What causes migraine headaches in women?

This article discusses the causes of migraines in women and provides relevant knowledge on the topic. It is hoped that this information will be helpful to everyone and don't forget to bookmark this site. What are the causes of migraines? Consult a doctor Note: This content cannot replace a face-to-face consultation. If you feel unwell, please seek medical attention promptly.

Dr. Cao Lili, Chief Physician, Department of Neurology Shandong University Qilu Hospital Tertiary | Ranked 24th nationally Analysis of the condition: The etiology of migraines is currently unclear, but there is a certain relationship between genetics, diet, endocrine factors, and psychological factors and the onset of migraines. The genetic factors are most evident in patients with basilar artery migraines and some hemiplegic migraines. Positive family history of migraines with aura is more common than migraines without aura. In terms of susceptible genes for migraines with and without aura, only the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene C677T mutation is associated with migraines with aura. Due to the difficulty in determining the susceptible genes for migraines, it suggests that migraines are a polygenic and multifactorial disease caused by various genetic and environmental factors.

I. Major causes 1. Genetic factors: Approximately 60% of patients have a family history, and some migraine patients have family members with epilepsy, suggesting a genetic relationship, but there is no consistent genetic pattern. 2. Endocrine factors: Migraines are more common in adolescent females, occur frequently during menstruation, stop during pregnancy, and reoccur after childbirth, gradually decreasing or disappearing after menopause.

3. Dietary factors: Regular consumption of cheese, chocolate, spicy foods, or smoking and alcohol consumption can increase the risk of migraines. 4. Other factors: Emotional stress, psychological trauma, anxiety, hunger, insomnia, and climate changes can trigger migraines. 5. Medication factors: Taking certain medications such as sodium glutamate, nitrates, caffeine, nitroglycerin, and contraceptives.

II. Trigger factors 1. Sleep factors: Both excessive and insufficient sleep can trigger headaches. 2. Dietary factors: Irregular eating habits or consumption of foods such as cheese, chocolate, and alcohol can trigger headaches, but individual differences exist. 3. Exercise factors: Regular exercise helps reduce the occurrence of headaches, but in a few patients, exercise can trigger migraines.

4. Environmental factors: Visual stimuli such as bright lights and flickering, as well as weather changes. 5. Medication factors: Taking certain medications such as sodium glutamate, nitrates, and caffeine. 6. Psychological factors: Stress, anxiety, worry, and depression. 7. Endocrine factors: Menstruation and ovulation in females. In modern life, many people are in a suboptimal health condition, and chronic headaches are indeed the most common disease. However, many people are not very familiar with the causes of chronic headaches and do not have a deep understanding of this type of disease. They think that the headache will go away on its own, but it is not the case. How does migraines occur?

Genetic factors can trigger headaches. If your parents have a family history of headaches, it is possible that you may also experience headaches, especially migraines. Approximately 40% of migraine patients have a family history of headaches, especially in families with epilepsy, the incidence is higher.

Disease factors can trigger headaches. If a patient has brain tumors, brain edema, hydrocephalus, or other conditions that cause blood vessels in the skull to be pulled or displaced, it can trigger headaches. If a patient has intracranial infections, head trauma, epilepsy, hypertension, or carbon monoxide poisoning, it can cause dilation of the arteries inside and outside the skull, leading to the occurrence of headaches. If a patient's meninges are severely irritated, such as meningitis or subarachnoid hemorrhage, it can also cause headaches. In addition, diseases in body parts such as the eyes, ears, nose, teeth, and neck can spread or reflect to the head, leading to referred pain headaches.

Psychological factors can trigger headaches. Prolonged mental stress, poor mood, or conditions such as depression or neurosis can also trigger headaches. In addition, lack of rest, excessive alcohol consumption, and frequent staying up late can also trigger headaches. What causes migraines? Migraines are often caused by genetic factors and can be triggered or worsened by fatigue, stress, colds, and other factors. The pain is usually located on one side of the head and is often throbbing. Symptoms can be relieved by sleep, but migraines often recur. It is recommended to develop regular lifestyle habits, avoid stimulating foods, quit smoking and drinking, and consider taking medications such as flunarizine and Tianma headache tablets orally. Acupuncture treatment also has good therapeutic effects.

What causes migraines in women? Migraines in women can be caused by genetic factors, changes in estrogen levels, improper diet, and other factors such as diseases. Migraines in women usually manifest as a headache affecting the entire head, unilateral or bilateral frontal headaches, and occasionally occipital headaches. When women experience migraines, they should seek timely medical attention, undergo relevant examinations, identify triggers, and take preventive measures. The specifics are as follows:

1. Genetic factors: If some older family members have migraines, they can be inherited by women. In such cases, special treatment is not necessary. Rest is advised, avoiding excessive fatigue and adverse emotions such as anxiety and tension. 2. Changes in estrogen levels: Women undergo changes in estrogen levels during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. These changes can trigger migraines. Therefore, it is important to avoid mental stress, maintain a positive mood, and engage in regular exercise.

