View source for Migraines or Headaches Female

== What Does It Mean? ==

* Migraines and chronic headaches are often a result of systemic imbalances, including hormonal fluctuations, inflammation, neurotransmitter imbalances, and vascular dysfunction.
* Functional medicine seeks to identify and address the root causes of migraines rather than merely suppressing symptoms.

== How Did We Get Here? ==

=== Root Causes & Contributing Factors: ===

* Hormonal Imbalances: Estrogen dominance or progesterone deficiency can trigger migraines.
* Inflammation: Elevated systemic inflammation contributes to neurological hypersensitivity.
* Neurotransmitter Dysregulation: Imbalances in serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate play a role in migraine pathophysiology.
* Nutrient Deficiencies: Magnesium, riboflavin, and CoQ10 deficiencies are linked to increased migraine susceptibility.
* Dietary & Lifestyle Triggers: Common triggers include caffeine, alcohol, processed foods, dehydration, and irregular sleep patterns.
* Gut-Brain Axis Dysfunction: Dysbiosis and intestinal permeability can contribute to migraine pathology.

=== Signs & Symptoms: ===

* Intense, throbbing headache, often unilateral.
* Sensitivity to light, sound, and smells.
* Nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.
* Aura (visual disturbances) preceding the headache.
* Fatigue and brain fog.

=== Lab Test Findings ===
The following lab tests help assess potential underlying causes of migraines:
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Lab Test Name'''
|'''Expected Changes'''
|'''Optimal Range'''
|-
|C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)
|Elevated
|0.00-0.55 mg/L
|-
|Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
|Elevated
|0.00-0.55 mm/hr
|-
|Estrogen (Female)
|Altered
|80-250 pg/mL
|-
|Ferritin
|Decreased
|45.00-79.00 ng/mL
|-
|Glucose, Serum
|Altered
|75.00-86.00 mg/dL
|-
|Homocysteine
|Elevated
|5.00-7.20 µmol/L
|-
|Iron, Total
|Altered
|85.00-130.00 µg/dL
|-
|Magnesium, Serum
|Decreased
|2.20-2.50 mg/dL
|-
|Progesterone (Male)
|Altered
|0.20-0.90 ng/dL
|}

== How Do We Treat It? ==
Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, balancing hormones, and supporting neurological function.

=== Supplement Protocol ===
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Supplement'''
|'''Function'''
|'''Dosage & Frequency'''
|-
|Magnesium
|Supports nervous system relaxation and muscle function
|5 capsules with or without food, daily
|-
|Vita DIM
|Supports estrogen metabolism and hormone balance
|1 capsule without food, daily
|-
|Melatonin
|Regulates sleep-wake cycles and reduces migraine frequency
|3 tablets with or without food, daily
|}

=== Additional Lifestyle Interventions: ===

* Stabilize Blood Sugar: Maintain balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and fiber to prevent glucose fluctuations.
* Reduce Triggers: Avoid processed foods, alcohol, caffeine, and high-histamine foods.
* Optimize Sleep & Stress Management: Ensure 7-9 hours of quality sleep and incorporate relaxation techniques.
* Increase Hydration & Electrolytes: Dehydration is a major migraine trigger.
* Monitor Hormonal Fluctuations: Work with a provider to assess estrogen and progesterone imbalances.