Hormone Discovery Could Explain Why Migraines Are Worse When Menstruating : ScienceAlert | News World

Migraines are throbbing headaches often accompanied by nausea and increased sensitivity to light, sound and touch. Nearly 30 million Americans suffer from migraines, and almost 1 in 4 of them have at least four severe attacks each month.

Three times as many women suffer from migraine headaches as men, and this disparity is even more pronounced during reproductive years.

Migraines often occur around the menstrual cycle, during which reproductive hormones such as progesterone and estrogen rise and fall. The levels of both these hormones are low during the perimenstrual period.

Some patients experience headaches exclusively during menstruation, called menstrual migraines. These migraines tend to be more severe and more challenging to treat than episodes occurring before or after menstruation.

Repeated migraine episodes increase the risk of chronic migraines. Uncontrolled migraines…