Migraines are devastating headaches that have no specific cure. The goal for managing migraines is to prevent them. In some cases, people report that using natural progesterone helps stave off these headaches, though the strategy does not work for everyone. If your migraine appears related to your menstrual cycle, consult a doctor about using natural progesterone.
Progesterone
Progesterone is a steroid hormone that is made by your ovaries and your adrenal gland. Progesterone levels often begin to fall in your 30s, creating an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone in your body. Natural progesterone is made from diosgenin, a substance extracted from soybeans or wild yams. It comes in cream or gel form.
Migraines
Migraines are severe headaches that most commonly affect one side of your head. Migraines also come along with nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light in many cases. They may be are preceded by an aura. These headaches may be related to over-dilation of blood vessels in your brain, but the exact cause and chain of events in migraines remain unknown as of 2011. Medications for migraines exist but they often raise your risk for a heart attack or cause side effects such as numbness in your fingers and toes, a slowed or rapid heart rate and vomiting, notes John R. Lee in "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause." If your migraines happen regularly at premenstrual times or at the start of your courses, they are classified as premenstrual or menstrual migraines.
Effects
Menstrual migraines most often occur due to estrogen dominance as estrogen causes your blood vessels to dilate. Natural progesterone helps restore your vascular tone, which counteracts the blood vessel dilation that contributes to your migraines. Progesterone has numerous other effects that may help prevent menstrual migraines and also lessen symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, according to "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Migraines," by Alexander Mauskop and Barry Fox. It has anti-inflammatory effects, helps normalize sleep patterns, provides antidepressant action, helps stabilize blood sugar, has diuretic effects and helps stabilize cell oxygen levels.
Considerations
Natural progesterone affects everyone differently, so it may not be the best solution for your migraines, even if they appear to be triggered by a hormone imbalance. Before you try it, visit a doctor and follow his recommendations on dosage and application. He may have you track your cycle and pinpoint when your migraines occur. It's also wise to have a mammogram, a physical and gynecological checkup, a pap smear and a pelvic ultrasound before beginning, according to "Natural Hormone Balance for Women," by Uzzi Reiss and Martin Zucker.
References
- "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Migraines"; Alexander Mauskop and Barry Fox; 2001
- Mercola.com: Complications Regarding Progesterone Cream; Dr. Joseph Mercola; 2011
- "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause;" John R. Lee; 2004
- "It's My Ovaries, Stupid!" Elizabeth Lee Vliet; 2003
- "Natural Hormone Balance for Women"; Uzzi Reiss and Martin Zucker; 2002
- PubMed Health: Migraine
