Migraines and Midlife

Are you starting to experience migraine headaches? Maybe this is something you’ve never had before in your life? Are these migraines occurring right around the time that you’re getting your period? Or are you getting them a few times during the month? And you’re not quite sure what has happened or changed in your life that started these migraines?

I want to talk about midlife migraines. This is something I dealt with for years. And, it came at me like an unexpected left hook. I didn’t see it coming. I didn’t know why it was happening. And, at times it became a little bit debilitating. 

What is a migraine? 

The formal definition is that a migraine is a moderate or severe headache. Now, I don’t know about you, but when I had migraines, there was nothing moderate about it. Basically, a migraine is a throbbing headache. It’s usually on one side of your head. Some people also experience nausea, vomiting, dizziness or vertigo with their migraine. Some people get auras that they can see.Migraines can last anywhere from a few hours to 72 hours. I, personally, did not start getting migraines until I was in my 40s. 

How do hormones trigger migraines in midlife?

In midlife, a women’s hormones start to fluctuate. Women are two to three times more likely than men to experience migraines. As estrogen fluctuates up and down it can trigger a migraine. This is why you might experience a migraine around the time you’re getting your period.

So now what can you do about midlife migraines? 

1. Talk to your doctor and see what she recommends. If it’s right for you, she may give you a prescription for the migraine.
2. Hormone replacement therapy. Talk to your doctor about HRT (hormone replacement therapy) to get your hormones back in range and balanced.
3. Live a healthy lifestyle. So what does that mean? 
   1. Get regular exercise. 
   2. Get good quality sleep.
   3. Stay hydrated.
   4. Limit caffeine and alcohol intake.

Peace & Love!