#3 – Headaches – Endocrine System

posted on : January 28, 2019 posted by : lareesbutterfly@gmail.com 0 Comment

#3 – Headaches – Endocrine System

I was surprised to learn, as I began looking for ALL of the possible causes of migraines, how many possibilities there are. One of the most intriguing to me was the connection between the thyroid and additionally, the adrenal glands to an oncoming migraine or headache. If you struggle with thyroid or adrenal gland issues, and you live with headache pain, there may be connections in this article that you have not considered previously. Let’s begin by discussing the thyroid, then the adrenal glands.

The Thyroid

This small, butterfly-shaped gland is a very important part of the endocrine system in the human body. It plays many important roles. The design of our bodies ensures that this gland gets plenty of nourishment. At least six liters of blood passes through the thyroid every single day of our lives. Unfortunately, unless this blood is nutrient-rich, even six liters will not be enough to keep the thyroid healthy. Furthermore, unless the liver and spleen are keeping the blood clean, the thyroid is fed toxins along with necessary nutrients.

Functions of the Thyroid

Regulates the functions of other endocrine organs.
Secretes hormones that control how quickly the body burns calories and uses energy resources.
These thyroid-produced hormones play an important role in the regulation of body temperature.
Regulates, extensively, the amount of oxygen circulating in the blood.
Controls the growth and development of bones, nerves, and muscles. WOW!
Also, plays a key role in the absorption of calcium.
Produces and directs hormones that are needed by the ovaries and testicles. Consequently, hormone balance in the body depends upon the thyroid to a large extent.
Vital to the health of the periosteum. The periosteum covers the bones. It lies between the bones and the muscles attached to them. Any trouble here hurts – a lot! Unhealthy periosteum layers, sometimes called growing pains.”
Plays a part in the production of proteins. Proteins are the building blocks of our cells and tissues.
Helps to regulate the heartbeat.
Plays a role in cognitive functions.

Symptoms of Thyroid Dysfunction

Exhaustion.
Depression.
Anxiety.
Feeling jittery.
Changes in both appetite and the taste of foods eaten.
Brain fog.
Low libido.
Dry skin and hair. Hair loss.
Constipation, as well as a slow down of other digestive processes.
Menstrual difficulties, especially including a too heavy flow of blood.
Difficulty getting pregnant.
Also, an increased frequency of and risk for miscarriages.
Pain in the muscles and in the extremities of the body. (Unhealthy periosteum)
High blood pressure.
Often fluctuating body temperatures, being cold much of the time.
Hoarseness.
Sleep disorders.
Weight gain or loss.
Gum disease.
Forgetfulness and, subsequently, difficulty understanding and/or retaining information.
A puffy or swollen-looking face.
Increased sensitivity to medications and, similarly, increased sensitivity to environmental pollutions.
Candida yeast infections. Hypothyroidism contributes to an out-of-balance condition in the gut allowing candida to flourish inappropriately.
Thyroid dysfunction can also be associated with fibroid cysts.
Headaches and Migraines.

Types of Thyroid Dysfunctions

The thyroid may become either under-active (hypo-active) or over-active (hyper-active). An under-active thyroid is far more common than an over-active thyroid. Hashimoto’s disease is the most commonly diagnosed under-active thyroid disease. Hashimoto’s disease occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Headaches and migraines result, generally, from hypo-activity of the thyroid gland.

Headaches/Migraines and Thyroid Malfunction

Hypothyroidism: Research indicates that people with hypothyroidism often experienced migraines during childhood. This information suggests that undiagnosed thyroid problems began much earlier than they were suspected and diagnosed. As the child grew older, the temporary migraine episodes became chronic migraines. Moreover, a study in The Journal of Headache and Pain linked hypothyroidism to migraines rather firmly. The study found that hypothyroidism was far more common in migraine sufferers than in the general population. Body Temperature: Failure of the thyroid to maintain body temperature results, sometimes, in recurrent migraines. Why is this so? Low body temperatures lead to the relaxation and the dilation of blood vessels. This, quite naturally, results in more than usual amounts of fluid leaking into the brain tissues. Increased fluid inside the closed space of the cranium leads to the characteristic throbbing pain experienced by migraine sufferers. This condition even has a name, Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome – named for the doctor who first made this connection. Whether or not the dilation or relaxation of blood vessels is the cause or even the only cause, one thing has become quite certain. Migraines often resolve when lower than normal body temperatures are brought back into normal ranges. This is not to say that a migraine goes away if the person’s body temperature is increased. It is the overall temperature of the body and the tendency of the body to be too cold too often that must be remedied. Strengthening and repairing the thyroid gland is a good first step.

