Many factors contribute to headaches for both men and women, including family history and age. Women, however, often notice a relationship between headaches and hormonal changes. The hormones estrogen (ES-truh-jen) and progesterone (pro-JES-tuh-rohn), play key roles in regulating the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, can also affect headaches. Having steady estrogen levels might improve headaches, while having estrogen levels that dip or change can make headaches worse.( Source)
Headaches, especially migraine headaches, have been linked to the female hormone estrogen. Estrogen controls chemicals in the brain that affect the sensation of pain. A drop in estrogen levels can trigger headaches.
Menstrual or hormonal migraines are similar to a regular migraine and may or may not be preceded by an aura. The migraine is a throbbing pain that starts on one side of the head. It may also involve sensitivity to light and nausea or vomiting.
Other symptoms of hormonal headaches include:
loss of appetite
fatigue
acne
joint pain
decreased urination
lack of coordination
constipation
cravings for alcohol, salt, or chocolate
If you’re sick and tired of taking medications that don’t help and trying pain relief methods that fail to give the desired result, then it’s time for you to visit a chiropractor.
Recent clinical studies confirm that chiropractic can help prevent or alleviate migraine attacks by decreasing stress levels in the patient’s body. Stress is one of the major migraine triggers, and with the hectic lifestyle most people have today, it’s no wonder that migraine attacks occur more frequently than ever.
In some people, migraines can originate from the spine. Misalignment of the spinal vertebrae or AKA “subluxation” irritates the nerves which travel the length of the spine all the way to the brain. These misalignments make the individual prone to various imbalances. Chiropractors can realign the vertebrae to relieve the pressure of inflamed nerves and help relieve the pain and improve function. (Source)
An alignment issue of the spinal vertebrae can disrupt the production of hormones by altering the function of the nervous system, so regular chiropractic care can really help regulate the function of your and can help prevent hormonal headaches.
New research recommends Chiropractic adjustments as part of an evidence-based approach to reducing the pain associated with migraine headaches. Regular adjustments can both help reduce the stress on the muscles that support your neck and improve your range of motion. By keeping active, reducing your stress, maintaining enough hydration, and staying well adjusted, you’ll give your body the best opportunity to manage those monthly hormonal changes and take the first step towards ending your migraine headaches! (Source)
Dr. Mooberry is a Denver chiropractor at Lifetime Wellness & Chiropractic. He is well versed in the care of headaches & migraines caused by hormones with chiropractic care. Dr. Isaac Mooberry is considered one of the leading experts in headaches & migraines caused by hormones across the nation.