PCOS and Migraines: Are they connected?
Two of the most common health issues among women are Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and migraine headaches.
A 2022 study in Finland showed that 34.2% of women with PCOS also reported migraines.
PCOS and migraines are both more common in women, and share similar hormonal impacts and risk factors.
In the article below, Let’s understand PCOS and migraines and their possible links.
Similarities and links between PCOS and migraines
Genetics play a significant part in migraines and PCOS, meaning one could have been born with either of these conditions.
PCOS can result in a hormone imbalance cycle that affects migraine development or symptoms.
It has been seen that PCOS is a significant migraine risk factor.
PCOS patients are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression, which can contribute to migraines.
Hormones behind PCOS and migraines
Hormones play a significant role in both PCOS and migraines.
Let’s learn how and which hormones could cause these health issues.
Role of Androgen Hormones in PCOS
Reproductive hormones can play a role in triggering symptoms of both PCOS and migraines.
In women with PCOS, ovaries produce unusually high levels of androgen hormones, also known as “male hormones,” causing a hormonal imbalance, resulting in abnormal menstrual cycles and unpredictable ovulation.
Small follicle cysts may be visible on the ovaries due to a lack of ovulation (anovulation). The ovarian cysts aren’t dangerous or painful.
Also, certain physical conditions build up insulin levels in the body, which may boost androgen production, which leads to PCOS symptoms.
Role of Estrogen hormones in migraine attacks
Migraine-associated triggers broadly fall into five categories: emotional stress, hormonal, sleep disturbance, food and alcoholic beverages, and weather changes.
Fluctuations in the estrogen hormones might trigger migraines in many women.
The Estrogen hormones are responsible for developing and regulating the female reproductive system. Anytime there is a rise or dip in estrogen levels, it can trigger a headache.
Women experience headaches around the time of menstrual cycle and the start of menopause.
PCOS and various migraines
We can classify migraine broadly into two categories: with or without an aura.
Any of these might eventually develop a chronic nature.
Let’s understand how PCOS is related to different types of migraines.
PCOS and Menstrual Migraines
Dr. Andrew Charles’s research indicates that women are three times more likely to suffer migraines than men.
It was also observed that up to 75% of women find that migraines trigger around their menstrual period.
These are called menstrual migraines.
As mentioned earlier, though there is no direct link between PCOS and menstrual migraines, the hormonal irregularity caused by PCOS may indirectly affect the symptoms of menstrual migraine.
PCOS and Chronic Migraines
PCOS Migraines can be episodic or chronic in nature.
A migraine can be classified as chronic migraine under following conditions:
- Patient experiences headaches for 15 or more days every month
- Out of which the person reports additional migraine symptoms on at least 8 of these days
- This cycle repeats for at least three months
Chronic migraines develop slowly for many people, with migraine attacks becoming more frequent over time.
Episodic migraines are headaches that occur fewer than 15 days per month.
Around 2.5 out of 100 people with episodic migraines tend to develop chronic ones.
PCOS and Migraines With Aura
Migraines with aura are repetitive headaches triggered after or at the same time as sensory disturbances called the aura.
These disturbances can include flashes of light, zigzag lines, dark spots, and other vision changes or tingling in your hand or face.
Menstrual migraines can fall into the with or without aura category.
PCOS and migraines with aura have a similar indirect relationship that a general migraine has with PCOS.
Birth control pill for PCOS and migraines — a treatment?
The birth control pill is the most common way to manage PCOS for those who do not want to become pregnant.
Combination birth control is a widely used treatment for PCOS.
Birth control pills help by reducing androgen levels and ensuring regular ovulation.
In addition to regulating menstrual activity, this method helps control acne and unwanted hair.
The consumption of birth control pills might Involve health risks, and the right type and dosage of medication should be determined between you and your doctor.
Best birth control for PCOS and migraines
There are several types of birth control pills that can be used to manage PCOS and migraines.
The best birth control pill recommended will depend on a woman’s individual health condition and medical history.
It is important to speak with a specialist to determine which type of birth control works best for you.
Yasmin is a commonly prescribed combination pill to treat PCOS and migraines, which contains Ethinyl estradiol (Estrogen) and Drospirenone (Progestin).
Drospirenone helps in reducing migraines in women with PCOS by lowering the androgens levels in the body.
Doctors also recommend progestin-only pills to manage PCOS and migraines.
One progestin-only pill is Camila which contains Norethindrone, a progestin hormone, which helps by regulating ovulation and menstruation.
Norethindrone works by controlling the androgens levels in the body.
Some other pills that doctors recommend are:
- Alesse
- Apri
- Cyclen
- Yaz
- Diane-35
These are prescription-only drugs and must be taken after consultation with a specialist.
Managing PCOS and migraines with lifestyle changes
Though PCOS may not be fully cured, a few lifestyle changes can manage the symptoms significantly.
Some lifestyle practices that can be included are:
- Maintain a healthy weight range
- Prioritize getting a good night’s sleep
- Healthy and balanced meals
- Controlled carbohydrate intake.
- Reduce sugars and carbohydrates
- Exercise regularly
- Reduce stress
- Meditate
Conclusion
PCOS and migraines are both related to hormonal imbalances in the body.
Genetics can also be a contributing factor to both of them.
However, there is not enough evidence to suggest that PCOS and migraines are directly related to each other.
It is advised to consult a specialist as soon as one observes the symptoms.
Treatment for both issues varies with individuals depending on several factors.
The doctor will advise the medication best suited for you to minimize the symptoms for both of them.
PCOS and migraines may both pose severe risk factors if not treated properly and promptly.
Healthy lifestyle practices can also significantly help suppress PCOS and migraine issues.
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