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Hypothyroidism and migraines share a closer relationship more than you can imagine. Often, people who are experiencing migraines also suffer from nausea, blurred or altered vision, and sensitivity to smell, light, and taste. If you have ever had these nasty migraines, then you may agree that they can be disruptive to your work and social life.

In this article, we will look at hypothyroidism and migraines independently and how they link to each other.

Migraine: Is It Just an Intense Headache or Something More Serious?

The key feature of migraine is a throbbing headache. It typically occurs at one side of the head, but because of the pain’s intensity, you might feel it all around your head. If you have migraine, it might be accompanied by an aura or not. Typically, it is not.

An aura is a sort of a warning that happens either before or when a migraine strikes. It usually increases in intensity and lasts for about 20 minutes to an hour. Disturbed vision is the most common form of an aura but not limited to it.

Migraines have four phases. If you ever experience it, then you first undergo prodrome (a day or 2 before the attack), aura, attack (happens from 4 to 72 hours), and the post-drome (24 hours after the attack).

Causes of migraines vary, but the most common factor is genetics. Commonly, if you suffer from migraine, then you might also know a family member who suffers from the same thing.

These nasty headaches are usually left untreated, resolving on its own. However, there are certain instances  when you should see a doctor.

While the causes of migraines remain unclear, recent studies have shown that they play a significant role in the onset of hypothyroidism. Researchers have found that there is a link between them.

Hypothyroidism: What It Is and Its Symptoms

Hypothyroidism is a term used when our bodies’ thyroid glands produce insufficient amounts of the hormones that they are supposed to produce. You might be said to have an underactive thyroid if you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism.

Some of its subtle symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, and weight gain. If you’re a woman, then you might also experience irregular or heavier menstruation. These might be easily mistaken for something that normally happens, especially as our age progresses.

Studies About the Relationship Between Migraines and Hypothyroidism

Recent researches suggest the connection between hypothyroidism and migraines. The two interchange as to what causes which.

In a study conducted by Andrew T. Martin BA  and his colleagues, the result suggests that headache disorders might play a role in the onset of hypothyroidism.

Another study focused on the so-called subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH). Subclinical hypothyroidism or mild thyroid failure happens when thyroid-stimulating hormones (TSH) are slightly above the normal count. This is so even while the hormone levels of the peripheral thyroid are still within normal limits. It is said to be more prevalent in women.

Innocenzo Rainero and colleagues’ findings suggest that people diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism have a tendency to suffer from a lifetime experience of migraine. As shown by their test results, the prevalence of migraines, especially with aura, was higher for people with SCH than those in the control group. However, they said that further studies are still needed to support their claim as to the relationship of subclinical hypothyroidism and migraines.

How Migraines and Hypothyroidism Are Linked Together

When a migraine attacks, it affects your immune system. Therefore, these attacks make your body prone to developing an onset of hypothyroidism. Again, if you are a woman, then you are more likely to develop it than if you are a man.

Some Ways to Reduce the Probability of Having Hypothyroidism

Stress is one cause of migraines, and frequent pain from migraines can definitely lead to stress – a cycle. Stress aggravates both hypothyroidism and migraines. If you have either of the two, you might want to manage your stress.

Simple relaxation like meditation or even doing what you love the most is one simple way of managing stress in your life. It does not guarantee that they will eliminate the likelihood of the onset of hypothyroidism or migraines. However, they will reduce the anxiety that you feel from the drag that these two bring about.

Certain medications induce hypothyroidism, so it is best to keep these meds in mind. Amiodarone for irregular heartbeats, lithium for managing depression, and interferon for hepatitis C and tremors all have the effect of inducing hypothyroidism.

Lastly, amid all these thyroid and headache talks, nothing beats self-care. In order to be at your best, it is very crucial to take care of your whole well-being – mental, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual, if you’d like to add. Aside from the health benefits, the best part is it’s free!

If you suspect that you might be experiencing hypothyroidism and migraines or either one of them, consult your physician.