#5 – Headaches – Hormones

Headaches and other problems that occur during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause are, quite often, related to out-of-balance hormones.  Estrogen is such a popular topic these days.  It might be easy to assume that it is the only important hormone in a woman’s life.  This is very far from the truth.  There is a plethora (I love that word!) of hormones at work and play in the human body.  This is true for both females and males! We are going to limit our discussion to females, at least for today. While estrogen certainly plays a large role in women’s health – and we will be discussing it in some detail – we are also going to discuss progesterone.

Menstrual Migraines

We need to define the various terms used to describe migraines related to menstruation.

Premenstrual and Menstrual Headaches

A menstrual migraine is one which begins 1 to 3 days before the onset of the cycle.  The onset of the cycle is the first day of actual menstrual bleeding.  This is referred to as the perimenstrual phase.  Sometimes these pre-period migraines are referred to as perimenstrual migraines. The use of the word, peri, distinguishes these migraines from migraines that occur just after the cycle has ended.  It also distinguishes them from migraines that occur mid-cycle, at ovulation. In reality, however, most doctors and scientific reports do not distinguish these various types of migraines from each other in this clear fashion. Rather, they say menstrual migraine to refer to migraines that begin in the perimenstrual phase.  The term, menstrually-related migraine, refers to migraines that begin after the menstrual cycle is completed, such as a migraine at ovulation or as the bleeding ends. As indicated above, there are several basic types of menstrual migraines.

• Perimenstrual (menstrual) migraine without aura.  This migraine is, often, accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
• Perimenstrual (menstrual) migraine preceded by the lights of a migraine aura.
• A menstrual migraine that occurs just after the cycle has ended – a postmenstrual migraine.
• An ovulation migraine or headache.  These headaches are usually referred to as menstrually-related even though they occur mid-cycle.  Obviously, they are related to the hormones of the menstrual cycle, so this makes sense, I suppose.

 Statistics

• In general, more than 70% of all migraine sufferers are women.
• 18% to 50% of women suffer from migraines or headaches associated with hormone balance.  What a wide range in assumed statistics!  Estimates depend upon which study or report you are paying attention to.
• Hormone-related migraines are the most common type of migraine among women.
• Among migraine sufferers, male and female, a woman migraine sufferer will experience migraines three times as often as men do.  The migraines will likely be more severe and last longer.
• Approximately 10% of adolescent girls, just barely pre-menstrual, suffer from migraines.
• Once again, depending on the studies and statistics you choose, anywhere from 25% – 45% of women suffer – or have suffered – from hormone-related headaches and migraines.
• Less than 10% of postmenopausal women have migraines.  This statistic requires some pondering upon.  Were these women, once the cycling of hormones was done with, able to balance their hormones more effectively?  PMS is so rampant today that women tend to think it is normal and do nothing more productive than various drugs, often pain-killers, to cope.  Menopausal women, on the other hand, are able to support their endocrine systems sufficiently to stabilize their hormones, at least to some degree once the cycling of hormones has ceased.

Random Facts

• Menstrual migraines typically last longer than other types of migraines.  They are, on the whole, more severe, pain-wise.  They, more often than with other types of headaches, result in nausea and vomiting.
• Migraine episodes, if they are going to be a problem for a female, usually begin with the very first menstrual cycle.
• Typically, the first attack of migraine occurs between the ages of 12 and 13.
• A study involving more than 18,000 women found that women who were currently taking HRT – Hormone Replacement Therapy were 40% more likely to have migraine episodes than women who were not on HRT.

• Quite often, migraines improve in the last 6 months of pregnancy.
• Unfortunately, migraines often worsen again during the postpartum period.
• Many women – as many as 80% – experience some improvement or the total disappearance of migraines after menopause.
• Perimenopause – that period of time when periods are irregular rather than absent – is a high-risk period for migraines.

“Migraine frequency and severity are often more common during periods of declining estrogen. Around the time of your period or after delivering a baby (especially if not breastfeeding), and during menopause when estrogen levels are highly irregular.”