3. Improper diet: Certain foods can trigger migraines. Consumption of dairy products, animal fats, beef sausages, cured meats, red wine, white wine, and lemon juice can all induce migraines. It is important to avoid these migraine-triggering foods and consume more fresh vegetables and fruits. 4. Disease factors: If women have conditions such as brain tumors, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, or cervical spondylosis, they can also experience migraines. Cerebrovascular diseases can be diagnosed through cranial MRI examinations, and cervical spondylosis may cause muscle spasms in the neck and shoulder area, affecting the scalp, nerves, and blood vessels, leading to migraines. It is advisable to undergo cervical spine MRI examinations for a definitive diagnosis, followed by targeted treatment. Medications such as acetaminophen and flunarizine can be used under medical guidance to relieve symptoms.

What are the reasons for female migraines? What are the reasons for women's migraines? This is a big problem that troubles many female friends and poses a great threat to women's physical health. Here is a compilation I made for you, hoping it will be helpful. Causes of female migraines: 1. Physical factors: Various factors that can cause inflammation and damage inside and outside the skull; blood vessels being pulled, stretched, displaced, or dilated due to compression from tumors or other reasons; irritation of the meninges; muscle contractions; direct involvement of sensory nerves that control the head and face, etc., are all causes of migraines.

2. Neurological and psychological factors: When the mind and body are exposed to adverse external environments, it often results in emotions such as worry and anxiety, which can trigger migraine attacks. According to surveys, 84% of patients with depression also experience symptoms of migraines. Additionally, encountering various unpleasant situations or experiencing anger, anxiety, or excitement in daily life or work can lead to general discomfort and migraines.

3. Dietary factors: Consuming excessive amounts of coffee can cause blood vessels to dilate and trigger migraines; eating cold ice cream can also cause headaches; excessive alcohol consumption can cause headaches due to the effects of ethanol in the blood vessels. These are all headaches caused by improper diet. Experts have compiled a list of foods that are prone to triggering headaches, including chocolate, alcoholic beverages, dairy products, lemon juice, cheese, and red wine.

4. Sleep factor: This is a common cause of migraines. Headaches can be triggered by severe lack of sleep, and stress from work can also cause similar symptoms. What to do for migraines: ***1*** Arrange the patient's work and rest reasonably, provide appropriate psychological care, show concern and consideration for the patient, and help them eliminate triggering factors such as mental tension and anxiety. In terms of diet, avoid suspicious foods, etc.

***2***If the headache is accompanied by other symptoms or signs such as vomiting, decreased vision, or limb twitching, it may indicate a multi-organic headache, and immediate medical attention or contact with a doctor should be sought to address the underlying cause. ***3***For mild headaches, symptomatic treatment can be given and allergens should be removed. If certain foods are suspected as triggers for migraines, such as eggs, dairy products, or meat, they should be avoided. For severe headaches accompanied by frequent vomiting and difficulty falling asleep, appropriate symptomatic treatment such as painkillers or sleep aids may be given, and bed rest is necessary.

4. Pay attention to work-rest balance in daily life, avoid excessive fatigue and unstable emotions, moderate your diet, and refrain from drinking alcohol and smoking. 5. Pay attention to personal hygiene, prevent infections, and if you have dental problems, treat them first. If women experience frequent and worsening headaches while taking birth control pills, they can consider using other contraception methods.

How to prevent the occurrence of headaches in women: 1. Open windows regularly in the office Closed office buildings lack fresh air circulation, and toxic substances from chemicals and heating systems, as well as air fresheners, may linger in the building, which can be triggers for headaches. You can use electronic air purifiers or air ionizers to help purify the air, or simply open the windows for ventilation.

2. Take five minutes to look into the distance every hour. Staying buried in the pile of documents all day can often cause pain in the forehead or eyes. This indicates that the eyes need a break. It is best to let the eyes rest for five minutes every hour, preferably by looking into the distance, as this helps prevent headaches. You can also do the following: dim the lights or go to a room with less light, use your hand to cover your eyes and block the light with your palm while looking at your palm for 30 seconds, then close your eyes, remove your hands, and slowly open your eyes.

Three, do not "humble oneself" There are many examples of people experiencing headaches due to poor sitting posture. The best solution is to frequently change positions and take a 3-5 minute break every 45 minutes, even if it's just getting a glass of water in the office. Four, be cautious with chocolate and yogurt

Hard cheese and processed meat are prone to causing migraines. Chocolate, alcohol (especially red wine and beer), certain fruits, yogurt, monosodium glutamate, and freshly baked bread can also trigger headaches. Cold foods like ice cream can also cause headaches, which may be related to the sudden cold sensation reaching the oral or throat tissues.

5. Don't "press" yourself into a headache Under pressure, people are in a tense state. At this time, blood vessels constrict and tighten, and when they relax, the blood vessels start to relax and widen, causing headaches. If you can spread out the pressure, so that busy times are not too busy and idle times are not too idle, it will definitely help you avoid headaches.

What are the reasons for left-sided headaches in women? Left-sided headaches in women are not just temporary headaches; they can be a long-term neurological condition. Family genetics, psychological factors, physiological issues, improper diet, and disease can all contribute to left-sided headaches in women.

