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.

Robotic thyroid surgery is a minimally invasive technique in which the surgeon uses robotic instruments to remove part or all of the thyroid gland. Unlike conventional surgery, which requires an incision on the front of the neck, the robotic approach uses small incisions hidden in the armpit and chest to access the thyroid, thereby avoiding a visible neck scar while maintaining surgical precision.

However, one of the biggest misconceptions about robotic surgery is that the robot performs the operation independently. It does not. Every movement is completely controlled by the surgeon, who sits at a console and guides the robotic instruments with exceptional precision. The technology essentially extends the surgeon's capabilities by providing a high-definition, three-dimensional and magnified view of the surgical field, along with highly flexible, wristed instruments.

Precision beyond the cosmetic advantage

The absence of a visible neck scar is undoubtedly a major advantage, especially for patients concerned about their appearance. However, robotic thyroid surgery is far more than a cosmetic procedure.

The robotic system provides high-definition, magnified 3D vision and wristed instruments that allow meticulous dissection around delicate structures such as the recurrent laryngeal nerves and parathyroid glands. This precision helps preserve these vital structures, minimizing the risk of nerve injury, voice changes, and parathyroid dysfunction. Tremor filtration and enhanced dexterity further improve surgical accuracy.

Together, these advantages result in less tissue trauma, reduced postoperative pain, faster recovery, and excellent functional and cosmetic outcomes.

Also read: Why Your Thyroid Test Results Can Vary Between Labs?

Is robotic surgery suitable for everyone?

Not every thyroid patient is a candidate for robotic surgery. Patients with thyroid nodules, selected early thyroid cancers and certain benign thyroid enlargements may be considered after detailed evaluation.

So, patients with very large goitres, advanced thyroid cancers involving surrounding structures or certain complex medical conditions may be better suited to conventional open surgery.

Therefore, patient selection remains one of the most important aspects of robotic thyroid surgery.

There is a common belief that robotic thyroid surgery is meant only for young patients who want to avoid a neck scar. Is that true?

No. While the absence of a visible neck scar is certainly an attractive cosmetic benefit, it is not the main advantage of robotic thyroid surgery. The real strength of robotic technology lies in its precision, which minimizes tissue trauma, reduces postoperative pain, and promotes faster recovery.

Most patients require pain medication for only 48–72 hours after surgery. These benefits are particularly valuable for elderly patients, who often recover more comfortably and can avoid prolonged use of painkillers. Therefore, age is not a criterion for robotic thyroid surgery. Suitability depends on the nature of the thyroid disease and careful patient selection.

Also read: Breaking Down Weight Gain: The Role Of Hormones And Stress- Know What Really Works For Effective Management

What about voice changes?

One of the major concerns after thyroid surgery is voice alteration, as the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which controls the vocal cords, lies in close proximity to the thyroid gland. The magnified 3D view and wristed robotic instruments enable meticulous identification and preservation of this delicate nerve during surgery.

Although no surgical technique can completely eliminate the risk of complications, the enhanced precision and superior visualization offered by robotic surgery help minimize the risk of nerve injury while ensuring careful preservation of other vital structures.

Is recovery faster?

Recovery after robotic thyroid surgery varies from patient to patient. Most patients are able to walk within a few hours after surgery and are discharged within one to two days. In our experience, pain is usually mild, with most patients requiring pain medication for only 48–72 hours.

As there is no incision on the front of the neck, swallowing and neck movements are often more comfortable during recovery. Reduced postoperative discomfort can be particularly beneficial for elderly patients, in whom prolonged use of pain medication may be undesirable.

Growing adoption in Eastern India

Our Department of Advanced Robotic Surgery has emerged as one of the highest-volume centres for robotic thyroid surgery in Eastern India, currently performing approximately 3–4 robotic thyroid procedures every month. As awareness among patients and referring physicians continues to grow, this number is steadily increasing.

Our experience has been highly encouraging, with no permanent voice changes or major complications reported among our robotic thyroid surgery patients to date. These results reinforce an important message: while robotic technology is a powerful tool, its success ultimately depends on careful patient selection and the experience of the surgical team.

Thyroid surgery need not be a cause for fear. Modern surgical techniques have made treatment safer, more precise, and increasingly patient-friendly. For appropriately selected patients, robotic thyroid surgery offers the advantages of exceptional surgical precision, reduced tissue trauma, faster and more comfortable recovery, and the significant cosmetic benefit of avoiding a visible neck scar.

By Dr. S. K. Bala, Surgical Oncologist and Robotic Surgeon, CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI

Many women may come across the term "breast density" following a mammogram, but not all of them fully understand what it implies. The fact that someone has dense breasts does not mean that they have cancer or that they will definitely get it.

On the other hand, greater breast density can be linked to a higher risk of breast cancer and may also make it more difficult to detect certain cancers on a mammogram.

What Is Breast Density?

The breast density is the ratio of fibrous and glandular tissue to fatty tissue in the breast. Dense breast tissue is a normal variation and is especially frequent in younger women. It should be clear that women cannot tell themselves if their breast has dense tissue or not; it has to be assessed using breast imaging, typically a mammogram.