Presentation of Thyroid-Related Headaches

Typically, located on both sides of the head.
Non-throbbing, but constant and long-lasting.
Not associated with nausea or vomiting.
Not usually introduced by the typical migraine aura.

Lack of an aura, however, is not a hard and fast rule of thyroid-associated headaches. (Is there anything hard and fast about headaches except the pain, really?) According to Cephalagia, many study participants described their hypothyroidism headaches very differently. (Cephalagia is an international, peer-reviewed medical journal of research related to headache pain.) These hypothyroid sufferers described their headaches as:

One-sided.
Throbbing.
Accompanied by both nausea and vomiting.

Possible Solutions

Essential Oils

Singles: Cumin (stimulant), Myrtle (very strong affinity for the thyroid and, as a result, for strengthening the prostate), Palmarosa, and Spruce. Butterfly Blends: ^LeBalance or ^LeWoman Wise (hormones), ^LeEnergy, ^LeEndoRelief (entire endocrine system), ^LeSynopsis (liver and gallbladder), ^LeIntention (circulation, hormone balance, liver and gallbladder), ^LeEternity and ^LeUnity. The blends, ^LeUnity and ^LeEternity increase the uptake of nutrients and thus, feed the thyroid gland. ^LeEnergy will warm the body and increase energy levels for a short time. An excellent blend, ^LeEndoRelief, should be part of a long-term, permanent answer. ^LeEndoRelief addresses issues with all of the glands of the endocrine system. Apply essential oils under the big toes for thyroid hyperactivity. Apply them to the tops of the big toes for hypo-activity of the thyroid. Cover the whole toe if you are not sure if it is hypo or hyper.

Herbal Suggestions

Echinacea contains vitamins A, C, and E (this is somewhat unusual in herbs). Echinacea also contains calcium, iron, iodine, potassium, and sulfur. Black Walnut balances the glandular system and has a particular affinity for the thyroid. Be a little careful here. Too much Black Walnut causes diarrhea as it expels parasites. Not a bad thing but there are better, easier ways to get rid of parasites. Poke Root has a strong and specific action on the entire glandular system, with a particular affinity for the thyroid and the spleen. Other herbs to consider, additionally, include Kelp/Dulse, Irish Moss, White Oak, Gentian, Nettles, and Alfalfa. Ginger, Cayenne, and Cinnamon are thermogenic herbs. They increase internal body heat and, in addition, turn up the metabolic rate. Consider Butterfly herbal combinations such as TY, KNA, and MIN. Some single herbs do not work effectively unless paired with other herbs. Herbal combinations are, as a result, more effective than single herbs, generally speaking. These combinations provide, in a balanced and synergistic manner, the nutrients that struggling thyroid glands are most in need of.

Homeopathic/Blessed Water Remedy Ideas

Hyperthyroid: (relatively rare) Adren, Ars-i, Bell, Cact, Calc, Ferr-i, Fl-ac, Glon, Iod, Kali-i, Nat-m, Phos, Spong, Stram, Thyr, and Verat. Hypothyroid: Brom, Calc-c, Calc-i, Graph, Iod, Kali-i, Lach, Lyc, Nat-m, Phos, Sep, Sil, Spong, and Thyr.