Estrogen and Menstrual Migraines

In the normal course of a woman’s cycle, estrogen levels decline just prior to menstruation.  This has led many people to conclude that falling estrogen levels are responsible for the onset of migraines.  This sounds logical until you look at the statistics showing that postmenopausal (lower estrogen level) women have far fewer migraine episodes than do younger women.  Lower estrogen levels, later in a woman’s life, do not appear to create – at least, statistically speaking – increased migraine episodes. One very interesting study shows, as expected and as seen in most other studies, that estrogen levels fall just prior to menstruation.  However, this study hypothesizes that it is the fluctuating estrogen levels throughout the monthly cycle that sets susceptible women up for migraine pain just prior to the menstruation.  Just prior to menstruation, several types of hormones are also moving up and down rapidly.  It is low estrogen, in conjunction with the change in other hormone levels, that triggers migraine episodes.

Serotonin Levels

As estrogen levels decline serotonin levels also decline.  Perhaps, in fact, it is quite likely that declining serotonin levels play a larger role in migraine pain than does falling estrogen levels. Both the brain and the intestinal tract produce serotonin.  The large intestine has thousands of serotonin manufacturing sites.  It also has a bunch of sites where serotonin is uptaken and moved into the blood.  In addition, the large intestine is also the location of the receptor sites that destroy serotonin if levels get too high.  Clogging of the walls of the large intestine results in improper serotonin levels.

The Trigeminovascular Pain Pathway

How are serotonin levels related to migraines?  Among its many other functions (not topics for today’s discussion), serotonin is involved – in a very complex way – in the functioning of the Central Nervous System’s trigeminovascular pain pathway.  Different levels of serotonin affect this pathway in very different ways.  Studies consistently show that women perceive pain differently throughout the course of the menstrual cycle.  Typically, pain perception is higher during the premenstrual and menstrual part of the cycle.  Remember, this is the stage when both estrogen and serotonin levels are lower than at other times. The trigeminovascular pain pathway also creates sensations such as facial skin pain.  The pain is noticeable by women when they are combing their hair.  Even letting the water run over their faces is sometimes painful.  These sensations are felt just before menstruation beings.  In addition, these same patients report that the skin all over their bodies, just before their period starts, becomes hypersensitive.  Tight clothes, bracelets, rings, necklaces, socks, or heavy blankets become uncomfortable or even painful just before the onset of their periods.  The activation of this nerve/pain pathway seems to be responsible for both the flashing lights and the throbbing pain of menstrual migraines.

Lymph and Hormone Issues (PMS) and Migraines

The intestinal tract has a lot of lymph tissues.  Could it be that lymph clogging of the serotonin receptor sites in the intestinal tract plays a part in migraine pain?  Clogged lymphatics result in unnatural – either high or low – levels of serotonin.  Does this unusual serotonin activity predispose some women to migraine headaches? Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that most of the symptoms of PMS are best accounted for, not by hormones but by lymph clogging.  Their rationale is very logical and very convincing.  I am convinced, after years as a foot zone therapist and a midwife, that they are correct!  Lymph clogging and PMS symptoms walk hand-in-hand. Estrogen may be a key player in migraine headaches.  Nevertheless, serotonin levels, colon issues, and lymph clogging are additional pieces of the PMS and menstrual migraine puzzle.

Progesterone

Progesterone is a very important hormone when it comes to women’s hormones.  When speaking of women’s hormones, during the childbearing years and throughout life, the focus tends to be on estrogen.  This is unfortunate.  In healthy women, estrogens (there is more than one kind) and progesterone work together.  They keep each other in check, thus maintaining a balance of power between themselves. Progesterone is an extremely important hormone! Furthermore, its importance is not just as a pregnancy hormone.  Progesterone levels are important throughout a woman’s life.

Progesterone Functions

During the Childbearing Years:

Once the ovaries have expelled an egg, progesterone levels begin to rise. Hormones are secreted by the corpus luteum that stimulate this rise in progesterone.  (An egg ejects from the corpus luteum sac at ovulation.)  The extra progesterone aids in thickening the lining of the uterus.  Thus, the uterus becomes a nutrient-rich place for the egg to implant if it is fertilized by an incoming sperm. If fertilization of the egg does not occur, progesterone levels fall off again.  The woman’ body then sheds the extra endometrial lining during menstruation.  By way of information, Butterfly’s MC formula works with this basic cycle and has been instrumental in preventing many a miscarriage.  If the corpus luteum does not signal the rise in progesterone as it should, the false unicorn and lobelia herbs in this formula stimulate that rise very well and very quickly.  The uterus thickens, the tiny little zygote implants, spotting stops, and the pregnancy progresses.

