Hormonal headaches, just like what the name suggests, are headaches brought about by fluctuations in the hormone levels. Needless to say, they primarily bug women. And because hormonal headaches are often accompanied by a bunch of other symptoms, they can be very burdensome!
Read on if you are woman who often suffers from terrible headaches before or during your period so that you may learn more about it, and also get to know some remedies for it. Afterwards, share this article so that others who are constantly annoyed by hormonal headaches may also get to know them better.
The levels of hormones in a woman’s body fluctuate most especially before her period strikes, which can continue until her menstrual cycle comes to an end. Such hormonal change can have a considerable impact on the brain and how it perceives pain, and this is what gives rise to hormonal headaches.
Other forms of headaches can be due to stress, fatigue, lack of sleep and dehydration, while hormonal headaches are the result of hormonal changes. However, those common causes of headaches can also contribute to headaches that are related to the hormones, causing them to worsen and become harder to bear.
However, it’s not just women who are about to get or already having their period can suffer from hormonal headaches. Women who are pregnant can experience hormonal headaches especially during the first few weeks of pregnancy. But do take note that there are those who obtain release from hormonal headaches after getting pregnant.
Women who are entering the menopausal stage (perimenopause) or are already in that stage may also experience a lot of hormonal headaches. However, about two-thirds of those who have hormonal headaches during the perimenopausal stage report of attaining relief once they have entered menopause itself.
Are you taking oral contraceptive pills? Then it could be the reason why you are suffering from hormonal changes. Some women who are going through hormone replacement therapy also report of experiencing them.
While the number one solution that women go for to put an end to their hormonal headaches is popping painkillers in their mouths, there are also a few all-natural solutions available. Free of side effects, these remedies can help in considerably reducing hormonal headaches.
Here are some of the things that you may try the next time you have a hormonal headache:
Drink plenty of water
Dehydration can cause headaches, and it’s something that can worsen hormonal headaches. Make sure that you consume around 2 liters of water a day to stay hydrated.
Cut back on sugar
For a lot of women who suffer from hormonal headaches, steering clear of anything that contains a lot of sugar helps in reducing the problem.
Avoid gluten and tyramine
So many women report of attaining relief from terrible hormonal headaches simply by keeping away from anything with gluten, and also tyramine that can be found in cured meat, smoked fish and cheese.
Eat plenty of fish
Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids which are said to help in restoring normal hormone levels. The best fish to include in your diet are the oiliest ones that you can find such a mackerel, trout, sardines and herring.
Reduce stress
Certainly, stress is something that can worsen hormonal imbalance, which can then exacerbate hormonal headaches. Avoid as much stressors as you can and do yoga or mild exercise to reduce stress.
Take supplements
A lot of women who are prone to hormonal headaches swear by the effectiveness of CoQ10 and magnesium in keeping the problem to a minimum.
If your hormonal headaches are so bothersome that you can no longer live a normal life each time they show up, it’s a good idea for you to seek the help of your doctor.