Migraine Management: Lifestyle, Environment & Hormonal Factors

In this episode, Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton and Dr. Meg Mill explore the complexities of migraines, particularly in women, and the transition from conventional to functional medicine. Dr. Mill shares her personal journey into functional medicine, highlighting the importance of understanding root causes rather than just treating symptoms.  

Dr. Smeaton and Dr. Mill also discuss: 

• The pathophysiology of migraines, their impact on daily life, and the hormonal influences that can exacerbate them 
• Lifestyle and dietary changes that can aid in migraine management  
• How dietary choices, especially those related to histamine, can trigger migraines  
• The critical role of sleep in healing and recovery  
• The influence of environmental factors on migraine frequency  
• How migraines can be influenced by estrogen metabolism 

Check out Dr. Meg Mill’s podcast, A Little Bit Healthier! Learn more about Dr. Mill on her website and follow her on Instagram @drmegmill. 

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Chapters

• 0:00 From Conventional to Functional Medicine: A Personal Journey
• 3:09 Understanding Migraines: Pathophysiology and Triggers
• 6:06 The Impact of Migraines on Daily Life
• 9:07 Hormonal Influences on Migraines in Women
• 12:03 Histamine and Its Connection to Migraines
• 14:57 The Importance of Comprehensive Assessments
• 17:59 Utilizing the Dutch Test for Hormonal Insights
• 20:48 Lifestyle and Dietary Changes for Migraine Management
• 30:58 Navigating Sleep Challenges and Dietary Impacts
• 34:34 Understanding Migraines and Histamine Sensitivity
• 37:59 The Role of Magnesium in Migraine Management
• 39:51 The Importance of Sleep for Healing
• 43:17 Environmental Triggers and Overall Load on Migraines
• 45:29 Exploring Hormonal Changes During Perimenopause