What Are The Causes Of Migraines In Women?

Women commonly suffer from migraine headaches. ScienceDaily.com states, "For every man with a migraine, three women are struck by the severe headaches that often come with nausea, sensitivity to light and sound and aura." A migraine may be so severe that it prevents a woman from carrying out her roles at home and the workplace; these debilitating headaches can cause her to feel isolated from her day-to-day duties and activities. If you are a woman suffering from migraines, understanding what causes them can help you cope better.

Premenstrual Syndrome and Menstruation

Many women have migraines associated with premenstrual syndrome and menstruation. These incapacitating headaches occur along with other premenstrual symptoms such as fatigue, crying spells and feelings of anxiety. According to USDoctor.com, 40 million women experience headaches during their menstrual cycles. Moreover, many woman claim their headaches are most severe during the time of their monthly cycle. It is believed the drastic drop in estrogen levels during a women's menstrual cycle is a direct contributor to migraines.

To minimize, alleviate or prevent these menstrual migraines, health care providers may recommend specific treatments. They include options such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, dihydroergotamine, antidepressants and hormonal manipulation.

Pregnancy

Certain women experience migraines during pregnancy. According to Headaches.org, research indicates that migraines in a pregnant woman pose no harm to her unborn baby. Some chronic migraine sufferers are relieved of their migraines during pregnancy due to increased estrogen levels. Migraines occurring more persistently during the first trimester usually disappear during the remaining trimesters.

Pregnant women who suffer severe migraines are advised to speak with their doctors about non-drug treatments and medicines deemed safe during pregnancy. Recommended non-pharmacological approaches include getting regular sleep, massages, ice packs and relaxation techniques. Headaches.org cautions that women suffering migraines associated with vomiting, nausea and dehydration should speak with their health care provider about their concerns regarding possible risks to their unborn baby. Pregnant women should never take medicines unless they have been prescribed by their health care provider.

Menopause

Many women experience chronic migraine headaches during their menopausal years. In his study titled "Menopausal Migraine," Dr. Edward Lichten concluded that certain women suffer from a genetic defect that makes them prone to dropping estrogen levels. One theory is that this drop in estrogen levels is a direct contributor to migraines during menopause.

It is believed that women who experience chronic migraines during their years of menstruation are more likely to suffer severe migraines during menopause. Treatment options for menopause migraines include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, abortive therapy and preventive therapy.

Stress

Many women experience migraines as the result of stress. Anxiety, fatigue, depression and emotional conflicts are stress-related factors contributing to migraines. Stress-related migraines can be prevented by relaxation techniques and muscle relaxation.

Perhaps the best way to prevent the onset of migraines is to make it a point to avoid stressful situations whenever possible. Determining the types of stress that trigger your migraines goes a long way in helping you avoid these same stresses in the future.