Constipation
Which Hormones Cause This?
These headaches affect both men and women and thought to be most strongly linked to lowered sex hormones (estrogen for women and testosterone for men). It is possible that other hormones like those produced by the thyroid are also involved in the reactions that result in migraines and headaches.
Because these hormones control blood flow, muscle tension and growth, and the release of chemicals in the brain, it’s easy to see how them being out of balance can lead to pain in the brain.
What Triggers These Migraines And Headaches?
Though hormones can be largely to blame for these episodes, other factors are usually involved as well. Here are some of the most common triggers for these kinds of migraines:
- Flashing lights, or other overstimulation of the senses
- Changes in atmospheric pressure, such as changing seasons or severe weather
- Alcoholic beverages especially those that contain tannins, like red wine
- Drinking too much caffeine or suffering from caffeine withdrawal.
- Simple stress
- Irregular sleep schedules, either too much or too little sleep
- Significant changes in diet and exercise routines
- Excessive salt and intense seasonings
- Extra processed foods such as packaged sausage and deli meat
- Artificial sweeteners like aspartame
What Can You Do?
The common thread between most of these factors is a disruption of the body’s homeostasis, or natural balance. If you find yourself prone to these kinds of headaches, it may be a good idea to look at your own schedule and habits. Most experts recommend drinking plenty of water and attempting to calm yourself to reduce stress and lessen the severity of the migraine or headache. Talking to a doctor is always a good idea when it comes to making a significant change in your lifestyle as it relates to your health.
Hormone replacement therapy could also be effective in curbing migraine headaches. Talk to your doctor or hormone expert to determine if hormone replacement therapy is right for you and your symptoms. It’s important to remember that every person is different, and what might be a normal level of a hormone might not be the same for another person. A doctor or hormone expert can help you identify where your baseline is.
If you suffer from hormone induced migraines or headaches, the experts at Renewed Vitality can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
