Break Free From Hormonal Migraines: A Functional Medicine Approach

Migraines are a common challenge for many women, especially those linked to hormonal shifts throughout the menstrual cycle. This post dives into the root causes of hormonal migraines and explores effective, natural solutions to alleviate your symptoms.

1. Reproductive Hormone Fluctuations

Hormonal migraines often arise due to large fluctuations, particularly around ovulation, menstruation, or during premenstrual days. These migraines can also strike unexpectedly during perimenopause when hormone levels fluctuate wildly. Estrogen dominance (high estrogen relative to progesterone) is a frequent culprit behind hormonal migraines, especially during perimenopause when estrogen levels often peak.

What Can Help?

• Hormone Testing: Get a DUTCH hormone test to assess hormone levels and metabolites.
• Acupuncture: This natural treatment can help balance sex hormones.
• Vitex Supplement: Supports progesterone production.
• Bio-Identical Progesterone: Consider this under professional guidance to help balance estrogen.

2. Hormonal Migraines: Inflammation During Your Period

Hormonal migraines can intensify during menstruation due to an increase in inflammatory prostaglandins (PGs) in the uterine lining. High levels of PGs in women prone to migraines can trigger intense menstrual migraines. Vitamin E has proven to reduce prostaglandins, easing pain and migraine symptoms during menstruation. Studies show that 400 IU of vitamin E taken for five days around menstruation can reduce the intensity and frequency of menstrual migraines.

What Can Help?

• Vitamin E Supplementation: Try 400 IU of quality vitamin E for five days during menstruation.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Aim for 2–4 grams of omega-3s during menstruation for additional anti-inflammatory support.
• Magnesium: Magnesium deficiency is widespread, and low levels can cause migraine. Check out my article Magnesium for Women: Are You Getting Enough? to learn more. I recommend taking 250 mg of magnesium glycinate at night.

3. Blood Sugar and Insulin Fluctuations

Blood sugar spikes and crashes can be another common migraine trigger, as they affect insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar. Eating refined carbs or sugary foods can lead to rapid insulin surges, causing blood sugar levels to drop, which may provoke hormonal migraines.

What Can Help?

• Balanced Meals: Ensure each meal has enough fiber (7-10g), protein (20 grams or more), and healthy fats to prevent blood sugar spikes.
• Minimize Refined Carbs: Avoid sugary foods and refined carbohydrates that spike insulin.
• Snack Wisely: If you need to snack between meals, opt for protein and fat-based options to sustain blood sugar levels.
• Use Testing: Get help from a qualified practitioner to assess and regulate blood sugar through bloodwork, continuous glucose meters (CGM), or finger prick tests. We specialize in this in our practice!

4. Stress Hormone Surges

Stress is a well-known trigger for hormonal migraines, as it elevates adrenaline, cortisol, and other stress hormones. These hormones can activate migraine pathways, particularly if they surge rapidly.

What Can Help?

• Test Stress Hormones: A DUTCH adrenal test can reveal imbalances in cortisol and DHEA levels.
• Mindful Stress Management: Implementing stress-management techniques can make a significant impact on your resilience to migraines. Try techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and gentle movement exercises.

Ready to Take Control of Hormonal Migraines?

Don’t let hormonal migraines hold you back. Our functional medicine approach uncovers the root causes of your migraines and creates a personalized plan for lasting relief. We combine targeted lifestyle strategies with acupuncture for hormone balance, pain relief, and deep relaxation. Whether you’re dealing with hormone imbalances, blood sugar fluctuations, or stress-driven migraines, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Reach out to work with us and start your journey to a migraine-free life.