Migraines In Women: How Hormones Influence Neurological Health
For those who have not experienced a migraine, perhaps it would seem just another headache. But for someone like me who has suffered through migraines that will last over a week even with medication, I can definitely tell you that it's much more. The ache is not confined to the head; it's the whole experience. Nausea, sensitivity to light, and throbs so bad it makes simple tasks unbearable. It also comes with an emotional burden—the loneliness and frustration are pretty unbearable. Through the years, realizing how hormones are also implicated in triggering and exacerbating my migraines has helped change the game in my dealing with these episodes.
Hormonal migraines are caused by fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone, the two main female hormones. These hormones are essential for the reproductive system, regulating menstrual cycles and pregnancy. They also have an effect on brain chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine, which affect mood and pain perception. When hormone levels fluctuate, such as during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, they can destabilize the pathways in the brain, causing migraines.
According to Dr. Shivananda Pai, Consultant Neurology, migraines are more than a neurological disorder. "Migraines represent a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. In women, hormonal fluctuations are a critical trigger that amplifies sensitivity to pain," he explains. Hormonal headaches are particularly challenging because they are influenced by multiple life stages, from puberty to post-menopause. Common causes include:
Estrogen, often called the "hormone of femininity", does more than regulate reproductive functions. It is a powerful influencer of brain health. Estrogen modulates the activity of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which regulates mood and pain perception, and dopamine, associated with reward and pleasure.
During stages of hormonal stability, like in pregnancy's latter months, women may have fewer migraines because of the steady elevation of estrogen. However, a sudden downfall in estrogen destabilizes these chemicals in the brain, sending a heightened sensitivity for migraine triggers.
The most common form of hormonal migraines is menstrual migraines, which occur in response to the steep decline in estrogen levels just before menstruation. These are typically more intense and less responsive to standard treatment. The timing of these migraines provides clear evidence of the role hormones play in neurological health.
Pregnancy is a rollercoaster of hormones. Although many women experience relief from migraines as a result of the constantly elevated levels of estrogen, some women, particularly in the first trimester, worsen. This individual variability is a characteristic of hormonal migraine triggers.
Hormonal treatments, such as oral contraceptives and HRT, have had mixed reviews regarding their use in managing migraine. Some women fare better with the stabilization the treatment provides, whereas others suffer worsening symptoms. This will depend on the nature and dose of the hormones used.
For most women, menopause brings relief from their migraines. The decline in frequency and severity often accompanies stability in hormone levels. Even so, the susceptibility remains with some towards other forms of triggers including stress and sleep deprivation, not to forget diet-related factors and continues the saga of migraines well after the menopausal stages.
The relationship of hormones to neurological health goes beyond migraines. Hormonal changes have profound effects on a woman's brain in general.
Mood Disorders: Estrogen helps stabilize mood by regulating serotonin. Its decline at menopause increases the risk of mood swings and depression.
Neurodegenerative Diseases: Estrogen is neuroprotective, stimulating the growth and repair of brain cells. Its absence in post-menopausal women has been associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Hormonal cycles may affect the course of MS, a disease that occurs more frequently in women than in men. Estrogen's anti-inflammatory effects provide transient protection during pregnancy, reducing relapse rates in women with MS.
"The intricate interplay between hormones and neurological health underscores the need for gender-specific treatment approaches," says Dr. Pai.
While hormonal changes are inevitable, several strategies can help manage migraines effectively:
Understanding your menstrual cycle can help identify patterns and predict when migraines might occur. This knowledge allows for preventive measures, such as scheduling medications or adjusting lifestyle habits.
Working with a neurologist or gynecologist can help develop a personalized treatment plan. Options might include hormonal therapies, triptans, or preventive medications tailored to your specific needs.
A well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management are all integral parts of managing migraines. For instance, magnesium-rich foods and hydration can help reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.
For people with severe or frequent migraines, preventive medications, such as beta-blockers or CGRP inhibitors, may be prescribed. These medications stabilize brain activity and therefore reduce the chances of migraine during hormonal fluctuations.
Techniques like yoga, meditation, and biofeedback can enhance wellness and reduce the debilitating effects of stress-one of the most common migraine triggers.
Research that was once in its embryonic stage continues to shed more light on the role of hormones in migraines and other neurological conditions. Further breakthroughs in genetic testing might enable doctors to predict, at least in a way, how an individual would react to hormonal therapies. The importance of gender-specific approaches is gradually being realized, which involves differentiating between the plight of women with migraines from others.
