Headaches are without a doubt one of the most common health problems we all suffer from and effect almost all of us at some time or another. Research suggests however that women are far more prone to experiencing headaches than men.
A recent study in the UK suggested that over 5 million women may well be suffering from hormonal related headaches. Menstrual migraines are already well recorded with approximately 2/3 of women suffering from a migraine which is classed as debilitating form of headache which manifests itself in a pulsing or throbbing pain on one side of the head. Sometimes accompanied by sickness, bright light intolerance, and blurred vision along with a disliking of noise.
Treatments
Over-the-counter painkillers the most common of which are Paracetamol and ibuprofen are fairly effective at treating severe headaches or migraines. There are however alternative methods you can use to treat this condition. Essential oils of lavender applied to bath water is known to relieve the symptoms along with breathing exercises, massage and acupuncture all of which been shown to be beneficial.
In terms of menstrual migraines women are advised to ensure their blood sugar levels remain constant by eating regular amounts of food such as fruit and not letting yourself miss meals or become hungry.
Research has indicated that dietary changes can also help reduce the instances of menstrual headaches. A low GI diet which categorises foodstuffs based upon their effect on blood sugar levels is believed to benefit.
Removing cheese, shellfish, strawberries, processed meat, avocados, red wine and I'm afraid to say, chocolate, may also help alleviate your symptoms. Above all however, it is important to ensure you are always hydrated and you should aim to drink at least six glasses of water a day. A good indicator of becoming dehydrated is the colour of your urine which went dehydrated looks a deep yellow colour and not pale straw coloured which you would expect from a normally hydrated person.
In essence, research seems to suggest that the majority of intense headaches or hormonal headaches are caused through missing meals and the yo-yo effect upon your blood sugar levels, your hydrated state and your diet. If you therefore attempt to focus on these elements you should reduce and hopefully eliminate occurrences of intense headaches.
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