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.

What are Hormonal Migraines?

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:

• Menstrual periods: Estrogen levels significantly drop just before menstruation often triggers a migraine.
• Pregnancy: Hormones can act to relieve symptoms or aggravate them during different times of pregnancy.
• Menopause: The hormonal fluctuation during menopause can intensify a migraine, while some women tend to find relief.
• Hormonal therapies: Birth control and HRT tend to level off hormone balances in some individuals but will exacerbate a migraine in others.

Complex Role of Hormones in Women’s Neurological Health

Estrogen and Neurological Health

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.

Menstrual Migraines

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 and Hormonal Shifts

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 Therapies and Management of Migraine

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.

Post-Menopause: Migraine Remission or Continued Struggles?

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.

Effect on Neurological Health Due to Hormonal Changes

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.

Managing Hormonal Migraines: Practical Strategies

While hormonal changes are inevitable, several strategies can help manage migraines effectively:

1. Tracking Your Cycle

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.

2. Consulting Specialists

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.

3. Adopting a Healthy Lifestyle

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.

4. Exploring Preventive Therapies

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.

5. Mind-Body Techniques

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.

The Times Network India Health Summit 2026 brought together policymakers, clinicians, researchers and healthcare industry leaders to discuss the future of India's healthcare system, with conversations spanning medical innovation, access to treatment, mental health, women's health and preventive care.

The third edition of the Times Network India Health Summit & Awards was held in New Delhi on October 28 under the theme, The Blueprint for a Future-Ready Healthcare Ecosystem: Innovation. Access. Self-Reliance.

From the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnostics to advances in fertility treatment and the need to strengthen public health infrastructure, various sessions explored several aspects of how healthcare delivery could evolve. Here are the key discussions and takeaways from the summit.

Anupriya Patel Highlights India's Healthcare Priorities Including Ayushman Bharat Coverage

Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel addressed the summit on building a future-ready healthcare ecosystem. With around 500 Ayushman Bharat cards issued, Patel also said that 132.5 million people had received free treatment under the scheme.

She also addressed India's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, stating that Union health budget increased from around Rs 37,000 crore in 2014 to more than Rs 1.06 lakh crore.

Also read: Infertility Affects 1 In 6 Couples: Experts Highlight Age, IVF Costs & Male Fertility At Times Health Summit 2026

Delhi Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Singh Addressed Air Pollution Crisis

Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh answered key questions about the city’s looming air pollution crisis. He said that the government's various pollution-control measures, including electric vehicle (EV) policy can help fight it. He also spoke about the need for long-term solutions.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) AYUSH Prataprao Jadhav, Madhya Pradesh Minister of State Narendra Shivaji Patel and Uttarakhand Cabinet Minister Subodh Uniyal, were also scheduled to address different aspects of healthcare policy and delivery.

Padma Bhushan Dr S K Sarin On Liver Health

Padma Bhushan Dr Shiv Kumar Sarin, leading hepatologist, gastroenterologist, and medical educator who also serves as the Senior Professor, Chancellor, and Director of the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), recently spoke about the dos and don’ts to maintain a healthy liver at the Times Health Summit 2026.

From ideal breakfast time to late night eating, the expert spoke about common lifestyle mistakes people make that could worsen their liver health.

Also read: Unspoken Side Of Breast Cancer: Experts Discuss Recurrence Risk, Emotional Toll & Societal Impact At Times Health Summit 2026

Need For Investment In Ayurveda & AYUSH Sector

The session From Tradition to Therapeutics: The New Science of AYUSH was based on the role of traditional medicine in India's healthcare landscape.

Dr Biswaroop Roy Chowdhury, Founder of BRC Clinics Health, and Dr Tanmay Goswami, Founder of Goswal, discussed Ayurveda, its potential applications and questions surrounding its integration with modern medicine.

The speakers spoke about Ayurveda’s scientific research, evidence, AYUSH funding, clinical applications and integration with western medicine. The experts said that Ayurveda sector is valued at approximately $17–18 billion, while China's traditional medicine sector is estimated at around $30 billion, calling for greater investment in the sector.

Mental Health: Suicide Risk, Screen Addiction & More

Mental healthcare was another focus, with Dr Deepak Kumar, Professor and Head of the Department of Psychiatry at the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), discussing The Next Frontier in Indian Psychiatry: Specialization, Geriatric Mental Health, and De-addiction Strategies.