Throughout a Woman’s Life

A proper balance between estrogen and progesterone levels impacts many aspects of a woman’s health.  A quick summary is listed below:

• Cardiovascular function, including vein health and the health of the heart muscle itself.
• The endocrine system.  This system affects the production of hormones and creates all sorts of problems when hormones are out-of-balance.
• The entire nervous system.  Thus, progesterone impacts moods, sleep cycles, irritability, depression, and the “fight or flight” response – to name just a few things.
• Most importantly, brain function.  The brain is, also part of the nervous system.  However, progesterone is so important to brain functions that we will talk more about it below.

Progesterone in the bloodstream has direct access to brain cells and, also, to the nerves within the brain.  One of progesterone’s roles is to promote brain and nerve cell growth.  In addition, progesterone repairs the myelin sheath that protects nerve cells in the brain as well as everywhere else in the body.

Progesterone and the Brain

Brain injury and Progesterone:  An interesting series of studies indicated that when female rats are in the high progesterone stage of their reproductive cycle and suffered a head injury, they sustained significantly less brain damage than either male rats or female rats at a different place in their cycle. Strokes and Progesterone:  Statistics and studies indicate that the presence of progesterone in higher than is considered normal levels also protects against strokes and other debilitating cerebral incidents. Fetal Brain Development and Progesterone:  Other studies, still in early stages, indicate that progesterone is absolutely essential to the development of a normal brain in the fetus.  In fact, there is published evidence that the children of women who had better progesterone levels during pregnancy later achieved better academic results at ages 9-10.  Statistically, they were also significantly more likely to attend universities. Anxiety, Memory, and Progesterone:  Progesterone naturally metabolizes into substances that relieve anxiety.  These same substances are proving to be important in preserving cognitive function in women as they age. Progesterone as a sleeping aid:  Progesterone, given orally at bedtime, produce pronounced sedative effects.  Sleep comes more quickly and is, in addition, deeper and more restful.

Important!!

There are foods and herbs that stimulate the endocrine system and other organs to produce progesterone.  The body producing sufficient progesterone is, also the goal of any hormone treatment protocol.  Natural ways to increase the levels of progesterone in the body will be discussed in a moment. Progesterones from plant sources are chemically identical to human progesterone – if they have been handled correctly during preparation.  In contrast, the numerous synthetically produced “progestins” used in Hormone Replacement Therapies, HRTs, differ in significant ways from natural progesterone. The terms progesterone and progestins are often used interchangeably. The liver produces a large number of metabolites.  Production increases after oral ingestion of truly natural progesterone varieties.  These levels do not increase when artificially produced hormones are ingested. Advertisements, however, often lead the public to believe that these man-made hormones are “bio-identical.”  In reality, there is no such thing as “bio-identical hormones” produced in laboratory settings.  This is constantly borne out by many studies as well as common sense and the personal experiences of women. As the saying goes, “Only God can make a tree.”  Apparently, only God – through living plants – can produce hormones such as progesterone that will do what they are meant to do in the human body.

It is not normal for hormone levels to be out-of-whack!

The medical world and medically leaning websites claim that falling levels of estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones are natural when the menstrual years are passed.  They will point out the fact that the ovaries stop producing estrogen as proof positive of this belief.  They present statistics that point out that progesterone levels fall faster – nearly three times faster – than even estrogen levels do as menopause begins.  These things are true.  They will not, however, point out that these falling levels, although common, are not necessarily the normal way of things!  They are, very likely, a product of many things in our modern society combined together. Please remember – as already said above – the word estrogen refers to a number of estrogens, not just one particular molecule.  It is true that the ovaries no longer produce specific estrogens.  A woman’s body no longer creates and bleeds off endometrial lining tissue once the childbearing years have passed.  Thus, progesterone production is also handled differently.  The ovaries and the corpus luteum no longer need to produce that particular type of progesterone. At this time, organs other than the ovaries should step in and produce the types of hormones that are still needed.  Healthy women with well-functioning endocrine systems, maintain proper hormone balance as a matter of course.  They experience little – or none – of the constantly talked about nasty symptoms of menopause.

Raising Levels of this Incredibly Important Hormone

1.  Treat the adrenal glands!  The adrenal glands also produce progesterone.  Strengthen the endocrine system.  Pay particular attention to the pituitary and to the thyroid.  The pituitary stimulates progesterone production to a considerable extent.  When the ovaries slow their production of hormones as they do before menopause, the adrenal glands and the endocrine system are responsible for maintaining blood levels of progesterone.  These important glands need to be strong!
2. Detoxify and support the liver!  The liver metabolizes hormones.  This means that the liver breaks down excess or used-up hormones.  Then the liver decides what to reconstruct the pieces into.  Proper metabolizing of hormones ensure proper ratios of estrogen to progesterone.
3. Utilize the nutritional benefits of good nutrition and herbs.  Herbs are powerhouses of vitamins and minerals!

