For those who have not experienced a migraine, perhaps it would seem just another headache. But for someone like me who has suffered through migraines that will last over a week even with medication, I can definitely tell you that it's much more. The ache is not confined to the head; it's the whole experience. Nausea, sensitivity to light, and throbs so bad it makes simple tasks unbearable. It also comes with an emotional burden—the loneliness and frustration are pretty unbearable. Through the years, realizing how hormones are also implicated in triggering and exacerbating my migraines has helped change the game in my dealing with these episodes.

What are Hormonal Migraines?

Hormonal migraines are caused by fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone, the two main female hormones. These hormones are essential for the reproductive system, regulating menstrual cycles and pregnancy. They also have an effect on brain chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine, which affect mood and pain perception. When hormone levels fluctuate, such as during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, they can destabilize the pathways in the brain, causing migraines.

According to Dr. Shivananda Pai, Consultant Neurology, migraines are more than a neurological disorder. "Migraines represent a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. In women, hormonal fluctuations are a critical trigger that amplifies sensitivity to pain," he explains. Hormonal headaches are particularly challenging because they are influenced by multiple life stages, from puberty to post-menopause. Common causes include:

• Menstrual periods: Estrogen levels significantly drop just before menstruation often triggers a migraine.
• Pregnancy: Hormones can act to relieve symptoms or aggravate them during different times of pregnancy.
• Menopause: The hormonal fluctuation during menopause can intensify a migraine, while some women tend to find relief.
• Hormonal therapies: Birth control and HRT tend to level off hormone balances in some individuals but will exacerbate a migraine in others.

Complex Role of Hormones in Women’s Neurological Health

Estrogen and Neurological Health

Estrogen, often called the "hormone of femininity", does more than regulate reproductive functions. It is a powerful influencer of brain health. Estrogen modulates the activity of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which regulates mood and pain perception, and dopamine, associated with reward and pleasure.

During stages of hormonal stability, like in pregnancy's latter months, women may have fewer migraines because of the steady elevation of estrogen. However, a sudden downfall in estrogen destabilizes these chemicals in the brain, sending a heightened sensitivity for migraine triggers.

Menstrual Migraines

The most common form of hormonal migraines is menstrual migraines, which occur in response to the steep decline in estrogen levels just before menstruation. These are typically more intense and less responsive to standard treatment. The timing of these migraines provides clear evidence of the role hormones play in neurological health.

Pregnancy and Hormonal Shifts

Pregnancy is a rollercoaster of hormones. Although many women experience relief from migraines as a result of the constantly elevated levels of estrogen, some women, particularly in the first trimester, worsen. This individual variability is a characteristic of hormonal migraine triggers.

Hormonal Therapies and Management of Migraine

Hormonal treatments, such as oral contraceptives and HRT, have had mixed reviews regarding their use in managing migraine. Some women fare better with the stabilization the treatment provides, whereas others suffer worsening symptoms. This will depend on the nature and dose of the hormones used.

Post-Menopause: Migraine Remission or Continued Struggles?

For most women, menopause brings relief from their migraines. The decline in frequency and severity often accompanies stability in hormone levels. Even so, the susceptibility remains with some towards other forms of triggers including stress and sleep deprivation, not to forget diet-related factors and continues the saga of migraines well after the menopausal stages.

Effect on Neurological Health Due to Hormonal Changes

The relationship of hormones to neurological health goes beyond migraines. Hormonal changes have profound effects on a woman's brain in general.

Mood Disorders: Estrogen helps stabilize mood by regulating serotonin. Its decline at menopause increases the risk of mood swings and depression.

Neurodegenerative Diseases: Estrogen is neuroprotective, stimulating the growth and repair of brain cells. Its absence in post-menopausal women has been associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Hormonal cycles may affect the course of MS, a disease that occurs more frequently in women than in men. Estrogen's anti-inflammatory effects provide transient protection during pregnancy, reducing relapse rates in women with MS.

"The intricate interplay between hormones and neurological health underscores the need for gender-specific treatment approaches," says Dr. Pai.

