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.

Plastic containers have been discouraged for a long time now, especially for heating food or storing hot food. Studies have associated this habit with a heightened risk of cancer, but now an expert has specifically spoken about black plastic containers and what makes them worse for you. According to Dr Rakesh Kumar Sharma, Senior Consultant Medical Oncologist at M | O | C Cancer Care & Research Centre, Gurugram, cooking or heating food in black containers could be very harmful to your body. Read on to find out how.

Dr Sharma, in an interview with Health and Me, said that cooking food in black plastic receptacles could lead to greater amounts of certain chemicals making their way into your body; however, there currently exists no scientific evidence confirming that this daily activity increases your risk of cancer.

Why is black plastic worse than others?

Dr Sharma explained that black takeaway containers usually consist of recycled plastics, such as e-waste, and can contain flame retardants, BPA, phthalates, etc. When heated in contact with food, especially if the food is hot, fatty, or acidic, more chemicals could potentially make their way into the food from the container. In this way, it may, over time, heighten your risk of developing a malignant tumour.

Black containers are coloured using carbon black, which is included in Group 2B of possible human carcinogens according to IARC, as shown in both animal and limited human research. Moreover, recycled black plastics could contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and decaBDE, which have shown carcinogenic effects in experiments. This makes black plastic containers worse than other coloured counterparts. Yet, heating food in a plastic container of any colour is not deemed safe.

Do studies verify the side effects of heating food in plastic containers?

Experimental studies conducted in laboratories on microwaveable plastic receptacles reveal the migration of tens of chemicals and millions of microplastics per litre of the food simulant. However, a recent study in 2024 reported that containers labelled as microwave-safe in Korea adhered to contemporary safety standards for these levels, and total exposure fell within safe limits.

Leading cancer associations have confirmed that the usage of plastic packaging, even in microwave applications, has not been linked with increased cancer risks in humans, although there is ongoing research in areas such as black plastics. However, precautionary measures are suggested by experts as a better strategy due to the difficulties of directly studying long-term, low-level exposure to chemical compounds.

How to reduce cancer risk?

When it comes to reducing cancer risk, most doctors recommend quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake. However, Dr Sharma listed some basic kitchen and eating habits that may come to your rescue:

1. Avoid cooking food in black plastic packaging, particularly if the food is oily or acidic.
2. Move hot food into glass, ceramic, or stainless steel containers for reheating.
3. Only use microwave-safe containers and discard any broken plastic containers.

Most young men assume that if there is no pain, there is no serious problem. Unfortunately, many important testicular conditions, especially testicular cancer, often begin as a painless lump, swelling, or enlargement of one testicle. Because there is no pain, men tend to ignore it, thinking it is due to exercise, minor trauma, tight clothing, cycling, or temporary swelling. Embarrassment and reluctance to discuss genital symptoms also contribute to delay.

Dr. Chandan M. N, Consultant Urologist, Andrologist, Uro-Oncologist & Renal Transplant Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals, Sheshadripuram, Bangalore, spoke about the pain conundrum. The expert said that when it comes to testicular health, absence of pain must not be a reassuring factor.

Pain is usually seen as a warning signal, but in testicular disease, absence of pain should not reassure patients. Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in young men, particularly between 15 and 35 years of age, and it can progress quickly if diagnosis is delayed. However, when detected early, it is also one of the most curable cancers.

What are the common signs men may overlook in day-to-day life?

The most commonly overlooked sign is a painless lump or swelling in one testicle.

Sometimes the change is subtle; a testicle may simply feel slightly harder, heavier, larger, or firmer than before. Many men also ignore a dragging sensation, heaviness in the scrotum, or a dull ache in the groin or lower abdomen because these symptoms are mild and not severe enough to disrupt daily life.

