The Link Between Hormone Shifts and Migraines
It’s no secret that women are more prone to migraines than men — in fact, about 75% of people who experience migraines are women. One of the major contributors? Hormones.
At Spinal Diagnostics, we understand that managing migraines goes beyond painkillers. Identifying triggers — especially hormonal ones — can be the key to finding relief. In this post, we take a closer look at how hormone fluctuations contribute to migraine attacks and what you can do about them.
How do hormones affect migraines?
The main culprit is estrogen — the hormone that regulates the female reproductive system. Estrogen levels naturally rise and fall throughout a woman’s life, especially:
- Before or during menstruation
- During pregnancy
- Perimenopause and menopause
- When starting or stopping hormonal birth control
These hormonal shifts can trigger changes in the brain that contribute to migraine pain, including increased sensitivity to pain signals and changes in blood vessel dilation.
Are menstrual migraines different?
Yes. Menstrual migraines tend to be more severe, last longer, and are less responsive to typical migraine medications. They typically occur in the days leading up to a period, when estrogen drops suddenly.
Some women also experience migraines mid-cycle, during ovulation, due to another hormone surge.
What treatments are available?
Our team at Spinal Diagnostics takes a comprehensive approach to migraine treatment. Depending on your specific symptoms and cycle patterns, we may recommend:
- Preventive or acute migraine medications
- Neuromodulation therapies
- Hormonal therapies (in collaboration with your OB-GYN)
- Lifestyle modifications and trigger tracking
If neuromodulation is recommended, we may use devices that gently stimulate targeted nerves to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.
Get relief from hormone-related migraines
If your migraine symptoms seem tied to your cycle, don’t ignore the pattern — it may be the key to personalized treatment. Our team can evaluate your triggers and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our Tualatin or Newberg, Oregon locations and take the first step toward migraine relief.