Did you know that women are three times more likely than men to suffer from migraines? And nearly 30% of these migraines are due to hormonal changes, especially around menstruation. For many women, migraines aren’t an occasional inconvenience; these are debilitating headaches, leaving many helpless. From hormonal shifts to the constant juggle of work, family, and personal life, the burden of migraines may feel impossible to manage. Yet, millions of women silently endure this daily challenge.
Dr. Tapas Kumar Banerjee, Medical Director & Chief Consultant Neurologist, National Neurosciences Centre Calcutta, said, “Although female hormones may have a definite and significant role to play, they are just one piece of the puzzle. Other routine lifestyle triggering factors, such as stress from work-life imbalance or even skipping or delaying of meals or religious fasting habits can intensify symptoms.” Here are ways you can manage migraine: 1. Understanding the Hormonal Connection – Hormonal changes are one of the most significant migraine triggers among women. To manage them better, build habits that stabilize your body, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, eating balanced meals, exercising regularly, staying hydrated, and practicing stress management techniques. 2. Don’t Let Stress Be the Trigger – Practicing relaxation training such as meditation, yoga, or tai chi can help manage stress and reduce symptoms.
3. Prioritize Consistency in Your Routine- Irregular sleep or hydration patterns or skipping meals can throw your body off balance and increase the likelihood of attacks. 4. Monitor Your Caffeine Intake – Caffeine can be a double-edged sword when it comes to migraines. For some people, it can help alleviate pain. For others, it’s a major trigger. 5. Improve Nutrition for Migraine Relief- Food plays a huge role in managing migraines. Foods like processed meats, aged cheeses, and artificial sweeteners can set off headaches in some women, while skipped meals or irregular eating patterns can worsen symptoms. 6. Prepare for High-Risk Days- Anyone who experiences migraines knows they can strike without warning. Keep your medication handy and take it as soon as a headache is looming or begins for maximum effectiveness. 7. When to Seek Medical Help- If migraines are frequent, severe, or disrupting your daily life, it’s important to consult a doctor or neurologist.