Tools to fight Migraines

So many of my patients suffer from migraine headaches which often significantly impact their quality of life. There is a lot we still do not understand about what causes migraines, but exploring more about what we do know can help anyone who suffers with these debilitating headaches to gain more control over potential triggers and give them more tools for combating their symptoms.

So what is a migraine exactly?

A migraine is typically defined as a recurrent headache associated with severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually occurring on one side of the head. It's often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound as well as disturbed vision.

Migraines can sometimes be associated with sensory disturbances called auras which can strike after or at the same time as the migraine headache. These disturbances can include flashes of light, blind spots and other vision changes or neurological symptoms like tingling in your hand or face.

The presence of migraine with aura is known to increase the risk of stroke, especially in women, and research has also shown that the use of combined oral contraceptives (commonly known as birth control pills) is linked to a higher risk of stroke as well.

If you experience auras and are currently taking an oral birth control pill you should schedule a visit with me or your current OB-GYN to discuss this right away.

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Migraine attacks can last for hours to days, and the pain can be so severe that it interferes with the your daily activities. They are up to four times more common in women and are often are associated with hormonal changes such as puberty, menstrual cycles, and hormonal contraception. The common denominator to this association is Estrogen. So working to reduce xenoestrogen exposure and working to help your body process and eliminate estrogens is one important tool to getting control over migraines.

What is a xenoestrogen and how can I reduce my exposure?