For some female friends, they may experience headaches as soon as they start menstruating. At this time, not only is their mood easily anxious, but their normal life and work rhythms are also affected. From a medical perspective, this phenomenon may be due to estrogen-related migraines. What exactly is this condition? Let’s find out.
From a medical perspective, estrogen-related migraines are a branch of migraines. Specifically, they refer to migraines induced by a decrease in estrogen levels after a prolonged increase for several days due to various reasons. Clinically, a decrease in estrogen levels is one of the main factors causing migraines in female friends. This phenomenon is mainly common among the following types of friends:
1. Women who have recently given birth;
2. Women around their menstrual cycle;
3. Women approaching menopause;
4. Women who previously used hormone-containing medications regularly but suddenly stopped using them.
Generally speaking, the symptoms of estrogen-related migraines are divided into four stages, each with different manifestations.
Stage One: Prodrome Period
This stage refers to the 24-48 hours before the onset of the disease. During this time, some female friends may experience autonomic or emotional symptoms, such as low mood, easily getting angry, frequent yawning, etc.
Stage Two: Aura Period
The aura period occurs 1 hour before the onset of the disease. During this stage, the patient’s vision, hearing, and bodily sensations may be affected. In terms of vision, some individuals may experience bright shapes or lines in their field of vision. In severe cases, there may even be a brief loss of vision. In terms of hearing, it may manifest as ringing in the ears or temporary hearing loss. Regarding bodily sensations, some individuals may feel a burning sensation or pain in their body.
Stage Three: Headache Period
This stage refers to the period of the disease outbreak. Many women may experience symptoms of unilateral headaches during this time. In severe cases, it may also be accompanied by vomiting, nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia.
Stage Four: Post-Headache Period
After the headache symptoms disappear, if the patient moves their head, there may still be transient pain in the previously affected area. This stage is also known as the post-headache period.
So, for female friends who suspect they have estrogen-related migraines, what tests should they undergo to determine the cause? Typically, body temperature, blood pressure, and inflammatory tenderness in the paranasal sinus area need to be checked. Additionally, the examination of mental status should not be overlooked. Based on this, patients may also need MRI scans or head CT scans to rule out factors such as sinusitis, hypertension, and intracranial lesions to make a diagnosis.
After the examination, if the doctor confirms that the patient indeed has estrogen-related migraines, it is crucial to remain vigilant and follow the doctor’s advice to regulate the body. If the disease is in an acute phase, early analgesic treatment should be administered.