Foods for Estrogen/Progesterone Balance

Broccoli, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, walnuts, beans, bananas, spinach, potatoes, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, flaxseeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, whole grains, nuts, lean red meats, and shellfish.

Herbs for Estrogen/Progesterone Balance

MH tincture for men.  YW tincture for young women.  MW tincture for older women. False Unicorn, Chaste Tree, Damiana, red clover, Passion Flower, Raspberry Leaf, Licorice Root, Rhodiola, Ashwagandha, schizandra, Milk Thistle, Dandelion Root and leaf, Evening Primrose Oil, and borage oil, as appropriate for gender and current needs. Magnesium and B12, for everybody.

Essential Oils for Estrogen/Progesterone Balance

Specifically for Men:  ^LeBalance, ^LeEndoRelief, ^LeMoonlight, ^LeLetting Go, Chaste Tree, Sandalwood, Patchouli, and Clary Sage. Specifically for Women:  ^LeEndoRelief, ^LeWoman Wise, ^LeBalance, ^LeCherish, Clary Sage, Sandalwood, Chaste Tree, and Ylang Ylang.

Estrogen-dominance

Estrogen dominance, basically, is too much estrogen as compared to progesterone.  More accurately stated, estrogen dominance is an improper balance between progesterone and estrogen levels.  It is not so much that there is too much estrogen; it is more that there is too little progesterone to counterbalance the estrogen levels.  As you probably already know, too much estrogen creates a host of nasty problems.  Some of them are listed below:

• Headaches.
• Weight gain.
• Irritability.
• Cramping of the uterus.
• Missing or irregular periods.
• PMS symptoms, including but not limited to, menstrual and menstrually-related headaches.
• Fibroids.
• Endometriosis.
• Infertility.
• Swollen fingers and feet.
• Swollen breasts.
• Cysts in the breasts.
• Fatigue.
• Higher than normal risk of various cancers!

Estrogen dominance is hormones out of balance.  Out of balance hormones are an endocrine and, quite possibly, an adrenal gland problem.  What can be done about estrogen balance?

Hormone Balance

Keep your hormones balanced throughout your life.  The herbs suggested above to simulate progesterone levels would be a good start.  There are many other suggestions in the “Solutions” sections throughout the rest of this article.

Adrenal Glands and Endocrine System

Support your adrenal glands every way that you can. (There is more information in my blog  on  Adrenal Fatigue.) Keep your entire endocrine system doing its job efficiently and competently.  This is really not as challenging as it sounds.  Good nutrition is the key and herbs are powerhouses of good nutrition.  Make use of herbals regularly as a part of your lifestyle.

Avoid Birth Control and HRT

Consider healthier options if you are taking birth control pills or are using hormone replacement therapy (HRT).  Some types of HRT contain unopposed estrogen.  One of these is Premarin.  These drugs – and they are drugs! – make estrogen dominance worse.

Avoid Hormone Containing Foods

Avoid foods containing hormones.  This is a serious problem with commercially raised cattle and poultry.  Try to find grass-fed and farm-raised meat sources if you possibly can.

Avoid Foods Containing Pesticides

Do your very best to avoid foods containing pesticides.  Buying “organic” directly off the grocery store shelves may or may not accomplish this.  Muscle testing the foods you buy is the only really safe way to grocery shop.  Even then, you must pay close attention to the questions you ask.  For example, I once tested my way through the grocery store aisles.  I was looking for a menthol-free toothpaste that would not negate the homeopathics I was using for allergies with my children. I found one.  Unfortunately, I didn’t ask the follow-up questions of “Any reason not to?” and “Is there something better?”  The toothpaste I choose stripped the enamel off my children’s teeth.  This resulted in many expensive trips to the dentist and lots of pain and misery for my children!

Keep Your Eliminative Systems in Tip-Top Shape

Our bodies are designed to cope with and eliminate junk and harmful substances.  However, in today’s world, the body can become absolutely overwhelmed by toxic materials.  Constant attention should be paid to the liver, the spleen, the blood, and the kidneys.  This does not mean constant liver cleansing.  There is a world of difference between a liver cleanse and supporting the liver.  Support the liver.  Do not use cleansing herbs until even your kidneys are stressed and compromised from constant cleansing!  Constant cleansing is a recipe for disaster.

