Prevention, Treatment, and Causes of Hormonal Headaches
Almost everyone has experienced at least one splitting headache in their lifetime. Headaches can take many forms, from tension headaches to migraines. Whether they are short in duration or chronic, mild or severe, headaches can be very disruptive to daily life. Depending on the type of headache, there may be multiple causes, but stress, genetics, and imbalanced hormones levels are some of the most common culprits, aside from sinus and allergy headaches. While the cause of headaches cannot always be controlled, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy offers promising solutions for treating headaches in both men and women.
While men and women both can be afflicted with hormonal headaches, due to their more constant hormonal fluctuations, women are especially prone to recurring headaches. Monthly menstrual cycles, pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause, and oral contraceptives are all responsible for fluctuating estrogen levels, testosterone levels, and overall hormonal shifts that can lead to headaches in women. With age, testosterone levels naturally decline for both sexes. Specifically for men, evidence suggests that low testosterone (low T) levels might trigger migraines. Health conditions such as diabetes, hormonal disorders, and obesity can also contribute to low testosterone in men. It is not always easy to distinguish symptoms of low testosterone in men from other health issues, but these symptoms can include impotence, reduced muscle mass and strength, and increased body fat. Low estrogen symptoms in women often include irregular periods, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness.
Fortunately, there are many headache treatments available today, starting with some simple at-home remedies. Staying hydrated is very important, so drinking adequate amounts of water is often a good first step. Lying down in a cool, dark, and quiet room with an ice bag or cold cloth over the forehead is also recommended. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and guided meditation can also help provide relief from the pain.
Treating Headaches with Hormones
When self-care treatments are not sufficient, as is often the case for hormonal headaches, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) has become an increasingly popular option for headache relief. While some people may be initially opposed to an estrogen patch or testosterone booster, it is often due to misinformation about hormone replacement therapy. Many men and women confuse the risks associated with conventional hormone replacement and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. The latter utilizes plant-based hormones that are structurally identical to those found naturally in the body. While some studies have shown that hormone therapy can compromise health, those studies were done using conventional hormones, not bioidentical hormones, which are a much safer option.
For women, bioidentical hormones can greatly help regulate the hormonal fluctuations of the menstrual cycle, perimenopause, and menopause. Working with a hormone expert, you can stay “ahead” of the hormone fluctuation curve and create a remedy plan that can help manage symptoms. Men too can greatly benefit from bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to restore hormone levels, as low hormone levels can not only produce headaches in men but also have ill effects on overall health and sexual function.
The expert physicians of the BodyLogicMD network understand the unique challenges of addressing hormone-related headaches and other issues caused by hormonal imbalance. They work with patients to create customized plans, in which hormone levels are continuously monitored for ongoing relief. Contact an expert in the BodyLogicMD network today to see how they can help relieve your symptoms and restore your health and vitality.