hormones and migraines

Perimenopause as a Hidden Trigger of Migraines

It is well-established that migraine attacks can be triggered by hormone changes. If you’re navigating perimenopause and notice an increase in headache intensity or frequency – you’re not alone. Some women find that migraines worsen during this life phase, while some experience migraines for the first time as their hormone levels shift. While many women with migraines are diagnosed in their teens or 20s, roughly 8 to 13% don’t get diagnosed until they are in perimenopause because their symptoms – including headaches, nausea, and fatigue – become much more intense[i]

 

Hormones and Migraines: The Connection

It is not clearly known why hormonal shifts can cause an increase in migraines. Some research suggests that changes in estrogen levels make certain cells more excitable – which may make you more sensitive to migraine triggers[ii]. Estrogen doesn’t just impact reproductive health; it plays a vital role in managing pain by controlling key brain neurotransmitters. When levels drop, the brain becomes more susceptible to pain signals, which can make migraines feel more intense and frequent. Fluctuating estrogen can also increase a person’s mast cells – a type of immune cell that triggers inflammation in the brain and often increases headache pain.

 

Why Estrogen Dominance Matters

Most research is on the effect of low estrogen in menopause (defined as not having a menstrual bleed for a year), but clinically I find that women in perimenopause can be affected even more frequently due to estrogen dominance.

Estrogen dominance happens when estrogen levels are high compared to progesterone. In perimenopause, a decrease in progesterone levels is the most common hormonal shift, usually happening in late 30s or early 40s. This can lead to symptoms like heavier menstrual bleeding, anxiety, and insomnia. But remember – the estrogen levels have not increased, but there is an imbalance.

Your liver also plays a role here. Women are often not metabolizing and eliminating their estrogen efficiently through their liver pathways, which can lead to additional challenges with weight gain, irritability, body pain, and of course, more frequent migraines.

 

Testing Your Hormone Levels

The symptoms of hormonal imbalance can be very clear, but there is a valuable and objective tool we recommend: the DUTCH Test. Unlike a standard blood test, this advanced 24-hour urine test measures estrogen and progesterone levels over a full day and evaluates how well your liver is metabolizing estrogen. With the DUTCH Test, we can get an in-depth look at your hormonal landscape, helping us create a tailored approach to bring your body back to balance.

 

 

Relief is Possible

The good news? Estrogen dominance and its symptoms can be addressed with strategic diet and lifestyle changes and targeted supplementation. Nutrients from cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cabbage, etc.) can support liver health and help balance estrogen levels. Pairing these with dietary tweaks can make a big difference in reducing migraine frequency and severity.

Once you have identified your hormonal imbalance and have a plan, women usually experience improvements within a few weeks. Migraines can significantly affect your quality of life, but with the right support, relief is within reach.

 

Yours in good health,

Dr. Darlene Reid, ND


[i] Pavlović JM. The impact of midlife on migraine in women: summary of current views. Womens Midlife Health. 2020 Oct 6;6:11. doi: 10.1186/s40695-020-00059-8. PMID: 33042563; PMCID: PMC7542111.

[ii] Reddy N, Desai MN, Schoenbrunner A, Schneeberger S, Janis JE. The complex relationship between estrogen and migraines: a scoping review. Syst Rev. 2021 Mar 10;10(1):72. doi: 10.1186/s13643-021-01618-4. PMID: 33691790; PMCID: PMC7948327.

From Cloudy to Clear: Naturopathic Approaches to Combat Brain Fog

Have you noticed that your brain has been feeling like a haze lately? Maybe you’re having concentration difficulties or can’t recall familiar places or items as easily. Have you been repeating parts of a conversation over and over again?

You might be experiencing what is known as “brain fog” - a term often used to describe a state of mental cloudiness or cognitive dysfunction which can significantly impair one’s ability to function optimally in daily life. Brain fog is commonly associated with conditions like fibromyalgia, hormonal imbalances, and chronic fatigue syndrome, and underlying causes can vary widely from person to person. As naturopathic doctors, our approach involves diving deeper in the root causes of brain fog and utilizing various tools and tests to uncover underlying imbalances and provide individualized treatment strategies.

 

The tools that a naturopathic doctor may use to investigate can include the following:

Hormone testing – hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid dysfunction or adrenal fatigue can lead to impairments in cognitive function.

Metabolic assessments – blood sugar imbalances and insulin resistance has been shown to affect cognitive function, so your ND may want to test fasting blood glucose, fasting blood insulin, and HbA1c.