Avoid Exposure to Nasty Chemicals 

Do your very best to choose all-natural beauty products and cleaning products – as much as possible.  Please, do not become too paranoid.  Keep yourself in good shape.  Trust God and your body and do the best you can to live well and have time left over to serve your fellow-man.

Sugar, Fast Food, Caffeine, and Processed Foods

Eliminating or, at least, seriously curtailing consumption of these sorts of foods will protect your adrenal glands.  Every other system in your body will function better, as well.  This includes your nervous system!

Control Weight

Being over-weight is a factor in both migraines, estrogen dominance, and adrenal fatigue.  Add some exercise.  You will come to love the endorphins that exercise encourages, I promise.  Exercise also reduces inflammation and helps to balance hormones.

Cysts and Fibroids

If you already have cysts and/or fibroids, the above suggestions – with a little herbal assistance – will probably cause your body to try to eliminate them.  This may happen in a couple of different ways.  Seek competent help to walk you through these things.  It might also be a good idea to have a medical back-up.  I have cultivated doctor “friends” all of my life.  On occasion – very rare occasions – I have been very grateful to have them in my corner when I needed them.

Stress

Chronic stress is a leading cause of adrenal fatigue as well as migraine headaches.  I would tell you to avoid stress but . . . let’s be realistic.  Learn to cope with and manage the effects of stress on your body and spirit.  I find exercise and essential oils (and time alone, now and then) to be my best options.

Essential Oils for Stress Relief

^LeAcknowledge, ^LeAssurance, ^LeBelieve, ^LeBenediction, ^LeCherish, ^LeDiscernment, ^LeEverlasting, ^LeExpressions, ^LeHeartSong, ^LeInner Peace, ^LeLetting Go, ^LeSanctuary, ^LeSolitude, ^LeTomorrow, ^LeTranquility, and ^LeTrust.

Prevention of Menstrual Related Headaches

Prevention really is the very best medicine!  The suggestions, above, for avoiding estrogen dominance and adrenal fatigue just about cover the topic of preventing migraines associated with hormone balance.  This applies whether the headaches are occurring during the childbearing years, during pregnancy, at approaching menopause, or after menopause is well-established.

A Few Other Simple Suggestions

• Supplement minerals.  This is especially important if you catch the exercise bug!  In addition, if you exercise vigorously, as I do, supplement specific electrolyte minerals.  This does not mean drink Gatorade!  My favorite electrolyte supplement is Sea Minerals.  You can purchase this from Butterfly Express (and elsewhere, I expect).
• Drink plenty of water!  The electrical systems of various organs including the heart do not work properly without sufficient water.  Additionally, nerves do not function properly when the body is dehydrated.  Dehydration compromises both circulation and nervous system function.  Dehydration is a recipe for a pre-menstrual headache.
• Take YW tincture and use ^LeWomanWise essential oil blend regularly all month long.  Follow the suggestions for raising progesterone levels and/or balancing progesterone/estrogen levels given above.
• Do not give in to food cravings pre-menstrually!  Run for the mineral supplements instead.  Exercise, take a walk, plaster yourself with essential oils.  Anything.  A little bit of very dark chocolate, however, might be useful both physically and emotionally.  More easily absorbed liquid magnesium will be more likely to be immediately effective!
• Put ^LeWomanWise essential oil blend on the abdomen during the 3 or 4 days before menstrual bleeding is scheduled to begin.  ^LeMillenia blend on the back of the neck or in the tub or shower during this time frame (3 or 4 days pre-menstrual) has prevented many a pre-menstrual headache.  Diffusing the emotional oil blend of your choice might also prove helpful.

Treatment of Menstrual Related Headaches

Fortunately, there are answers to migraine pain and ways to stabilize out-of-balance hormones.  I hope one or more of these suggestions help you and those you know.

