What Causes Migraines in Females?

Migraines are frustrating. However, it’s no secret that migraines affect women more than men. Compared to men, women are 2-3 times more likely to suffer migraines, especially after hitting puberty.

So why are migraines more common in women than in men? The answer likely lies in the hormonal changes that women experience. In this blog post from Vidan Family Chiropractic, we’ll take a deeper look at this subject, and discuss why women tend to get more (and more severe) migraines compared to men.

Hormonal Fluctuations May Cause Increased Migraines In Women

As mentioned, researchers are still not totally sure what causes migraines in either men or women. However, the fact that women are more likely to suffer migraines does indicate that hormones may be a factor. Estrogen, in particular, is thought to raise the risk of migraines in women.

Estrogen is a sex hormone that’s produced by women, and levels of estrogen fluctuate in women due to menstruation. Before a woman gets her period, her estrogen levels will tend to drop. This drop in estrogen is associated with a higher risk of migraines. About half of the women who get migraines notice a link with their periods.

Menstruation isn’t the only thing that can affect estrogen levels, either. Taking hormonal birth control can also change estrogen and hormone levels, as can pregnancy and menopause. These things can all lead to more frequent and painful migraines.

Treatment Options For Women Who Get Migraines

While the link between hormones and headaches is not fully understood, it seems very likely that hormonal changes can somehow lead to a higher risk of migraine headaches. If you’re a woman and you get migraines, you may be wondering what your options are for treatment. Depending on your situation, one or more of the following options may be right for you:

• Migraine medicines – Certain medicines can help reduce the intensity, severity, and recurrence of all types of migraines, including hormonal migraines. These help ease the symptoms and make migraines more manageable.
• Hormonal treatments – If you use hormonal birth control, your doctor may recommend adjusting your regimen to help prevent drops and changes in estrogen levels. If you’re in menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) could help balance your hormone levels and prevent migraines.
• Avoiding triggers – Even if your migraines are associated with hormonal changes, there are other triggers that can contribute to them, like stress, anxiety, bright lights, dehydration, and more. Understanding and avoiding your triggers can help you avoid migraines.
• Chiropractic treatment – Chiropractic adjustments can help realign your neck and spine, relieve pain and tension, and reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. Along with other lifestyle changes and avoiding triggers, this can dramatically improve your quality of life.

Need Help With Migraines In St. Louis? Come To Vidan Family Chiropractic

At Vidan Family Chiropractic, treating migraines is one of our specialties. Dr. Alex Vidan and our team have years of experience with chiropractic migraine treatment in St. Louis for both women and men. If you’re suffering from painful, recurring migraine headaches, don’t wait. Contact us online or give us a call at 314-210-6556 to explore your options for chiropractic treatment, and take the first steps toward relief.