Breast density is usually divided into four types, going from almost all fatty tissue to very dense tissue, and women who have heterogeneously dense or extremely dense breasts are at a greater risk of developing breast cancer than women whose breasts are mainly fatty.

Also read: Alcohol-Linked Cancer Deaths Doubled In US: Colorectal Leads In Men, Breast Leads In Women

What Do Dense Breasts Indicate?

A major concern is that on a mammogram dense tissue appears white, just as many breast abnormalities—some of which are cancers—do too. This makes it harder for radiologists to spot certain abnormalities. Women need not be alarmed if their mammogram report states that their breasts are dense.

Breast density is just one of the factors to take into account when evaluating the risk of breast cancer; family history, age, past breast conditions, genetic mutations, hormonal factors, reproductive history, and lifestyle must also be considered.

It will depend on a woman's total risk level whether or not further screening is needed. Although mammography is still an important method of screening, in certain individual cases a doctor may suggest extra imaging, for example breast ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Such tests are not required automatically for every woman who has dense breasts.

Also read: How Scientists Blocked Drug-Resistant Triple-Negative Breast Cancer With A Two-Step Drug Method

What Should Women Do?

Women should also know what is normal for their breasts. If a new lump is detected, there is a persistent change in the shape or size of the breast, the skin becomes dimpled, the nipple turns inwards, there is an unusual discharge from the nipple or there is ongoing discomfort, then it is advisable to have a healthcare professional look at it. Yet the majority of breast changes are not cancerous and symptoms by themselves are not enough to make a diagnosis.

Lifestyle plays a big role in maintaining breast health. One way of reducing the overall risk of breast cancer is to keep a healthy weight, remain physically active, limit alcohol intake, avoid tobacco, eat a well-balanced diet and stick to the recommended screening programmes.

Women must not regard breast density as a diagnosis. The main point is that women should not be afraid of dense breasts but should understand what this means for them. They must talk to their family doctor about their mammography report and their individual risk factors and then follow a screening programme suitable to their risk.

Breast density is therefore a valid reason for having a screening examination, not one for concern. By understanding breast density and talking to a breast specialist, women can make informed choices regarding screening and make sure that any potential abnormalities are assessed as early as possible.

By Dr. Meghal Sanghavi, Consultant Onco Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central

Teachers are unarguably one of the most important influences during the early stages of a person's life. Along with learning and wisdom, teachers can also influence a child's or adolescent's mental health. Thus, they help shape students who are the future of any society or nation. This impactful profession and its contributions are celebrated worldwide, including in India.

The deteriorating mental health condition in students has escalated into a major global public health concern, heavily accelerated by academic pressure, systemic changes, and digital isolation. The World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and Indian governmental bodies like NCERT have shared data that reveals a grim situation: there is a huge gap between the rising psychological distress among youth and the infrastructure available to support them.

The role of teachers in youth mental health is a topic that the study "A Shelter for the Heart: The Impact of Teacher Quality on Students' Mental Health" has thoroughly analyzed. The research, published in the journal Health Economics in 2026, was conducted in China and included 3,529 Grade 7 students, 86 classrooms, and 43 schools throughout the country. The study examines the impact of teacher quality, proxied by teacher experience, on student mental health.

How Do Teachers Protect Students' Mental Health?

According to the study, the role of the head teacher is particularly important to a student's mental well-being. While subject teachers are primarily responsible for learning, the study emphasizes that experienced teachers might do more than improve grades—they may also help protect students' mental health.

The study finds that the more experienced head teachers tended to build stronger teacher–student relationships, communicate more with parents, and create more supportive classroom environments. They were less likely to ignore or isolate struggling students and more likely to try to help them. All in all, the researchers concluded that school environments play an important role in determining adolescents’ mental health.

Mental Health On Location And Gender

The study “A study on mental health of students teacher in relation to their achievement in education psychology” by researchers at Tamil Nadu Teachers Education University, Chennai, found significant differences in mental health based on gender and location, with female and rural student-teachers reporting better mental health than their male and urban counterparts.

Teacher Distress Linked To Student Mental Health

A 2024 study published in BMC Psychology by researchers from McMaster University, the University of Sydney, the University of Johannesburg and the Hospital for Sick Children examined the relationship between teacher distress and student mental health. The researchers analysed data from 23,568 students and 1,478 teachers across 268 schools in Ontario, Canada. The researchers suggested that supporting teachers’ mental health and creating safer school environments could also benefit students’ well-being.

A 2019 study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders by researchers led by Stephen Harding also suggested that better teacher well-being was associated with better student well-being, highlighting the potential importance of supporting teachers’ mental health within schools.

Teachers Day 2026

Teachers’ Day 2026 in India is celebrated on September 5 to honour the contribution of teachers and educators. The day marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India’s first Vice President and second President, who was a distinguished philosopher, scholar and teacher. Since 1962, his birthday has been observed as Teachers’ Day in India. The occasion recognises teachers’ role in shaping students’ knowledge, character, confidence and well-being, while inspiring future generations to learn, grow and contribute to society.