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:
| 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
| 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.