Migraine Heroes

Hormones

Many people notice their migraines follow a monthly rhythm, or change sharply around pregnancy, birth control or perimenopause. Shifting estrogen and progesterone are a big part of why.

These episodes cover menstrual and hormonal migraine, PMDD, perimenopause and menopause, and the habits and conversations with doctors that members say helped them get ahead of the cycle.

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5 Signs Your “PMS Migraine” Might Actually Be PMDD

5 Signs Your “PMS Migraine” Might Actually Be PMDD

Migraine TypesHormones

Do your migraines become unbearable before your period — along with mood swings, anxiety, rage, or deep exhaustion? What if it’s not “just PMS”? In this episode of **Migraine Heroes Podcast,** host **Diane Ducarme** explores the often-overlooked connection between migraines and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Many women spend years believing their symptoms are normal hormonal changes, while their nervous system is actually struggling with a much deeper hormonal sensitivity. Blending neuroscience, hormones, and holistic insight, this episode helps you better understand why your brain and body may feel completely different before your cycle — and what you can do to support yourself more gently and effectively. You’ll discover: 💡 The key warning signs that your “PMS migraine” may actually be linked to PMDD 💡 Why migraines, emotional overwhelm, fatigue, and brain fog can all stem from hormonal sensitivity in the nervous system 💡 Simple ways to better support your hormones, emotional balance, and resilience before your next cycle This episode is for anyone who feels dismissed, confused, or overwhelmed by intense premenstrual symptoms — and wants to better understand what their body may truly be asking for. 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on [migraineheroes.com](http://migraineheroes.com) **References:** - **Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Burden and Treatment (Pearlstein & Steiner, 2008): **This review explains the burden of PMDD and summarizes diagnosis and treatment options. Read more [here](https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/2440788). - **Ovarian Hormones and Migraine (Martin & Behbehani, 2006):** This paper explains how estrogen and progesterone influence migraine mechanisms and pain-processing pathways. Read more [here](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/16412147). - **Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and the Brain (Hantsoo & Epperson, 2015):** This paper discusses the brain and neurobiological basis of PMDD, including hormone sensitivity and mood regulation. Read more [here](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4097038). - **Hormonal Management of Migraine at Menopause (Nappi et al., 2009 – related alternative):** This review explores how hormonal changes during menopause affect migraine and how hormonal management may help. Read more [here](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/19465675). - **Migraine Pathophysiology (Burstein et al., 2015):** This paper explains migraine as a complex neurological process involving trigeminovascular activation, brainstem pathways, and sensory processing. Read more [here](https://www.jneurosci.org/content/35/17/6619).  - **Treatment of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (Rapkin & Lewis, 2013):** This review summarizes treatment options for PMDD, including SSRIs, hormonal approaches, and adjunctive therapies. Read more [here](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.2217/WHE.13.62). **Disclaimer**: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks. We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.

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All Hormones episodes

Portrait of a smiling older woman with short gray hair and round glasses, representing a 20-year migraine journey.

Susanne

55 years old, New Zealand

Self-reported migraine

At start:

17 days/month

After 4 months:

3 days/month

What changed

Susanne had gone nearly four weeks without an attack and said she could manage the early signs when they appeared.

“It's trusting in the process and trusting in yourself, I guess, is what I've learned.”

Listen to Susanne's Story15 min
Smiling woman with long wavy blonde hair looking upward from a soft pink chair against a warm peach background.

Jessica

42 years old, Canada

Self-reported migraine

At start:

5 days/month

After 13 months:

0 days/month

What changed

Her three-day migraine episodes gradually eased, with the biggest improvement in the past six months after nearly two years in the program.

'There's always hope and there's always progress."

Listen to Jessica's Story14 min
lack-and-white portrait of Samantha smiling against a pale cream background beneath the episode title.

Samantha

55 years old, New Zealand

Self-reported migraine

At start:

13 days/month

After 3 months:

3 days/month

What changed

Went from a migraine six days a week to about one a month, with enough stability to compete again and get married.

"I actually can be normal again."

Listen to Samantha's Story15 min

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