Managing Hormonal Migraines: Practical Strategies

While hormonal changes are inevitable, several strategies can help manage migraines effectively:

1. Tracking Your Cycle

Understanding your menstrual cycle can help identify patterns and predict when migraines might occur. This knowledge allows for preventive measures, such as scheduling medications or adjusting lifestyle habits.

2. Consulting Specialists

Working with a neurologist or gynecologist can help develop a personalized treatment plan. Options might include hormonal therapies, triptans, or preventive medications tailored to your specific needs.

3. Adopting a Healthy Lifestyle

A well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management are all integral parts of managing migraines. For instance, magnesium-rich foods and hydration can help reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.

4. Exploring Preventive Therapies

For people with severe or frequent migraines, preventive medications, such as beta-blockers or CGRP inhibitors, may be prescribed. These medications stabilize brain activity and therefore reduce the chances of migraine during hormonal fluctuations.

5. Mind-Body Techniques

Techniques like yoga, meditation, and biofeedback can enhance wellness and reduce the debilitating effects of stress-one of the most common migraine triggers.

Research that was once in its embryonic stage continues to shed more light on the role of hormones in migraines and other neurological conditions. Further breakthroughs in genetic testing might enable doctors to predict, at least in a way, how an individual would react to hormonal therapies. The importance of gender-specific approaches is gradually being realized, which involves differentiating between the plight of women with migraines from others.

As Dr. Pai puts it, "Empowering women with knowledge about the hormonal underpinnings of migraines can lead to better, more personalized care. With the right strategies, migraines can be effectively managed, allowing women to lead fuller, healthier lives.

Migraines are not headaches; they are a complex neurological condition that deeply impacts the lives of millions of women. Understanding the role of hormones in triggering and exacerbating migraines is a vital step toward better management and relief.

Awareness, proactive care, and advances in medical research can help women regain their lives from the grip of hormonal migraines. Whether tracking cycles, adopting healthier habits, or seeking tailored medical care, every step taken toward understanding and managing migraines is a step toward empowerment.

Dr Shivananda Pai is a Consultant Neurology at KMC Hospital Dr B R Ambedkar Circle in Mangalore, India.

Brandes JL. The Influence of Estrogen on Migraine: A Systematic Review. JAMA. 2006;295(15):1824–1830. doi:10.1001/jama.295.15.1824

Sacco S, Ricci S, Degan D, Carolei A. Migraine in women: the role of hormones and their impact on vascular diseases. J Headache Pain. 2012 Apr;13(3):177-89. doi: 10.1007/s10194-012-0424-y. Epub 2012 Feb 26. PMID: 22367631; PMCID: PMC3311830.

It is a common theme for people to feel down and sad in winter. However, why do shorter, colder days often bring on feelings of loneliness and gloom? There is a biological reason behind it. As the days get shorter, many people feel a dip in energy or mood, but for millions, this signals Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is a serious form of depression that shouldn't be ignored. Experts from West Virginia University (WVU) caution that SAD symptoms are very similar to major depressive disorder and must be taken seriously.

What Causes SAD?

SAD is much more than just feeling down when it gets dark. It's a genuine type of depression most often seen during the winter months, especially in places far north where daylight is scarce. The basic problem is simple: less natural light hits your eyes. This drop in sunlight confuses your brain's chemistry.

It messes with two vital brain chemicals: serotonin, which helps stabilize your mood, and melatonin, which controls when you sleep and wake up. This lack of light also throws off your body's internal clock, called the circadian rhythm. When all these elements get disrupted, it triggers feelings of low energy and depression.

What Are The Symptoms Of SAD?

SAD involves a cluster of symptoms that persist and significantly interfere with your daily life. The pattern is usually predictable: symptoms begin in the fall, peak in the winter, and disappear by spring. Symptoms often include:

• Feelings of hopelessness.
• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.
• Significant changes in sleep (often sleeping more, or having disrupted sleep).
• Changes in appetite or increased food cravings.
• Difficulty concentrating and persistent fatigue.

The risk of SAD is higher among younger people, women, and those with a family history of mood disorders.

Can You Treat/Prevent Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Because Seasonal Affective Disorder is highly predictable, experts advise starting preventative treatments early in the fall. Seeing a healthcare provider is essential to determine the best plan and timing for treatment, rather than waiting for severe symptoms to appear later in winter.

