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.

A lighthearted Instagram reel by Delhi-based influencer Yuvraj Dua has turned into a broader conversation about the health risks of excessive sugar consumption after Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded with a public message urging people to cut down on sweets.

Dua made a humorous request to the Prime Minister about his father’s eating habits, explaining that his father is a devoted follower of PM Modi and tends to take his words very seriously.

He asked if the Prime Minister spoke against sweets during his monthly radio programme “Mann Ki Baat”, it might finally convince his father to control his sugar intake.

“If in the next Mann Ki Baat you say something against sweets, my father’s sugar will come under control,” he said in the video.

The reel quickly gained traction online and eventually caught the Prime Minister’s attention.

Responding to the post on Instagram, PM Modi on his Instagram story used the opportunity to deliver a broader public health message about the dangers of consuming too much sugar.

“On Yuvraj’s request, I urge his father and everyone out there to reduce sugar intake, be healthy and be happy,” he wrote.

The Prime Minister also warned that excessive sugar consumption is linked to several serious health conditions.

“Focus on your wellbeing. Eat well, eat healthy. Excessive sugar invites a range of diseases. Then there is the looming threat of obesity. Also, do make Yoga a part of your lives. It is a great way to remain fit and active,” he added.

India And Diabetes

India today carries one of the heaviest diabetes burden in the world. This is a crisis that is not just driven by genetics, but also by rapid urbanization, sedentary routines, shifting diets, stress, and late diagnosis. With over 101 million Indians currently living with diabetes in India, and 136 million in the pre-diabetic stage, as stated by the latest ICMR estimates, the country is facing an epidemic. This threatens to overwhelm the healthcare system in the coming years.

Diabetes is one of the chronic lifestyle conditions that most older adults fear developing, especially past the age of 40. This is when body's main source of energy or glucose is too high. However, recent cases show that diabetes may no longer be a disease of aging. While most people who are middle-aged or older adults develop Type 2 diabetes, there is in fact a rise in cases among the youth, including children.

In India too, there is a sharp rise in diabetes across all age groups, with many cases going undiagnosed until complications set in, says Dr Mayanka Lodha Seth, chief pathologist at Redcliffe Labs. " Diabetes cases are rising not just among older adults but also in children, teenagers, and youngsters in their 20s & 30s," says the doctor.

When large amounts of sugar are consumed regularly, the body experiences repeated spikes in blood glucose levels. Over time, this can lead to insulin resistance, a condition where the body’s cells stop responding effectively to insulin. This is one of the key mechanisms behind the development of type 2 diabetes.

Excess sugar intake is also strongly linked with weight gain. Sugary foods and beverages are often calorie dense but nutritionally poor, making it easy to consume large amounts of calories without feeling full.

Research has also shown that frequent consumption of sweets and sugary drinks can increase the risk of fatty liver disease and dental problems.

Public health organizations across the world recommend limiting added sugar in daily diets. The World Health Organization suggests that added sugar should make up less than 10 percent of total daily calorie intake, and ideally below 5 percent for additional health benefits.

Following the Prime Minister’s response, Dua reacted with amusement and relief, hoping that the message would finally persuade his father to change his habits.

“Now even Modi ji has said it. Papa, please listen,” he wrote in response.

What began as a typical sports injury for a teenage volleyball player turned into a life-altering medical discovery. McKinnon Galloway, now 33, learned she had a rare genetic condition called neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) after a fall during a volleyball match led doctors to perform a routine brain scan.

Galloway was just 16 and playing as a setter on her school volleyball team when she dove for the ball and hit her head on the ground. Concerned about a concussion, doctors ordered an MRI scan. Instead of a simple injury, the scan revealed two tumors in her brain.

Doctors soon confirmed she had neurofibromatosis type 2, a rare genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body.

NF2 occurs when a gene responsible for regulating nerve growth does not function properly. Without this signal telling nerve cells to stop growing, tumors can form along nerves and press on surrounding structures or disrupt nerve function.

Tumors multiplied quickly

When doctors first detected the tumors, they described them as slow growing. But within six months, follow-up scans showed the tumors had doubled in size.

Over the years, the condition progressed. Today Galloway lives with 13 tumors located in different parts of her body. Six are in her spine, three are in her hand, two are in her neck, and two remain in her brain.

To manage the disease, she has undergone several treatments including chemotherapy drugs, radiation therapy, and experimental medical trials. She was prescribed Avastin, a medication originally used to treat breast cancer, in an attempt to slow tumor growth.

At age 21 she also joined a phase-one clinical trial in which researchers tested increasing doses of an experimental drug to evaluate its safety. The trial was eventually stopped for her after she developed adverse reactions.

Hearing loss and multiple surgeries

The most difficult consequences of NF2 have been related to hearing loss caused by tumors affecting auditory nerves. Galloway has undergone four brain surgeries in attempts to remove or control the growth of these tumors.