Nutrient deficiencies – screening for low iron, vitamin B12 or Vitamin D levels is recommended.

Markers of inflammation – hs-CRP and ESR may be tested within the bloodstream since inflammation has been shown to be triggered by various poor diet and lifestyle choices and external stressors and infections. 

Food sensitivity tests – food sensitivities which are IgG-mediated can lead to inflammation within the body and manifest as cognitive symptoms.

Environmental exposures – exposures to heavy metals, pesticides, mold and other toxins have been shown to impair cognitive function.

 

As naturopathic doctors, our focus lies in identifying and addressing the root causes of brain fog using a combination of conventional laboratory tests, functional assessments, and lifestyle modifications. By addressing these nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, metabolic dysregulation, inflammation, food sensitivities and environmental exposures, we can help patients regain mental clarity and improve their overall well-being.

In good health,

Dr. Sami Leung, ND

 

References

  1. Ettleson, M. D., Raine, A., Batistuzzo, A., Batista, S. P., McAninch, E., Teixeira, M. C. T., ... & Bianco, A. C. (2022). Brain fog in hypothyroidism: Understanding the patient’s perspective. Endocrine Practice28(3), 257-264.

  2. Fog, W. C. B. Causes of Brain Fog: Does Brain Fog Begin In Your Gut?

  3. Lucius, K. (2021). “Brain Fog”: Exploring a Symptom Commonly Encountered in Clinical Practice. Alternative and Complementary Therapies27(1), 23-30.

  4. Schmidt, S. (2019). Brain Fog: Does air pollution make us less productive?

  5. Wilson, L. (2008). Brain fog. The Center for Development. Retrieved on October 9, 2009.

  6. Yoshimura, H. (2023). Functional Medicine for Mental Clarity: Combating Brain Fog Naturally. Mental Health.

Holistic Migraine Management

Holistic Migraine Management - Online Workshop - Tuesday April 20, 2021 - 7pm

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Headaches can be the product of many problems. They can be related to mechanical issues in the muscles and joints of the neck and head, or they can be related to hormones, stress, diet and many other problems in the body. In this workshop we will explore many causes and treatments for all these headache influencers.

Headaches can sometimes be difficult to manage due to the complexity of all systems that can contribute. It is important when working at improving and eliminating headaches that a thorough plan is developed according to each person’s own dysfunctions and needs.

In this workshop Mackie Physiotherapy will be partnering with Saskatoon Naturopathic Medicine and Dr. Darlene Reid-Ahenakew ND to help us understand the components that are out of practice realm of physiotherapy. She will bring an in-depth understanding of physiological systems, total body health, and supplements that can be beneficial in headache treatment.

Dr. Darlene Reid-Ahenakew ND is a well-known Naturopathic Doctor in Saskatoon practising at Saskatoon Naturopathic Medicine in Stonebridge. She helps many patients with chronic headaches and migraines stop the cycle of pain by uncovering physiological root causes. Hormone imbalances, gut health, stress responses, food intolerances, and nutrient deficiencies can all promote systemic inflammation and chronic pain. During this workshop, Dr. Reid-Ahenakew ND will discuss how to identify these issues in yourself and the different treatment approaches.

What is it about?
This workshop will examine the physiological causes of headaches. Theresa Ziegler will be discussing the musculoskeletal causes; as well, we have a guest speaker, Dr. Darlene Reid-Ahenakew, a Naturopathic Doctor who has special interest in uncovering the root cause of chronic headaches. Both will be discussing the causes, prevention, and management of headaches.

MIGRAINE PRESENTATION

WEDNESDAY JULY 17, 2019 @ 7 pm

“The Highly Sensitive Brain”

An Update on Migraines from a Functional Medicine Perspective

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Dr. Reid-Ahenakew will discuss:

  • What is happening in the brain when you get a migraine?

  • Common (and not so common) food triggers

  • The role of estrogen and progesterone in migraines

  • Nutrient deficiencies that can be a factor

  • Natural medicines to improve your resilience to stress

  • The role of gut health in prevention of migraines

A registration fee of $25 will reserve your spot. All profits will be donated to LDAS

(The Learning Disability Association of Saskatchewan)

Dr. Reid-Ahenakew, ND


Join us from 7:00-8:00 pm on July 17th at our clinic.

To Register, or to learn more about this presentation:

Call the clinic at: (306) 664-2150

Or email us at: info@saskatoonnaturopathic.com