Light Therapy

This involves sitting daily before a special light box emitting 10,000 lux of bright white light. Doing this for 30 to 60 minutes each morning is the most common and effective treatment for SAD, as it helps correct the imbalance caused by reduced sunlight exposure.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

This form of talk therapy teaches you practical skills to manage negative thinking patterns and behaviors linked to depression. CBT helps individuals reframe their outlook on winter and build effective coping mechanisms to reduce the impact of SAD symptoms.

Medication

In certain situations, a healthcare provider may prescribe antidepressant medication to help regulate mood-affecting brain chemicals like serotonin. This is often considered alongside light therapy or counseling, especially if symptoms of depression are severe or persistent.

Lifestyle Changes

Simple daily habits are powerful tools. Regular exercise boosts mood and energy, while maintaining a consistent sleep schedule keeps your body's internal clock stable. These practical steps offer significant support alongside clinical treatments.

Delhi’s air quality has taken a severe turn for the worse. As of Monday morning, November 3, 2025, the air across the capital officially slipped into the "Very Poor" category. Government data shows that the Air Quality Index (AQI) hit 316 by 9 am, meaning the air is now considered a significant health risk. In fact, one private monitor estimates that breathing the air in Delhi is currently as harmful as smoking 7.8 cigarettes a day.

Researchers and healthcare professionals have explained how pollution not only affects our breathing and lung function, but it affects multiple organs. A 2024 study published in the Scientific Reports journal showed that PM2.5 pollution particles are linked with reduction in life expectancy by 3.7 years.

However, when it comes to organ functions, pollution affects different organs differently. Here’s how.

Why Does Pollution Affect Our Organ Health?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is when the air contains one or more harmful substances like dust, smoke, fumes, or gas for a long time as they hurt our health.

The main way these pollutants affect us is by being breathed in. When you inhale them, they cause damage throughout your body, leading to:

• Inflammation (swelling)
• Stress on your cells
• A weaker immune system
• Changes to your cells that can cause disease (mutagenicity)

What Organs Are Affected By Pollution?

Here is a list of organs that you may not know were affected by pollution.

Brain and Mind

According to UC Davis Environmental Health Sciences Center, these pollutants are small they can travel from your lungs directly into your brain. This toxic exposure is concerning for long-term brain health. It's been linked to a higher risk of developing severe conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It may also impact children, potentially affecting intelligence, and increasing the risk of disorders like autism. Research also shows a higher risk of stroke, depression, and anxiety disorders.

Air pollution doesn't just cause disease; it can also cause more immediate, subtle effects on healthy people, which is often called "brain fog" decreased productivity or trouble thinking clearly. Studies across various jobs, from farm workers to office workers—show that short bursts of high outdoor pollution lead to decreased work output.

Heart and Lungs

According to the WHO, the lungs are hit first, leading to immediate problems like asthma and long-term illnesses like lung cancer or emphysema. Once in the bloodstream, the particles tighten your blood vessels (arteries), which forces the heart to work much harder. This sharply increases your risk for life-threatening events like strokes and heart disease.

Skin

The Airly organization explains that your skin is naturally covered in a layer of helpful bacteria, fungi, and viruses—called the microbiome. Air pollutants (like smog) disrupt the size and variety of this helpful microbiome. When this balance is broken, harmful bacteria can grow out of control.

Being the body’s largest organ and completely exposed, shows damage from air pollution through signs like faster aging, more wrinkles, and rashes. Surprisingly, the internal effects go deeper: prolonged exposure to harmful chemicals found in pollution, such as PAHs and ozone, you face an increased risk of developing skin cancer.

Bone

According to a 2024 study published in the Current Osteoporosis Reports, growing evidence shows a link between air pollution and a higher risk of osteoporosis, a disease that makes bones weak. This is a major concern for our aging population, as severe bone fractures greatly increase death risk. While we don't know the exact pollutants or how they cause this, initial research suggests inflammation from dirty air may damage the bones. Identifying this pathway could lead to new treatments.

Kidney

According to the National Kidney Foundation, pollution adds a major toxic burden to your body's internal cleaning crew. A study of 2.5 million U.S. veterans found that breathing polluted air significantly increases the risk of developing kidney disease. The scientists estimated that over the course of the study, air pollution may have caused roughly 45,000 new cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and forced over 2,400 patients to start dialysis.