Herbs

YW – hormone balance,  AD – Adrenal glands, BBL – pain and nervous tension, and NS – nerve or anxiety related. Minerals, especially Magnesium, are important to supplement.  Food sources of magnesium include almonds and other nuts, wheat bran and wheat germ, brown rice, dates, shrimp, avocado, parsley, beans, and garlic.  Dulse, Kelp, Alfalfa, and Nettles contain large amounts of magnesium, making KNA a good choice for working with menstrual issues and menstrual-related headaches. It is important to limit things that drain magnesium.  Some of these things are coffee, colas, too much sugar, and alcoholic beverages.  Some medications (high blood pressure drugs and diuretics among them) also leech magnesium from the body. (There is more information about magnesium in Series Article #4 Headaches- Dehydration.) Other minerals to consider include potassium, copper, and zinc.  Vitamin E has also been shown, in studies, to be effective for reducing pain as well as reducing sensitivity to light and sound.  Healthy sources of vitamin E include sunflower seeds, almonds, and spinach.  If supplementing, be sure you purchase a vitamin E supplement that says d-alpha and not dl-alpha.  Vitamin D supplementation should also be considered.  Sources of vitamin D include salmon and mackerel as well as mushrooms.

Essential Oils

Blends: ^LeEndo Relief, ^LeWoman Wise, ^LeMyGraine, ^LeCrystal Clear, ^LeDeeper, ^LeEnergy, ^LeExpressions, ^LeAcknowledge (mild), ^LeCherish, ^LeIntention, ^LeLiteN, ^LeSynopsis, and ^LeVictory should be helpful.  This is a very wide variety of blends with a wide variety of healing capabilities.  This allows you to choose the best oil for yourself at this time by considering both the physical issues at the time and possible emotional support potential provided by the various blends. Singles: Basil, Camphor, Cassia, Cinnamon Bark, Cinnamon Berry, Clary Sage, Davana, Dill, Dong Quai, Fennel, Geranium, Hwood, Idaho Tansy, Jasmines, Laurel, Myrtle, Nutmeg, Osmanthus, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Ravensara, Rose Geranium, Spikenard, Vanilla, Vetiver, Yarrow, and Ylang Ylang.  Also all of the conifer oils: Cypress, Juniper Berry, Laurel, Fir, Pine, Spruce, Copaiba Balsam, and Cedarwood.

Homeopathic/Blessed Water Remedies

Sepia succus (Sep), Pulsatilla nigricans (Puls), Aconite (Acon), Belladonna (Bell), Bryonia (Bry), Calcarea carbonica (Calc), Carbo vegetablis (Carb0), Cimicifuga racemosa (Cimi), Cinnabaris (Cinnb), Gelsemium (Gels), Glonoinum (Glon), Kali carbonicum, (Kali-c), Kreosotum (Kreos), Lachesis muta (lach), Lycopodium (Lyc), Natrum muriaticum (Nat-m), Platinum (Plat), and Veratrum album (Verat).  There are many others suggested in the repertories, also.

Migraines at the End of Menstruation

Iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is very common, especially in women.  Red blood cells carry oxygen to the tissues of the body.  Iron is an essential element in the building of blood cells that carry oxygen adequately.  When iron stores in the body are insufficient, there are less healthy red blood cells made.  Liver, spleen, or intestinal tract congestion also affects red blood-production.  A diet that is poor in iron-rich foods like red meat and greens such as spinach and kale contributes to iron deficiency anemia.

Blood loss anemia

Women in their childbearing years are, naturally, at risk of developing a different kind of anemia – blood loss anemia.  Regular menstruation is regular blood loss.  Too heavy menstruation is too heavy blood loss.  A woman who experiences particularly heavy and/or too frequent menstrual cycles will, inevitably, become very anemic.  The reasons for the too-heavy blood loss need to be addressed – and solved – quickly. If iron is not being regularly replaced in the body, insufficient iron-rich blood results.  Insufficient iron-rich, oxygen-carrying blood is anemia.  Anemia, with all of its nasty symptoms, is not a fun way to live your life.  It is also a recipe for unhealthy organs and tissues.  Every system in the body requires oxygen to function normally.  Anemia is the slow oxygen starvation of organs, endocrine glands, and tissues.

Anemia and Headaches/Migraines

Sound medical studies have linked anemia to both peri-menstrual headaches as well as with postmenstrual headaches. Perimenstrual: The woman is probably borderline anemic.  In the days before menstruation, extra blood is pulled to the abdomen.  This blood is needed to nourish and prepare a thick endometrial lining in the uterus in case a fertilized ovum should want to implant. Nevertheless, this rerouting of blood supplies results in varying levels of blood and blood pressure in the back of the neck and in the head. Postmenstrual:  Heavy bleeding results in anemia and the changes in blood supplies to the head that anemia creates.  Even normal bleeding can trigger migraines if the woman is already borderline anemic. Anemia is, likely, not the entire cause of the headaches. It may be only a contributory factor.  I have seen very few headaches in my life that had only a single cause.  Still, treating the anemia is a good first step to eliminating both types of headaches, perimenstrual and postmenstrual.  If the anemia is left untreated, it is unlikely that the headaches will ever go away entirely no matter what else you fix.

