Female hormones play a great role in the formation and maturity of the reproductive system. The hormones drive the events that make a woman as she is, such as menstruation and pregnancy. Since these hormones serve as the regulating substance in the body’s normal system, any triggers in the balance on the levels of these hormones will surely cause havoc in the system. For instance, during the pre-menstrual cycle, some women experience a terrible migraine that adds up to the total discomfort of sluggishness, back pain, and lower abdominal pain. Being a woman, therefore, may succumb you to a hormonal roller-coaster throughout your life.
Estrogen levels drop and trigger the menstrual migraines 2 to 3 days before menstruation. The same hormone that promotes the development of the female reproductive organs may also trigger the discomfort felt in the menstrual cycle.
Most women opt a natural remedy for their menstrual migraines. After all, it only happens within the menstrual cycle. Here are some suggested ways on how to survive menstrual migraines, naturally.
- Increase Magnesium Intake
This important nutrient helps relax the blood vessels that constrict during a migraine attack. You can source magnesium from dark green vegetables, beans, bananas, seafood and whole grains. You may also opt to take natural magnesium supplements at 400 mg daily.
- Manage Your Stress
Stress can sometimes be a pain in the head. Try to manage the inevitable stress to help alleviate headaches. Menstruation and stress can go hand in hand and it is good to do some relaxation exercises to manage the discomfort. You can do yoga, meditation and some form of mild exercises.
- Avoid Food Triggers
Identify the foods that usually trigger your headache. It may vary from one person to another but the usual food triggers are chocolates, processed meats, dried fruits with preservatives, alcohol, red wine, and caffeine. Skipping meals, especially breakfast, can also trigger a headache so it would be wise to eat meals at regular intervals.
- Modify Your Diet
Research says that reducing or eliminating intake of gluten, sugar, and red wine has shown a significant reduction in hormonal related headache symptoms. Modification of this diet for 30 days is supposed to have significant positive effect in reducing menstrual migraines.
- Keep Yourself Hydrated
The aim is to drink at least 3 liters of water to avoid dehydration and reduce the episodes of hormonal headaches.
- Consult your Physician
Menstrual migraines are usually triggered by hormone imbalances. Have your physician check your estrogen and progesterone levels. By knowing these levels, the physician can prescribe the necessary medication to balance your hormones.
These are suggested natural relief for menstrual migraines. Some women may opt to go for painkillers, NSAIDS, beta blockers and calcium channel blockers. Doctors may recommend using birth control pills for the menstruation to regulate and also to provide steady levels of estrogen source to prevent menstrual migraines.
Here are some natural supplements to help maintain women’s health as she undergoes a roller coaster ride with her hormones.
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References:
Lifescript.com. (2016). 7 Remedies for Menstrual Migraines. [online] Available at: http://www.lifescript.com/health/centers/migraine/articles/7_remedies_for_menstrual_migraines.aspx [Accessed 21 May 2016].
Female Hormones: What are they and what is their function?Posted in Health Tips, e. (2016). Female Hormones: What are they and what is their function?. [online] From Doctor. Available at: http://fromdoctor.com/female-hormones-what-are-they-and-what-is-their-function.html [Accessed 21 May 2016].
MD, S. (2016). 5 Ways to Treat Hormonal Headaches Naturally. [online] Sara Gottfried MD. Available at: http://www.saragottfriedmd.com/5-ways-to-treat-hormonal-headaches-naturally/ [Accessed 21 May 2016].
WebMD. (2016). Migraines, Headaches, and Hormones. [online] Available at: http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/guide/hormones-headaches#2 [Accessed 21 May 2016].