While the exact way air pollution damages the kidneys is still unknown, one main idea is that the tiny pollution particles you inhale travel from your lungs into your bloodstream. The kidneys then try to filter this contaminated blood, and in the process, the tiny particles directly damage the kidney cells.

Reproductive System

According to the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology of India pregnant people, pollution exposure increases the likelihood of miscarriages and can harm the developing baby, leading to health issues in unborn and newborn children. It threatens the future health of the population.

When a pregnant woman is exposed to pollutants, it causes an inflammatory reaction that can harm the pregnancy. This toxic exposure is linked to serious problems, including preterm labor, fetal growth restriction, death of the baby before or during birth.

Studies confirm that inhaling tiny pollution particles (PM) and nanoparticles (NP) causes excessive cell damage, leading to mutations in DNA and damage to fats and proteins in the body.

Digestive Health

According to the Northwell Health Organization, new research suggests that the tiny particles found in it contribute to digestive illnesses.

Exposure to pollution also stresses your body. This chronic, pollution-induced stress leads to an overload of inflammation and cell damage (oxidative stress) in the digestive system. This can contribute to common conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

Breathing in things like fine particles, fumes, and gases can cause inflammation in the digestive tract. Long-term exposure to dirty air is linked to higher risks of GERD and IBD.

Experts and social media users are warning people about the herbal drink ‘Feel Free’ and other products containing kratom, a compound that acts in ways similar to opioids, according to NBC News. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also raised concerns, noting that kratom-based items—derived from a plant native to Southeast Asia—are being sold in gas stations, convenience stores, and vape shops across the United States. This growing availability has sparked questions: What exactly is kratom, and why has it been banned in several U.S. states?

What Is Feel Free?

‘Feel Free’ is a small blue-bottled herbal tonic made by a company called Botanic Tonics. Its key ingredients are Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) and Kava (Piper methysticum), plants with long histories of traditional use, kratom in Southeast Asia and kava in the South Pacific.

Though often marketed as natural mood boosters, experts caution that their effects on the brain and body are complex and potentially risky. When taken together, kratom and kava can produce sensations of calm euphoria or mental clarity, but they may also trigger side effects and dependency over time.

What Is Kava or Kratom Found in Feel Free Drinks?

Kava- and kratom-based drinks are often promoted as energy or mood-enhancing beverages, yet some users say they can be habit-forming. Kratom works as a stimulant in smaller amounts and acts like an opioid at higher doses, while Kava produces calming, sedative effects, making it popular for easing anxiety or stress.

Although kava is not known to be physically addictive, using it frequently or combining it with alcohol has been associated with liver damage. Many regular consumers of ‘Feel Free’ report needing multiple bottles daily to function normally or to prevent fatigue and irritability. This growing tolerance and dependence echo patterns seen in other substance use problems.

FDA Does Not Approve Kava or Kratom

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the FDA has not approved kava for treating any medical condition. It is available only as a dietary supplement, and in 2002 the agency issued a warning linking kava-containing products to serious liver injury, including liver failure. The FDA recommends speaking with a healthcare provider before using any kava-based supplement.

So, Is 'Feel Free' Safe to Consume?

Botanic Tonics, the company behind Feel Free, told The Independent that the NBC News story contained “false and misleading statements” and that it had received no reports of severe addiction from customers. In 2023, however, the company agreed to pay $8.75 million to settle a class-action lawsuit accusing it of not disclosing kratom-related riskswithout admitting any wrongdoing.

While the product is sold legally in many health food shops and gas stations, that does not mean it’s risk-free. Because neither kratom nor kava are regulated or approved by the FDA, there is little oversight on their safety or how they interact when combined in drinks like Feel Free. Some countries have completely banned kratom, and several U.S. states and cities have restricted its sale. Still, public awareness remains limited, and many consumers—particularly younger people, may not realize they’re consuming ingredients that could lead to dependence.

‘Feel Free’ might look like a typical energy drink, but the blend of kratom and kava carries genuine health risks, especially for people who rely on such products to cope with stress or boost focus. That short burst of energy or calm may come at a far greater cost in the long run.