Menopause is the halting of the female reproductive cycle and is a natural phenomenon. Migraine attacks are one of the most common and debilitating disorders associated with menopause and can cause a number of problems for women. The intensity of pain during a menopause migraine can disrupt the normal functioning of a woman and can leave her feeling fatigued, irritable and drained out.

Menopause migraines are episodic attacks that can be unilateral or bilateral in nature in which the headache pain lasts for around 4 to 72 hours. These attacks are also accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision and increased sensitivity to light, sound and smell. As women approach menopause, they become susceptible to developing migraines as various hormonal changes take place in their body.

Causes of menopause migraine:

Excessive stress and anxiety can lead to the development of menopause migraines.

Staying hungry for long periods or not taking the meals on time can also trigger these migraines.

Hormonal imbalance is the most widely accepted cause of menopause migraines. During menopause, levels of the female sex hormones, particularly estrogen tends to decline leading to changes in blood vessels in the brain that cause migraines.

Heredity can also play an important role in the development of migraines. If a close family member is susceptible to migraine, chances are that you might also develop one.

Treatment of menopause migraine:

In the case of most migraines, prevention is better than cure. Migraines can be prevented by making certain lifestyle changes and adopting healthy habits.

If you are a chained smoker, you must quit smoking as nicotine is known to trigger migraines.

Regular exercise such as walking, swimming or jogging can help relieve stress and prevent the occurrence of a migraine.

Excessive consumption of alcohol and wines must be stopped.

Intake of certain food such as chocolates, sharp cheese, nuts and tyramine products should be stopped.

Relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing exercises also help prevent migraines.

Yoga is a great way by means of which you can put a migraine attack at bay.

Various alternative remedies such as acupuncture, spa therapy, shiatsu, reiki etc. are good for diverting migraines.

Aromatherapy revolves around the use of essential oils and can be used to provide relief.

In case, the symptoms worsen and you begin to experience chronic menopause migraines, you must talk to your doctor for various drug options and other forms of treatment.