 Solutions for Anemia

Herbs

MIN, KNA, blackstrap molasses, alfalfa, and iron supplements.  Please be careful with iron supplements.  Many of them create serious constipation.  This, in the long run, makes things worse.  Butterfly Express carries a liquid iron supplement that is very good and very easily absorbed.  I have seen a good, very dark, blackstrap molasses turn anemia around in just a few days!

Essential Oils

The Butterfly blends, ^LeEternity and ^LeIntention, aid in the absorption of nutrients.

Homeopathic/Blessed Water Remedies

Ferr-p (Ferrum phosphoricum).  Ferrum is scientific speak for iron.  This remedy aids the body in uptaking and utilizing iron from food sources.  The phosphorus part of this remedy is specific to fatigue and the other symptoms of anemia. The cell salt remedies, chosen by muscle testing or according to symptoms, should be considered.

Headaches During Pregnancy

A delightful side effect of pregnancy for many migraine suffering women is the elimination of migraine headache episodes during, at least, the last two-thirds of the pregnancy.  At the very least, many women experience – if not the elimination of their headaches altogether – a reduction in the severity and frequency of their migraines. A woman can develop an all-new headache disorder during pregnancy also.  This is, however, rather rare.  If headaches are experienced during pregnancy, chances are the woman had these headaches before becoming pregnant.  It is also very likely that the headaches are unrelated to hormones.  Food allergies, reactions to nitrates, dehydration, or any of the causes of headaches we have or will discuss in this series of articles, is behind these headaches – just as they were before the woman became pregnant. The time to deal with headaches, just like every other health concern, is before you become pregnant, if at all possible. As part of my blog series about the reproductive system, I did a blog on Pregnancy and I would suggest reading it for further insights.

Remedies Specifically for Headaches During Pregnancy

Belladonna (Bell) headaches are made worse for stimulants such as caffeine. The headaches are often the result of fatigue.  They will, however, be better when the mind is occupied.  Strangely, the headache is usually worse in the morning when first waking, gets better during the day, then worse again in the late evening. Chamomilla vulgaris (Cham) is most often suitable for delicate, fatigued women.  The headache is accompanied by and also caused by persistent constipation.  This headache is also is made worse from caffeine. Lac vaccinum defloratum (Lac-v-d) the migraines that this remedy is appropriate for are intense migraines with blindness.  There will be coldness all through the body. The headache is most often in the left eye and the left temple. Nux vomica (Nux)  Nux headaches are typically frontal headaches.  They are usually from toxicity from drugs, alcohol, or caffeine.  They occur most often in intense, hard-working women who have an almost driven need to succeed.

Worrisome Migraines and Headaches During Pregnancy

There are some legitimate reasons to be concerned about headaches in a pregnant woman.  Headaches, new since the pregnancy began, are of particular concern.  However, headaches that indicate something really scary are quite uncommon during pregnancy. They are so uncommon that I hesitate to participate in scare tactics by detailing them here.  I will, however, list some symptoms that, if experienced during pregnancy, constitute a reason to consult a healthcare professional.

1. A headache that causes the woman to exclaim, “This is the worst headache of my entire life!”
2. A headache with blurry vision.
3. Neurological symptoms like weakness or numbness, especially of the face.
4. A headache accompanied by fever and/or a stiff neck that does not respond, quickly, to normal interventions.
5. A headache with high blood pressure and/or swelling of the legs and feet.  Swelling on only one side of the body is of more concern that swelling that is equal on both sides.
6. Undue fatigue and headache upon exertion.  More than that experienced in earlier pregnancies or by pregnant women of your acquaintance.
7. New-onset (began recently and during this pregnancy) migraine-style headaches.  These are headaches with aura, nausea, and all the rest of the symptoms of migraine rather than tension headaches.
8. A thunder-clap headache.  The sudden, severe, explosive onset of head pain.  This type of pain requires, in my opinion, immediate medical attention and evaluation.
9. Any sudden or dramatic change in headache pain, pattern, or severity of headaches than existed before the pregnancy.

