Migraines and Women: Causes and Help

Women: Migraines, Hormones and Being 40-Something

I recently started having issues with migraines. I’m 45 – and I think my hormones are getting a little out of whack. I recently had such a bad migraine, I ended up in the ER thinking I had a brain tumor or I was having an aneurism. I laugh now – but it was NOT funny at the time. My husband was very concerned and had never seen someone in such agony. I was crying, vomiting and laying on the floor with my face in my hands begging for 10 seconds of relief.

After I got home and was given a heavy duty migraine med prescription – I decided to start researching reasons for my migraines and how I could relieve them naturally or avoid them altogether.

I had the awesome pleasure of speaking with Wendy Rae of of Wendy-Rae.com. She is a wellness coach and works a lot with herbal remedies.

I asked Wendy if I could please interview her in order to share her advice and insight with my readers, so that they could benefit from Wendy’s knowledge as well. I think you’ll enjoy the interview and really love the advice that Wendy offers. Especially if you’re like me and suffer from migraines that happened to show up during peri-menapause.

1. Can migraines be directly related to hormones for women?

Absolutely migraines can be directly related to hormones.  There are theories as to what causes migraines, but the reality is that science doesn’t know.  Theories in the science world now revolve around seratonin levels, the relationship between calcium and magnesium in brain chemistry, food sensitivities, environmental factors, and changes in the sympathetic nervous system such as with hormone fluctuations during menses, peri-menopause, and menopause.

2. Is there a time in a woman’s life where migraines might be more prevalent?

Migraines do seem to be more common in our society for women during those times when our hormones are seeking balance.  For some women, every monthly menses means a migraine.  Other women not having previous experience with migraines will suddenly be perplexed with them when peri-menopause and menopause cycles begin.

3. Is lifestyle, stress and diet a big factor for women these days and hormone issues?

Yes, Yes, YES!  Lifestyle and diet are probably more contributing factors than stress.  Think about this logically.  When you are exercising and eating well, do you handle stress more effectively than if you are not being active and eating junk food?  The answer is so easy to say and read, however, each person’s dietary and nutritional needs are not the same based on family history, previous malnutrition, location, and food sensitivies.

Let’s say you are exercising and eating fabulously. (So fabulously, that your doctor, mother, and wellness coach would be proud!)  Something stressful happens at work that is beyond your control that has a direct impact on your life, (I’m going to call this a variable as it can be anything from in-laws to teenagers, not just work).

This unwanted variable wreaks havoc on your internal organs without your knowledge.  It becomes a leech to your Vitamin B’s, which are responsible for your energy levels.  What happens when your Vitamin B levels are down?  You feel tired.  You are more susceptible to long term depression.  Immune system function slows and lymph glands can become clogged.  When a person first feels tired from stress, I often recommend a Vitamin B complex tincture that I personally developed from plants and herbs to prevent further issues, like migraines, viruses, flus, and other stress related health issues.

4. What suggestions do you have for treating hormone related migraines and hormone issues in general. Especially for women in the perimenopause stage of life?

The first thing I would suggest looking at is how many healthy fats (Omegas) are being consumed.  The brain is made up of fatty tissues.  There are numerous studies that show Omega 3 alleviating migraines.  Based on these scientific studies, I personally choose 2 natural and effective sources of fatty acids:  coconut oil and evening primrose oil.

Cooking and baking with coconut oil has incredible health benefits (and has shown to help as a weight loss aid).  It has all of the Omegas present and is the most stable oil for heating at any temperature.

Evening Primrose Oil is high in GLA, an incredible fatty acid that science is just now studying more deeply.  This wonderful, and beautifully fragrant plant has been used to alleviate PMS symptoms, migraines, endemetriosis, fibrocystic breasts, arthritis, eczema, and the list goes on and on.  This oil comes in capsules that look like Vitamin E.  There is no formula for how much a person should take, so I always tell my clients to start slow with one in the morning and evening.  Some people take 3 a day, others take 6.  It is really dependent on your body’s needs.

5. What services do you offer to help women with hormone issues naturally?

I offer wellness coaching and I make herbal remedies.  I offer a free coaching session with a $30 herbal purchase from my website at www.Wendy-Rae.com.

I formulate specific remedies for my clients.  I grow the majority of my own herbs and plants for making my remedies, and those I must purchase I purchase from only sustainable and organic sources.

Most of my clients come to me with what they believe to be unrelated symptoms and issues.  They are always surprised when I make a tea infusion blend and a tincture and ask them to try these and document any change.  The common question is: How can two easy to use items replace a handful of supplements and pills?  My answer is always the same:  I have no idea but doesn’t it rock?!

Plants are just magical that way.  :-)

Wendy is offering all my readers 30% off any tincture or free shipping. (AWESOME!!) Just use code: KL30

Tagged as: migraines, progesterone cream