The doctor discussed immediate threat of suicidal thoughts, warning behavioural signs, screen addiction and need for parents to supervise and limit screen use in children.

Also read: Leading Gastroenterologist Padma Bhushan Dr S K Sarin Shares Dos & Don’ts For Healthy Liver At Times Health Summit 2026

Aftermath Breast Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment

Women's health was featured prominently at the summit, with the knowledge session Take Charge Together: Shaping a Future of Greater Breast Cancer Awareness and Better Outcomes.

The session featured Dr Meenu Walia, Chairman of Medical Oncology at Max Healthcare; Vaishali Iyer, Country Head of Communications, Patient Advocacy and CSR at Novartis in India; and Dr Pankaj Goyal, Senior Consultant and Unit Head of Medical Oncology at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute.

The experts focused on the risk of recurrence, the emotional toll of breast cancer treatment, financial and societal hardships, body image issues, intimacy problems and other challenges patients face after leaving the hospital.

Fertility Treatment And Parenthood

The panel The Fertility Revolution: Reimagining Parenthood in Modern India spoke about the evolving field of reproductive medicine and the challenges faced by people seeking fertility treatment.

The speakers included Dr Ranjana Sharma, Senior Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital; Dr Vimal Grover, Senior Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Fortis LaFemme; Dr Hrishikesh Pai, Founder and Managing Director of Bloom IVF India; and Dr Abha Majumdar, Emeritus Consultant in IVF and Human Reproduction at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

The session brought attention to fertility preservation, IVF costs, male infertility, stigma women face, and the judgments that come with seeking IVF for starting a family.

Also read: Experts Discuss Ayurveda For Treating Lifestyle Disorders, Medical Emergencies & Trauma At Times Health Summit 2026

Why Menopause Is A Long-Overlooked Health Issue

The session From Silence to Care: Why India Can No Longer Ignore Menopause focused on menopause and the need to bring greater attention to women's health during midlife.

The session was led by Sanjith Shetty, Founder and CEO of Miror. He spoke about the suicide rates among menopausal women, along with other life challenges like divorces, retirements, and social isolation.

Digging Deeper Into Longevity Science

The fireside chat From LifeSpan to HealthSpan: Can Science Help Us Live Longer and Better? explored the science of longevity and the difference between living longer and maintaining good health for more years.

The conversation featured Dr Chirantan Bose and Dr Preetesh Bhandari, founders of Vytalyou. They spoke about the importance of maintaining muscle health, monitoring neurological health, and warding off lifestyle diseases like obesity and diabetes.

Other Sessions

The role of technology in modern medicine was explored in Precision Diagnostics: AI, Genomics & The New Era Of Personalized Care. The panel featured Dr Arjun Dang, CEO and Partner at Dr Dangs Lab; Dr Manish Vaish, Director and Head of the Institute of Neurosciences at Medanta, Noida; and Dr Belal Bin Asaf, Director of the Institute of Chest Surgery, Chest Onco-Surgery and Lung Transplant at Medanta, Noida.

The discussion focused on the evolving role of artificial intelligence and genomics in diagnostics, personalised treatment and improving diagnostic accuracy.

The future of specialised medical services was examined in The Next Frontier of Advanced Care: Scaling Capacity, Innovation & Clinical Excellence. The session brought together Dr V.S. Chauhan, Chairman and Managing Director of Prakash Hospitals and Institutions, and Prof. Dr Sanjeev Bagai, Chairman of Nephron Clinic.

The discussion centred on expanding advanced healthcare capacity, strengthening clinical excellence and leveraging innovation and technology to improve patient outcomes while making specialised treatment more accessible.

Addressing the challenges of equitable healthcare delivery, Reengineering Public Health Infrastructure: Last-Mile Delivery, Digital Health Equity, and Rural Access brought together Dr Anoop Saraya of the Institute of Liver & Biliary Sciences; Dr Charu Dutt Arora of AmeriHealth Home Healthcare, Asian Institute of Medical Sciences; Dr Gyanendra Kumar of Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences; Girish Krishnamurthy, CEO of Tata Medical & Diagnostics; and Dr Jyoti Wadhwa of Apollo Athenaa Women's Cancer Centres.