Consulting a Health Professional

The above list of symptoms is cause for concern and, possibly, medical evaluation of the situation.  Still, the risk of an uncommon serious condition should be weighed against the risks of medical intervention, even of certain tests, during pregnancy. Remember, even with these symptoms, it is very unlikely that any unduly dangerous situation is going on.  Treat for more common reasons for the symptoms.  In other words, get more rest, eat better, and eliminate stress, as much as possible. Relief – the going away of the symptoms should be immediate.  If it is not, then consider – strongly – getting further advice and treatment.  Please, avoid drugs and such interventions during pregnancy.  Even if your doctor is assuring you that it is perfectly safe. Prayer and following inspiration and intuition in deciding when – and if – to seek medical diagnosis and/or treatment of headaches accompanied by the above list of symptoms is a very good idea.  Trying sensible and, usually, effective alternative treatments may prevent a lot of unnecessary trouble with drug side effects.  With that said, however, the alternative treatments for the above symptoms should be, as I said above, effective immediately.  If they are not, protect your baby and yourself by seeking more knowledge than you have!

Menopause and Headaches

For many women who experienced perimenstrual headaches during their childbearing years. Menopause may bring blessed relief.  On the other hand, some of these women experience more frequent and even more severe headaches at this time of their lives. The first step to understanding menopause and headaches is to understand menopause. Please take time to read my blog about Menopause.

Why Does Menopause Cause (or Lessen) Headaches

Scenario One:  Many scientists and some recent studies indicate that it is the fluctuating of hormones that is the cause of some hormone-related headaches.  If, as the adrenals and other endocrine organs take over hormone production and balance,  hormone levels continue to fluctuate, a woman suffering from this type of headache will continue to have headaches.  If the fluctuations worsen, the headaches will worsen, also. Scenario Two:  If the headaches of the childbearing years were due to too little estrogen, too much estrogen, or estrogen and progesterone out of balance (hormone imbalances), it is likely these imbalances will continue after the ovaries exit the picture. Scenario Three:  If a woman is one of the lucky ones, menopause will mark the end of hormone-related headaches.  At least they will lessen in frequency and in severity.  It has been my experience that luck is not the main factor here.  Chances are the woman, perhaps fearful of the nasty symptoms of menopause she has heard about, has changed her diet and taken measures to balance her hormones.  Perhaps, she has retired, relaxed, found time to cook more nutritious meals or, in some other way, is taking better care of herself.  For whatever reason, the monthly migraine pain suffered in the past changes for the better. However, she may still suffer from non-hormone related headaches.  She may still have headaches from dehydration, blood sugar issues, structural misalignment, or any of the other reasons that headaches and migraines occur.

Treatment of Headaches Linked to Menopause

Herbal Solutions

MW combination tincture formula is an absolute must!  If there is increased anxiety, nervousness, or sleep issues, any of the nervine formulas (NS, NV, NT or BBL) should be considered.  Single herbs: agrimony (strange bleeding and vaginal discharges), black cohosh, calendula, chaste tree, damiana, dong quai, false unicorn, feverfew, fenugreek, ginseng, lavender, licorice, passion flower, and St. John’s wort.  Supplementing Vitamin E (only d-alph not dl-alpha) and Omega 3’s would also be a good idea. The AD (Adrenal) formula can help hormones and headache pain at the same time.  Most of the herbs listed for balancing hormones during menopause are also analgesic in nature.  Peppermint, periwinkle, rosemary, skullcap, spearmint, valerian, white willow, wood betony, and St. John’s wort are important enough to mention here.

Essential Oils

^LeEndoRelief, ^LeBalance, and ^LeQuiet Essence, angelica, cypress, dong quai, orange sweet, chamomile Roman, rose, nutmeg, rosemary, sage—apply diluted oils to ankles, lower back and pelvis. Additional essential oils, for pain rather than for hormone balance are ^LeDeeper, and ^LePaine.  Muscle relaxants, for the back of the neck and elsewhere:  ^LePatches, ^LeWarmDown, ^LeTendaCare, and possibly, ^LeMillenia.  ^LeSynopsis, ^LeQuiet Essence, ^LeCherish, or ^LeExpressions might be helpful emotionally and for stress-related symptoms.

Homeopathic/Blessed Water Remedies

Carbo vegetablis (Carb-v), Glonoinum (Glon), Lachesis (Lach), Sanguinaria canadensis (Sang), Sepia succus (Sep), Theridion curssavicum (Ther), and Ustilago maydis (Ust).

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This blog is part of a series on headaches.  This series includes. . . .