When it comes to migraine treatment, many people are willing to try almost anything to get rid of the pain. The medical community has a plethora of treatments for migraines ranging from education about relaxation techniques, to prescription treatments, to surgery. While surgery is generally the last option, it may happen in cases of extreme migraines which are unresponsive to other treatments. However, even surgery can not guarantee relief.
Hormonal migraines have proven to be especially difficult to treat. Women suffer from these migraines more than men, and many times there is a connection with the menstrual cycle. Hormones can go haywire during this time, but different women may suffer from hormonal migraines at different times of the month. Sometimes switching birth control is enough to help stabilize hormones, and some hormonal therapies have also worked. In cases of especially stubborn hormonal migraines, a doctor may consider surgery.
A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure which removes a woman’s uterus and sometimes the ovaries. Hysterectomies are performed for many medical conditions, including cancer. They are typically performed when all other treatments have failed. In addition to being a very serious procedure, doctors are selective about candidates. Typically the surgery is performed on older women because it eliminates a woman’s chances of having children, and typically causes menopause. It is believed that a hysterectomy will eliminate or reduce the production of the hormones which are thought to be responsible for migraines.
While hysterectomies have been successful in treating many medical problems, they are not a cure for migraines. Some women notice no effect, and others report that migraines worsened. While it has helped some women, doctors should not perform the surgery as a way to possibly reduce migraines. It is a very invasive procedure which has not proven to be effective in treating migraines.
While a hysterectomy is probably not the answer, you can turn to a number of home remedies for migraine headaches for migraine relief. Taking analgesics a few days prior to the attack can help reduce the pain and length of the attack. Many herbs and supplements also claim to do the trick, although it may take some experimentation to find what works best for you. However, before considering any alternative treatments, be sure to discuss them with your doctor. Your physician may also be able to provide ideas about changes to diet and lifestyle that can reduce your migraines.
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