subject: What Causes A Menstrual Migraine? [print this page] One of the most common human afflictions is the headache. Everyone has experienced a headache at one time or another. For most people, it only happens every so often and can be treatment with a nap or aspirin. However, for others it is a much serious issue, so much so that it can impact a person's quality of life.
A migraine however is the worst headache of them all. Women are at a much greater risk of migraines than men, partially because of the menstrual migraine. These headaches occur before, after, or during the period. Ovulation be also be a cause.
The menstrual migraine symptoms are similar to the other kinds of migraines. The headache begins on one side of the head and intensifies to the point of a throbbing pain. Nausea, light sensitivity, and lassitude all result from the pain. These conditions last until the headache has begun to dissolve. Understanding the causes is important before using any of the variety of available treatment options.
What Are The Causes?
Hormone levels in the body changing is the source for all migraines. The fluctuations of Serotonin, a hormone, is the trigger that actually results in headaches, according to recent research. The body not being able to metabolize Serotonin could be inherited, so a theory is that is could be a genetic disorder.
This only partially explains what causes menstrual migraines. The method in which Serotonin acts upon certain hormones causes them in women.
The menstrual cycle is regulated by the female sex hormone Estrogen. When the Serotonin and Estrogen levels in the body are not in balance, this triggers a migraine. Progesterone is another female hormone that is thought to lead to migraine headaches when levels are imbalanced.
Because each person's metabolism functions differently, some women are more predisposed to experiencing migraines than others. For instance, some women never experience any headaches related to their periods. The body's hormone levels changing stems from several factors, but one of the key ones is stress. As a matter of fact, it can even cause attacks for women who don't even experience menstrual migraines.
Oral contraceptives affect estrogen levels, so women who take birth control bills are likely to suffer from more severe and frequent menstrual migraines.