The session focused on strengthening public health infrastructure, improving rural and last-mile access, and exploring the role of digital health and healthcare delivery models in bridging gaps in access to medical services.

The journey of a breast cancer patient does not end when their treatment comes to a conclusion. There is always a risk of recurrence, which makes regular follow-ups and adherence to treatment important.

At the Times Network India Health Summit and Awards 2026 in New Delhi, a panel formed by Dr Priya Parmar, Chief Operating Officer, Indian Cancer Society, Delhi, Dr. Jyoti Wadhwa - Principal Lead of Medical and Precision Oncology, Apollo Athena Women’s Cancer Centres, New Delhi and Apollo Hospital, Gurgaon, Dr. Meenu Walia, Chairman Medical Oncology, Max Healthcare, Dr Pankaj Goyal, Sr Consultant and Unit Head, Medical Oncology, RGCI, and Vaishali Iyer, Country Head, Communications, Patient Advocacy and CSR, Novartis in India, discussed the big picture after breast cancer treatment.

During a panel discussion titled “Take Charge Together: Shaping a Future of Greater Breast Cancer Awareness and Better Outcomes,” experts highlighted the physical, emotional, social and financial challenges that women may continue to face after treatment among many more.

What Comes After Breast Cancer Treatment?

For many women, the period after breast cancer can involve more than medical monitoring. They may face fatigue, menopausal symptoms and changes in body image after undergoing a major physical change, while concerns about intimacy, fertility and relationships can affect emotional and mental well-being.

Dr. Priya Parmar highlighted how losing a breast or hair can affect a woman's sense of identity and femininity. Some survivors also face social stigma related to marriage and fertility, while sexual health and relationship concerns may remain difficult to discuss.

The burden can be greater for women who lack family support or have limited financial resources. These circumstances may affect not only emotional recovery but also their ability to attend follow-up appointments and continue treatment.

The financial strain can become particularly difficult if cancer returns and further investigations or treatment are required.

Dr. Meenu Walia said that treatment for advanced disease can add to the economic burden faced by patients and their families.

Also read: Vanessa Trump Recovers From 'Very Invasive' Breast Cancer, Reveals Early Sign Of The Disease

Risk Of Recurrence

The risk of breast cancer recurrence is not the same for every patient. It depends on the cancer's stage and subtype, tumour grade, lymph node involvement, response to treatment and whether treatment is timely.

Dr. Jyoti Wadhwa explained that different breast cancer subtypes can follow different recurrence patterns.

Triple-negative breast cancer tends to recur earlier, often within the first two to three years after treatment. Hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, however, can return even 10 to 20 years later.

She also said that patients who achieve a pathological complete response after treatment given before surgery may have a lower risk of recurrence than those with residual disease.

However, a lower estimated risk does not mean the risk is eliminated. Continued monitoring is important even for patients who have responded well to treatment.

Also read: Beyond the Lump: Overlooked Breast Cancer Symptoms That Can Delay Diagnosis

Feeling Better Is Not A Reason To Skip Follow-Ups

One concern raised by the experts was that some patients stop taking prescribed oral hormone therapy or miss appointments after their symptoms improve.

“Your first attempt at treatment is always your best attempt,” Dr. Walia said, underlining the importance of appropriate diagnosis and treatment from the outset.

Follow-up care helps doctors monitor a patient's recovery, assess treatment-related effects and make decisions based on individual clinical circumstances. The appropriate schedule and any further treatment depend on the patient's diagnosis, risk profile and medical history.

Experts also cautioned against allowing the possibility of recurrence to dominate a survivor's life. Understanding individual risk should help patients make informed decisions, rather than leave them in constant fear that cancer will return.

Post-Treatment Care Needs More Than Medical Monitoring

The long-term effects of breast cancer also have implications beyond the individual patient. Vaishali Iyer, Country Head of Communications, Patient Advocacy and CSR at Novartis in India, highlighted an estimated 140 million productive hours lost due to breast cancer care, drawing attention to its wider economic impact.

Dr. Wadhwa emphasised the need to address treatment-related concerns, including menopausal symptoms and bone health, which may require attention even after primary cancer treatment has ended.