As Dr. Pai puts it, "Empowering women with knowledge about the hormonal underpinnings of migraines can lead to better, more personalized care. With the right strategies, migraines can be effectively managed, allowing women to lead fuller, healthier lives.
Migraines are not headaches; they are a complex neurological condition that deeply impacts the lives of millions of women. Understanding the role of hormones in triggering and exacerbating migraines is a vital step toward better management and relief.
Awareness, proactive care, and advances in medical research can help women regain their lives from the grip of hormonal migraines. Whether tracking cycles, adopting healthier habits, or seeking tailored medical care, every step taken toward understanding and managing migraines is a step toward empowerment.
Dr Shivananda Pai is a Consultant Neurology at KMC Hospital Dr B R Ambedkar Circle in Mangalore, India.
Brandes JL. The Influence of Estrogen on Migraine: A Systematic Review. JAMA. 2006;295(15):1824–1830. doi:10.1001/jama.295.15.1824
Sacco S, Ricci S, Degan D, Carolei A. Migraine in women: the role of hormones and their impact on vascular diseases. J Headache Pain. 2012 Apr;13(3):177-89. doi: 10.1007/s10194-012-0424-y. Epub 2012 Feb 26. PMID: 22367631; PMCID: PMC3311830.
Credit: Sanae Takaichi/Instagram
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has sparked debate after revealing that she gets very little sleep since taking office.
In a post on X, Takaichi wrote that she had managed to get "five full hours of sleep for the first time in ages"—an improvement from her usual "zero to three hours" a night since becoming prime minister.'
"On weekdays, by the time I get back to the residence, I'm maxed out on private time just handling bath cleaning, bathing, dinner, washing up afterward, laundry, and some light tidying," she wrote.
"So the late-night hours after that get consumed until dawn with reading materials brought back from the Prime Minister's Office or prepping for … question time."
Takaichi added that whatever free time remained was spent ironing handkerchiefs, catching up on laundry, and repairing clothes.
While the disclosure offered a rare glimpse into the pressures of Japan's highest office, it also sparked a nationwide debate about the health risks of chronic sleep deprivation.
"I think she should rest more," Democratic Party for the People leader Yuichiro Tamaki said at a news conference.
"Why doesn't her entourage provide more support to create an environment in which she can make important decisions with a fresh mind?"
However, some of Takaichi's colleagues defended her.
"Each person has their own various circumstances and behind-the-scenes stories, and on the premise of fulfilling responsibilities in public duties, I would be grateful if you could understand," Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Ayano Kunimitsu wrote on X.
Also read: Could Poor Sleep Be One of the Earliest Signs of Alzheimer's Disease? Study Says Yes
Dr. Nitin Dange, Comprehensive Stroke and Endovascular Neurosurgeon at Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, told HealthandMe that regularly missing sleep can increase the risk of neurological problems over time.
"Currently, due to hectic schedules, people are now sacrificing sleep to meet work deadlines, study longer, or spend more time on screens. Missing a few hours of sleep once in 2-3 months is harmless.
However, chronic sleep deprivation can not only cause irritation and weight gain but also neurological issues. During sleep, the brain processes memories, repairs nerve cells, regulates emotions, and clears waste products that accumulate throughout the day," Dr. Dange said.
A recent research, published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia, suggests that disruptions in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, during which we dream, consolidate memory, and process emotions, could be among the earliest biological signs of Alzheimer's disease.
Dr. Priyam Bordoloi, an Internal Medicine Resident from Assam, also highlighted the dangers of sleeping less than six hours a night.
"When you hit deep sleep, your brain's glymphatic system activates. Think of it as a plumbing system that actively flushes out metabolic waste and neurotoxic proteins (like beta-amyloid) accumulated during the day. When you consistently sleep less than 6 hours, you cut this vital cleaning cycle short. The toxins build up. If you do not fix this, you are actively fast-tracking your risk for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke etc. It's a bad habit we all need to fix," he wrote on X.
Experts recommend getting 7-9 hours of sleep every night for optimal brain health.
Credit: Canva
The ovaries are a pair of pelvic organs in biological females associated with reproduction. Cancer of the ovaries is unfortunately increasing in incidence and usually presents late in the course of the disease. Ovarian cancer is often called the ‘silent killer’ because of the symptoms, which can be vague and easily mistaken for minor digestive issues. To date, we do not have a reliable tool to screen and detect ovarian cancer early.
Certain risk factors for ovarian cancer increase your chance of getting it in the future. An important point to keep in mind is that having a risk factor alone does not mean one will develop ovarian cancer in the future.