Other signs that should not be ignored include sudden fluid collection in the scrotum, change in the shape or size of one testicle, unevenness between the two testicles, persistent discomfort, or a feeling that something is different. Some men may also notice back pain, breast tenderness, or unexplained swelling if the disease has spread. Importantly, not every testicular lump is cancer. Conditions such as hydrocele, varicocele, spermatocele, orchitis, or hernia can also present with swelling or heaviness. But the only safe approach is to get examined rather than assume it is harmless.

How to do a simple self-examination at home?

Young men should know what is normal for their own body. A simple self-examination once a month, ideally after a warm shower when the scrotal skin is relaxed, can help detect early changes.

Men should gently feel each testicle for lumps, swelling, hardness, change in size, or heaviness. Familiarity with one’s normal anatomy makes it easier to notice when something changes. Any new lump, swelling, change in shape, or persistent discomfort should be evaluated promptly by a doctor. Usually, a physical examination and scrotal ultrasound are enough to identify the cause. Early medical advice can differentiate a harmless condition from something serious and, in the case of testicular cancer, can make the difference between simple treatment and advanced disease.

Malaria is widely known as a mosquito-borne disease that causes fever, chills, and body aches. But what many people don’t realize is that in severe cases, it can also affect the heart.

Malaria is caused by parasites belonging to the Plasmodium genus. It may cause complications beyond the bloodstream. In some cases, this may happen in severe malaria, where either the diagnosis or treatment is late.

How Malaria Infection Affects The Heart

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Ravi Prakash, Senior Consultant Cardiology, PSRI Hospital, Delhi, noted that malaria affects different parts of the body, depending on the severity and the patient's immunity.

"In severe malaria cases, the parasite that causes malaria infects the red blood cells, making them sticky. When these stick together, the cells block the flow of blood in smaller blood vessels, limiting oxygenation of important organs, including the heart," Dr Prakash explained.

The condition may then result in myocarditis, arrhythmias, or heart failure. Although these complications rarely affect the heart, they require prompt medical intervention.

Further, Dr. Rakesh Pandit, Senior Consultant & HOD, Internal Medicine, Aakash Healthcare, highlighted that malaria can put stress on the heart either directly or indirectly.

It can lead to inflammation of the heart and result in chest pains, fatigue, or arrhythmia.

"Patients suffering from severe malaria may develop tachycardia or, in worst-case scenarios, experience heart blockage," Dr. Pandit told HealthandMe.

The Role of Anemia

Furthermore, malaria infection may limit the blood flow to the heart by increasing the stickiness of the blood, thus blocking small blood vessels.

"Anemia associated with malaria can increase the load on the patient's heart," Dr Pandit said.

Fever, dehydration, and hypoxia further increase cardiac stress in malaria patients, who may end up having their pre-existing heart conditions unmasked.

Malaria: Early Signs Of Heart Damage?

Early detection is important. Besides classic malaria symptoms such as fever, sweats, shivers, headaches, and tiredness, any unusual symptoms such as chest pains, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeats, or excessive weakness must be considered carefully.

"These could be signs of organ damage caused by the disease, which means early diagnosis and treatment are vital. Blood tests will be conducted to identify malaria parasites in your body," Dr. Prakash said.

Malaria And Heart: Who Is At More Risk

Some individuals are more susceptible to contracting malaria, which increases their chances of developing complications from the disease.

These include

• children,
• pregnant women,
• the elderly,
• immunocompromised patients.

"People who have underlying diseases may develop heart-related problems due to the malaria infection," Dr Prakash said.

Moreover, travelers to malaria-endemic areas without adequate protection from the disease are also likely to be affected.

How To Prevent?

The best method to avoid contracting malaria is to take preventive measures.

• Individuals must protect themselves from mosquito bites.
• Applying insect repellents, sleeping under mosquito nets, and covering your arms and legs when you go out are effective ways to shield yourself from being bitten.
• Proper hygiene and sanitation practices are necessary to prevent mosquitoes from reproducing.
• Having a good general health status is another preventive measure. Your immune system must be able to combat invading agents.