Emotions

The thyroid is located at the base of the neck. As such, it is intimately connected with the throat chakra. This chakra sits at the crossroads of the body, both physically and energetically. The throat chakra acts as a bridge between the feelings centered in our hearts and the thoughts of our minds. Difficulties in communication are its primary focus. Nevertheless, the throat chakra covers so much more than just the ability to communicate one’s feeling and needs appropriately. This chakra governs creativity and will-power, as well as issues of self-expression. The throat chakra processes information from all of the other chakras. Butterfly Blends : ^LeAcknowledge, ^LeAngel, ^LeAutumn, ^LeBelieve, ^LeBenediction, ^LeDreams, ^LeExpressions, ^LeFaith, ^LeGoodNite, ^LeHeartSong, ^LeKadence, ^LeMeditation, ^LeMillenia, ^LePatches, ^LeSanctuary, ^LeUnity, and ^LeWisdom. Singles: Cedarwood, Chamomile German, Chamomile Roman, Cumin, Cypress, Fir Siberian, Frankincense, Helichrysum, Myrrh, Myrtle, Peppermint, Petitgrain, Rosewood, Sage, and Sandalwood.

The Adrenal Glands

The thyroid and the adrenal glands are closely connected to one another. If one begins to struggle, it can be assumed that the other one will be in trouble very soon, also.

Functions of the Adrenal Glands

Production of a wide range of hormones and signaling molecules.
Specifically, produces the four major stress hormones. These are adrenaline, cortisol, DHEA, and norepinephrine.
Affects metabolism, particularly the metabolism of carbohydrates.
Regulation of blood sugar. (Blood sugar issues are NOT just a pancreatic problem.) The adrenal glands play a part in the production of glucose, and increase blood glucose levels in response to stress.
Optimum resistance to stress and stressful situations.
The timely response of the body to danger and dangerous situations.
Absolutely vital to the function of the immune system.
Regulation of blood pressure.
Facilitates the absorption of trace minerals and, if needed, the excretion of an over-abundance of these minerals.
Affects the breakdown of fats.
Strengthens the contractibility of the heart muscle when this is required.
Increases water retention, thus preventing dehydration.
Stimulates anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic responses in the body.
Enhances muscle mass.
Stimulates cell growth.
Dilates the small passageways of the lungs, thus providing increased oxygenation to the body.
Manages the development of some sex-differentiated characteristics.
Manages the stress in our lives and our responses to them.

The adrenal glands aid us in coping with long-term stress. However, if the stress, or our perception of our lives as stressful, continues on and on the adrenal glands simple “burnout.” There are degrees of adrenal burn-out. Total failure is totally fatal. The road to complete adrenal failure is a very nasty road, indeed – every step of the way.

Symptoms of Adrenal Dysfunction (Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome)

Weakness.
Lethargy.
Dizziness.
Headaches.
Brain fog and memory problems.
Nervous system disorders.
Depression. Mood swings.
Poor immune function.
Fluid retention.
Food cravings. This is a big one. There is so much fatigue with adrenal malfunction. Consequently, the body craves those foods which produce instant energy. Unquestionably, these are not usually the foods that are good for the adrenal glands, long-term.
Craving salt as well as sugary treats.
Rage or sudden angry outbursts.
Tired but wired up and wanting to go, go, go.
Aching joints. Muscle tightness and pain.
A host of allergies and food sensitivities.
Blood sugar disorders.
Hormone issues – PMS and fertility issues.
Heart palpitations. Hypertension.
Chronic inflammation.
Worsening of thyroid issues.
Weight problems.
A need for frequent naps.

Headaches/Migraines and Adrenal Malfunction

Adrenal Fatigue

The list of symptoms above for adrenal fatigue tells us much about the adrenal-related triggers of migraine headache pain.

First, for example, is blood sugar disorders. Most people who suffer from hypoglycemia experience headaches, among other symptoms, as their blood sugar plummets.
Next, as another example, are allergies and food sensitivities. Headache pain is often experienced with allergies and food sensitivities.
Headaches are, often, a regular part of PMS and other hormone imbalance issues.
Chronic inflammation and muscles tightness, especially in the back of the neck or in the shoulders, produces a great many headaches.
Chronic inflammation triggered digestive issues, and their accompanying headaches, often result as the adrenal glands fail.
Adrenal fatigue is, almost always, accompanied by sleep disturbances. Lack of sleep is a major trigger for headache pain.