Dr. Pankaj Goyal, Senior Consultant and Unit Head of Medical Oncology at RGCI, stressed that doctors must build trust with patients and explain recurrence risks without causing unnecessary alarm. Discussions about care should also account for patients' personal circumstances and financial constraints.

The panel discussion, titled “Take Charge Together: Shaping a Future of Greater Breast Cancer Awareness and Better Outcomes,” took place at the Times Network India Health Summit and Awards 2026.

Padma Bhushan Dr Shiv Kumar Sarin, leading hepatologist, gastroenterologist, and medical educator who also serves as the Senior Professor, Chancellor, and Director of the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), recently spoke about the dos and don’ts to maintain a healthy liver at the Times Health Summit 2026.

Held under the theme “The Blueprint for a Future-Ready Healthcare Ecosystem – Innovation. Access. Self-Reliance,” the summit brought together healthcare professionals and industry stakeholders to discuss innovation, access to treatment and policy approaches shaping India's healthcare sector.

Should You Drink Hot Water In The Morning For Bowel Movement?

The doctor addressed the daily morning ritual of drinking hot water in the morning, which a lot of people follow to release bowels.

Dr Sarin said, “Don't use hot water or anything for that matter to make you go to the toilet because it is the connection between the brain and the bowel that is very important.

He also spoke about opting for other drinks like coconut water or lemon water with honey. He said that lemon can help improve iron absorption in your body.

He added, “As per coconut water is concerned, it has potassium which is very good for your bowel health but it should still not be an everyday thing. For nimbu and honey, you should remember that honey has fructose. So if you are consuming honey, you also need to churn that out."

Also read: Fatty Liver Disease: Scientists Identify 5 Subtypes With Different Health Risks

Ideal Time for Breakfast

Many of us do not know what is the right time for breakfast. It is especially important as eating after fasting for eight to ten hours affects your energy and metabolic health throughout the day.

Dr Sarin said, "It's after sunrise. Minimum 12 hours after the last food that you have eaten. Ussay pehle galti nahi kariyega khaanay ki. Let the stomach, and the bacteria and the intestine recover."

He also spoke about whether you should have fruits for breakfast. "Breakfast should be fruits. And, low calories fruits. Avoid carbs."

Also read: The Changing Obesity Treatment Landscape: Where Does Bariatric Surgery Fit in the Age of Weight-Loss Drugs?

How Coffee Affects The Liver

There is a lot of information as well as misinformation about coffee consumption and liver health. Dr S K Sarin spoke in its favour and said that it could prevent a lot of liver conditions.

He said, "It does many things. it clears several toxic things including fat, clears the flow of bile, good enzyme inducer, prevents fibrosis of the liver and can decrease cirrhosis and also the development of liver cancer."

He also warned ignoring healthy dietary habits and simply relying on coffee is also not ideal. He added, "Coffee is not medicine, it is something which can help you prevent and not treat."

Is Your Lunch Completely Healthy?

Dr Sarin also warned against eating more amount carbohydrates than the recommended limit. He explained how sitting next to an obese person can make you feel physically lethargic as their breath may emit endogenous alcohol.

When you eat a carbohydrate-heavy meal, your digestive system breaks down carbohydrates into sugars. Certain microorganisms in the gut, including yeasts and some bacteria, can ferment these sugars and produce small amounts of ethanol, or alcohol. This is known as endogenous alcohol production.

Dr Sarin recommends eating low-carb meals for lunch like sprouts, vegetables, yoghurt, buttermilk or low-sugar fruits.

Late-Night Eating Is A Red Flag

Dr Sarin recommends having dinner before sunset. He also said that having late-night dinners could disrupt your sleep.

He added, "Obesity during youth increases the risk of heart disease later in life. After the age of 40, eating one meal a day may have health implications. The total daily calorie intake should not exceed 300–400. Avoid eating late at night. Eating late can also affect your insulin resistance."

Yearly Screening To Keep Liver Health In Check

Dr Sarin also said that thin people can also have unhealthy fat that may cause fatty liver. He recommended yearly screens to keep liver health in check.

He said, "Even thin people can have excess body fat and low muscle mass, which may affect their health. Being thin does not necessarily mean being healthy. Maintaining good muscle mass is important."