After the first operations she lost hearing in her right ear. Over the next decade her hearing gradually declined in the left ear as well.

In early 2022, during a family vacation, she woke up unable to hear anything. Initially she believed the television in the room had been muted, but quickly realized she had lost her hearing entirely.

Steroid treatment temporarily restored about 20 percent of hearing in one ear. However, another brain surgery later that year resulted in complete deafness.

The operation, which lasted nearly 10 hours, was intended to remove a tumor threatening her life. Complications during surgery left her hospitalized for weeks and forced her to adapt to a completely silent world.

Finding a new purpose

In the months that followed, Galloway struggled with isolation because she had not yet learned effective ways to communicate without hearing. Over time, assistive technology and digital communication tools helped her reconnect with people around her.

She has since become a content creator and public speaker, using social media to raise awareness about NF2 and educate others about technology that supports deaf individuals.

Her advocacy work also includes supporting research efforts and raising funds for organizations dedicated to neurofibromatosis research.

Despite years of treatments, surgeries and uncertainty, Galloway recently received encouraging news. Her latest medical scan showed stable tumor growth for the first time in four years.

Today she continues to share her experience in hopes of helping other families facing the rare disorder.

“Being diagnosed at 16 meant I still had a childhood,” she said. “Many children with this condition spend those years in hospitals, and they deserve more than that.”

While research shows women need more sleep than men due to brain function, hormones, and multitasking, females around the globe are struggling to get enough sleep, according to experts.

A 2016 study by the Sleep Research Centre at the UK’s Loughborough University found that women needed 20 minutes more sleep because of multitasking and performing more complex brain tasks during the day.

But, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), revealed that an estimated 30 percent of women fail to get sufficient sleep.

Hormones, mood disorders, and caregiving responsibilities, coupled with professional pressures and stress, are the major reasons driving up insomnia and other sleep issues among women.

“Women around the world face a higher burden of sleep difficulties because their sleep cycles are tightly interlinked with hormonal shifts that occur throughout life,” Dr. Janhvi Siroya Shah, Sleep Specialist from the University of Bern, Switzerland, told HealthandMe.

Gender Gap In Sleep: Why Women Sleep Less

The gender gap in sleep is real, as revealed by the recent ResMed Global Sleep Survey 2026, which showed that 56 percent of women get a good night's sleep only four days or fewer per week, compared to 50 percent of men.

Women were also 48 percent more likely to report problems falling asleep than men (42 percent). More than 50 percent of women felt waking up not feeling rested for 1-2 nights per week or more, compared to 46 percent of men.

The study flagged stress or anxiety as the biggest barrier to consistent, quality sleep (39 per cent), followed by work-related responsibilities (37 per cent) and household duties (31 per cent) among women.

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Kirti Kadian, from the Department of Pulmonary Critical Care & Sleep Medicine at AIIMS Bhopal, said: “Women experience disproportionate sleep challenges globally, largely because their bodies undergo repeated physiological transitions that influence how sleep is regulated.”

The experts cited the main reasons as

• fluctuations during menstruation,
• pregnancy,
• postpartum recovery
• menopause.

All these factors can alter mood regulation, increase nighttime alertness, and disrupt the architecture of sleep itself.

Dr Kadian said that hormonal fluctuations across the life course -- especially during the menopausal transition -- can affect circadian rhythm, airway stability, pain sensitivity, and the nervous system’s response to stress.

“When these biological changes coincide with external stressors, such as multitasking, emotional labor or caregiving demands, women become far more vulnerable to insomnia and unrefreshing sleep,” Shah said.

The prevalence of sleep disorders increases from about 16–42 percent in pre-menopause to around 39–47 percent in peri-menopause and up to 35–69 percent in post-menopause, indicating that sleep disturbances become more common as women progress through different reproductive stages.

“Declining levels of estrogen and progesterone can disrupt the body’s sleep regulation and trigger symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, while reduced melatonin may make it harder to fall and stay asleep,” Dr. Kadian explained.

In addition, certain medical conditions that are more common in women, such as thyroid disorders, anemia, and autoimmune diseases, can also negatively affect sleep and overall health.

How Poor Sleep Affects Women

Poor sleep also significantly affects both physical and mental health, increasing the risk of

• metabolic disorders,
• cardiovascular disease,
• weakened immunity,
• persistent fatigue,
• reduced concentration,
• irritability,
• anxiety,
• depression.

How Women can Improve their Sleep

The Harvard Medical School suggested that to get a better sleep cycle women should:

• Create a sleep sanctuary by removing the television, computer, smartphone or tablet, from the bedroom.
• Cut down or limit afternoon naps to 20 to 30 minutes
• Avoid caffeine after noon
• Get regular exercise, but not within three hours of bedtime.