1. Family genetics Many female friends who experience headaches have similar cases in their families, which greatly increases the probability of developing left-sided headaches. 2. Psychological factors Severe lack of sleep, excessive mental stress, and excessive pressure can all trigger left-sided headaches.

3. Physiological issues During the menstrual period, women may have a large amount of menstrual blood, which can lead to insufficient qi and blood circulation, resulting in left-sided headaches. Symptoms of headaches before and after menstruation may be related to hormonal imbalances or high levels of mental stress.

4. Improper diet Women may have a preference for consuming chocolate, cheese, and fried foods, as well as beverages containing caffeine such as coffee and cola. These can all trigger left-sided headaches in patients. 5. Disease and pathological changes Other diseases or pathological changes in the body can stimulate the nerves and have reflexive or diffuse effects on the head, causing left-sided headaches. For example, factors related to the nervous system, inflammation and compression of cranial nerves (such as the trigeminal nerve), and displacement can all cause corresponding left-sided headaches.

Causes and treatment methods for women's migraine are usually classified into the following situations: First, if the migraine is caused by the menstrual cycle, estrogen can be taken under the guidance of a doctor before the menstrual period. During the menstrual period, spicy, fried, and stimulating foods should be avoided, while drinking more milk, eating oatmeal, and consuming vegetables to regulate hormones.

Second, when a female experiences a migraine attack, she can apply a hot towel to the back of her neck to improve blood circulation, or use proper techniques to massage the forehead and temples. Outdoor activities to breathe fresh air can also be helpful. Third, aerobic exercises such as yoga and swimming can alleviate the pain caused by migraines. Additionally, oral painkillers such as ibuprofen can also provide relief for migraines.

What is the cause of migraines? (1) Etiology 1. Genetics Approximately 60% of migraine patients have a family history, and the risk of migraines in the patients' parents, children, and siblings (from the same parents) is 3-6 times higher than that of the general population. 2. Endocrine and metabolic factors

Migraines are more common in females, typically starting during puberty and often occurring during the menstrual period. Migraines may decrease or stop during pregnancy or after menopause, suggesting an influence of endocrine and metabolic factors. 3. Diet and medication Certain foods can trigger migraines, such as cheese containing tyramine, meat containing nitrite preservatives (e.g., hot dogs or smoked meat), chocolate containing phenylethylamine, food additives like monosodium glutamate (MSG), and red wine.

4. Psychological factors Fasting, emotional stress, and bright lights can all trigger migraines. Treatment: The treatment of migraines aims to reduce or terminate migraine attacks, alleviate accompanying symptoms, and prevent migraine recurrence. It can be divided into treatment during the attack and preventive treatment.

(2) Treatment 1. Treatment during the attack (1) Mild to moderate headaches: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) alone can be effective. If ineffective, specific migraine treatment drugs can be used. Opioid drugs such as pentazocine are also effective for acute migraines, but due to their addictive nature, they are not recommended for regular use. However, for cases where the use of ergotamine preparations or triptans is contraindicated, such as those with cardiovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, or migraines during pregnancy, pentazocine can be used to terminate acute migraines. Opioids like pentazocine are the only option for treating migraines during pregnancy, as other drugs can increase the risk of fetal malformation or pregnancy complications.

(2) Moderate to severe headaches: Specific migraine treatment drugs can be directly chosen to quickly improve symptoms. For some patients with severe headaches but a good response to NSAIDs in previous attacks, NSAIDs can still be used. (3) Accompanying symptoms: Nausea and vomiting are prominent accompanying symptoms of migraines and common side effects of medications. Therefore, the use of antiemetics (such as metoclopramide given by intramuscular injection) is necessary. For patients with severe vomiting, low-dose promethazine or chlorpromazine can be given. For patients with restlessness, benzodiazepines can be given to promote sedation and sleep.

Commonly used drugs during the attack: (1) Non-specific analgesics, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioid drugs. (2) Specific drugs, such as ergotamine preparations and triptans. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Examples include acetaminophen, naproxen, and ibuprofen. Opioid drugs: Examples include pentazocine. Ergotamine preparations: Ergotamine and dihydroergotamine (DHE) can terminate acute migraines. Triptans: Commonly used drugs include sumatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan, and almotriptan.

2. Preventive treatment This is suitable for patients who experience frequent attacks, especially those who have more than one severe attack per week, which significantly affects their daily life and work. It is also suitable for patients who do not respond to acute treatment or cannot undergo acute treatment due to side effects or contraindications. It is also suitable for patients with variant migraines that may cause permanent neurological deficits, such as hemiplegic migraines, basilar-type migraines, or migrainous infarctions. This includes both medication and non-medication treatments.

(1) Non-medication treatments mainly involve strengthening education to help patients understand the pathogenesis of migraines and treatment measures. This helps patients establish a scientific and correct understanding of prevention and treatment, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and identify and avoid various migraine triggers. Trigger factors include psychological stress, mental pressure, lack of sleep, noise, and strong odors. Certain foods and drinks, such as cheese and red wine, can also be triggers.

The above is the complete knowledge about the causes of headaches explained in this article for women. I hope it is helpful to you.