By Alex Baran,
Project Weight Loss Staff Writer
July 10, 2009 Women that have migraines seem less predisposed to breast cancer risk, according to a new study. "It does appear that migraines may protect women from breast cancer, and that it's equally protective for both younger and older women," said the lead author of the study, Christopher Li, MD, PhD.
According to the study women who have migraines diagnosed by a doctor are with 26% less predisposed to breast cancer risk then women who don’t have migraines. Usually headaches appear at menopause, but the reduced risk remains even if women take migraine medications or they avoid established migraine "triggers" like drinking alcohol or hormone replacement therapy.
Christopher Li explains migraines appear when estrogen level drops, meaning there are fluctuations in reproductive hormones. Also, women who take oral contraceptives have more frequent migraines when they are on the hormone-free week. In case of the pregnant women, the headaches disappear in the third trimester.
Unfortunately obesity increases the risk of breast cancer. "Postmenopausal women who are obese are at higher risk for breast cancer," says Li, also explaining more research is needed.
Here are some natural remedies for migraines:
Feverfew
This herb is used for centuries as a remedy for headache, pain, arthritis, and migraine.
5-HTP
5-HTP 5- is a compound produced by your body, also found as supplement form.
Magnesium
Magnesium helps regulate blood sugar levels, also needed for keeping normal heart rhythm, bone health, normal muscle and nerve function, and reduces headache. It is found in green leafy vegetables, seeds, nuts, and whole grains.
This study shouldn’t determine you to give up other preventive breast health steps, whatever you have migraines or not. It is recommended that at age 40 women should begin annual mammograms.
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