Conversely, some people who get ovarian cancer may not have any known risk factors. Some risk factors, like smoking, can be changed.
Others, like genetic mutations or family history, can’t be changed. Scientists have discovered several risk factors that increase a person’s chance of developing epithelial ovarian cancer.
These include:
Older age: Most ovarian cancers begin after menopause. If one experiences pelvic bleeding after menopause, it is important to see a doctor.
Genetics: Ovarian cancer does run in families. The most common inherited gene mutations are BRCA1 and BRCA2. We now have very reliable tests to detect these genetic mutations and tailor-made specific treatments which are effective.
Hormones: Hormones play a complex role in the development of ovarian cancer. In general, the total number of times a woman ovulates during her lifetime is related to her risk of ovarian cancer. More ovulations can mean a higher risk. Thus, early menses (before 12 years of age) or late menopause (after 52 years of age), and use of hormone replacement after menopause do increase your risk. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are considered protective.
Lifestyle: Certain factors such as lifestyle choices are within our control. While we cannot change our DNA or our reproductive history, certain lifestyle choices like smoking, drinking, and lack of exercise may influence our biological environment.
Weight Management: Research suggests a link between obesity and an increased risk of several cancers, including ovarian cancer. Adipose (fat) tissue produces estrogens, which can fuel certain cellular changes. Maintain a healthy weight to reduce your risk.
Sedentary Habits: Many studies suggest that regular exercise such as walking, yoga, and weight training can reduce your risk of ovarian cancer.
Smoking: While primarily linked to lung cancer, smoking is strongly associated with mucinous ovarian cancer, a specific subtype of the disease.
Dietary Patterns: While there is no singular “superfood” that can help prevent cancer, consuming a diet rich in vegetables, lots of lean proteins like fish, chicken, eggs, tofu, etc, and whole grains can help support a healthy immune system.
Every year, World Ovarian Cancer Day is observed on May 8. This is an initiative to raise awareness globally for educating the public about symptoms, risk factors, and the need for early detection of ovarian cancer. This year’s theme was No Woman Left Behind, which aims to ensure that all women have access to means of early detection, quality care, support, and to spread awareness so that no symptoms are ignored.
We should all do our bit but not spread fear or stigma. Since there is no universal screening tool for ovarian cancer, awareness of symptoms and associated risk factors is key. By recognizing the interplay between our genes, our hormonal history, and our daily habits, we can hope to move toward a future where ovarian cancer is detected earlier and treated more effectively.
Credit: iStock
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, are best known for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, a new study published in The BMJ suggests that people with diabetes using these blockbuster drugs may have an increased risk of hair loss (alopecia).
While the absolute risk is low, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Southern California identified alopecia as a possible side effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists, particularly semaglutide and tirzepatide.
“GLP-1 receptor agonist use was associated with a higher risk of clinically recorded alopecia, particularly non-scarring alopecia, in patients with type 2 diabetes, compared with SGLT-2 and DPP-4 inhibitors,” the researchers wrote.
Non-scarring alopecia is a type of hair loss in which the hair follicles remain intact, making hair regrowth possible.
The researchers said the findings could help inform shared decision-making when considering GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy and highlight the need for further research into dermatological outcomes.
Researchers analyzed health data from 12,004 patients using GLP-1 receptor agonists and compared them with 15,221 patients using SGLT-2 inhibitors between January 2019 and September 2024. They also compared another 11,964 GLP-1 receptor agonist users with 11,233 DPP-4 inhibitor users.
The study found that adults using GLP-1 receptor agonists had:
Further analyses showed the association was specific to non-scarring alopecia, with a 53% higher risk compared with SGLT-2 inhibitors and a 72% higher risk compared with DPP-4 inhibitors.
The researchers noted that rapid weight loss is a well-established trigger of hair shedding and may also lead to iron or zinc deficiencies, disrupting the hair growth cycle.
They added that hormonal changes may also play a role, although further studies are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms.
The researchers acknowledged that they could not assess the severity, extent, duration, or reversibility of alopecia after treatment was stopped because of limited clinical information. They also could not rule out the influence of other unmeasured factors.
However, they said the study was based on high-quality data from a large, representative cohort, and the findings remained consistent across additional analyses.
“Our findings extend previous anecdotal safety signals and provide more systematic evidence to inform clinical awareness of this potential adverse effect,” the researchers concluded.
If you're experiencing excessive hair shedding while taking semaglutide, you may consider:
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