The HPA Axis – Overstimulation of the HPA Axis and Nervous System Stress

Our entire bodies, not just our adrenal glands, surge into action when we perceive a threat or are under stress. This global response is called the NeuroEndoMetabolic Stress Response – Neuro (nerves), Endo (endocrine system), and Metabolic (every part of the body that affects metabolism in any way). The HPA Axis* – the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands – takes the biggest hit. The hormone cascade that these organs and glands produce when under stress brings about serious harm and, eventually malfunctions in the nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is, especially, affected in some very negative ways. Migraine headaches, complete with auras preceding them as the nervous system sends out “shock waves,” are the result as the nervous system becomes compromised. *The HPA Axis – and how to get it functioning properly again- is a particular focus of the Butterfly Cranio/Sacral Class #2. (Cranio/Sacral Class #1 is a prerequisite for #2) See you there?

Cortisol, Stress, and “Let-Down” Headaches.

Cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands when we are under stress, is a steroid hormone. As such, it has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Nearly every cell in the body has cortisol receptor sites. Therefore, cortisol affects most bodily functions. The adrenal glands, as the first response to stress, produce massive amounts of cortisol. On a particularly stressful day, cortisol runs rampant through the body. The next day – or even later on the same day – if stress is alleviated somewhat, levels of cortisol drop off. For some people, this drop in cortisol triggers muscle and/or nerve-related migraines. Strangely, the migraines usually occur the following day, especially if stress levels remain relatively low on that consecutive day. “It is important for people to be aware of rising stress levels and attempt to relax during periods of stress rather than allowing a major build up to occur. This could include exercising or attending a yoga class or may be as simple as taking a walk or focusing on one’s breath for a few minutes.” This is the advice of the co-author of one study on cortisol levels and stress. The study referred to was published online in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. This study certainly highlights the importance of stress management and healthy lifestyle strategies in the management of migraines and stress-related headaches.

Possible Solutions

The most important thing you can do for your adrenal glands is to cultivate a calm response to the events of daily life. Deal with problems as they come up (rather than just fret and worry about them), and learn to leave what can’t be changed by you in the hands of God.

Sleep

The highest levels of adrenal hormones are typically released in the morning with the levels becoming a little bit lower as evening approaches. Because the adrenal glands are continually firing when we are awake, it is important that we regularly get a good night’s sleep. Adrenal fatigue is always associated with extreme fatigue and the need for naps during the day. This occurs because the adrenals cry out for frequent periods in which to rest and rebuild. Take naps, but understand that the need for naps is a signal that work MUST be done immediately on the adrenal glands, specifically, and on the endocrine system as a whole.

Essential Oils

Butterfly Blends: ^LeAmbition, ^LeEndoRelief, ^LeEnergy, ^LeHeartSong, ^LeInsideOut, ^LeLife Force, ^LeLiteN, ^LeTransition, ^LeTrust, and ^LeVitality. Singles: Basil, Geranium, Nutmeg, Ravensara, Sage, Spruce, Turmeric, and Rosemary.

Herbal Solutions

Herbs which might be helpful are: Astragalus (anti-oxidant and immune function stimulant), Echinacea (immune system health), Milk Thistle (colon health), Kelp or Dulse (minerals), Devil’s Claw (adrenal, thyroid, and parathyroid tonic), Bilberry (cellular structure), Hawthorn (heart and circulation), Safflower (kidney support), Licorice Root (pancreas), Ginseng (very important), and Papaya (digestion and uptake of nutrients). Avoid Goldenseal or limit its use to no more than a week or two at a time. Oregon Grape contains many of the same berberine compounds but does not negatively affect blood sugar levels like Goldenseal sometimes does. A diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and grains, prepared in such a way as to protect the nutrients and enzymes, is essential to adrenal health. Supplement vitamins C, B, and A, and minerals (especially calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc). Herbs are the most efficient and absorbable way to do this.