Natural health: Is the perimenopause to blame for my headaches? 

Plus - natural ways around itchy scalp at night-time

Pic: iStock

I get headaches whenever I’m stressed, and they have been getting more intense in recent months. I’m a woman in my mid-40s and wondering if the perimenopause is to blame. What would you suggest?

Perimenopause, the transitional phase leading up to menopause, can begin as early as the age of 35 years. The hormonal fluctuations during this time can contribute to headaches, along with many other symptoms. As oestrogen levels change, blood vessels are affected and can manifest as tension headaches or migraines.

Stress is a significant contributor to tension headaches. Other perimenopausal symptoms such as disrupted sleep, hot flushes, mood swings, dehydration, and changes in serotonin levels are also factors.

It is common during menopause for the muscles and ligaments to be affected by hormonal imbalances, which can cause neck and shoulder tension and headaches.

You may benefit from herbal hormone support formulations along with regular hands-on treatment, such as acupuncture, massage, osteopathy, and the like.

Another option is to ask your doctor whether bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a suitable option for you.

My scalp tends to get very itchy at night. Is there a calming lotion I could use?

A humidifier in your bedroom may help to soothe and hydrate your scalp as you sleep since our skin tends to be drier than usual during winter and spring when we often overheat our bedrooms or beds.

Washing detergent, powder or liquid can irritate your bedding as you sleep. However, since you are only experiencing the irritation on your scalp, it is unlikely your laundry products are to blame.

Check your hair care products for harsh ingredients such as fragrances, colourants, phthalates, parabens, PEG (polyethylene glycol), SLS/SLES (sodium lauryl sulphate/sodium laureth sulphate), and retinyl palmitate. To prevent further irritation, you can switch out these products for gentle, sulphate-free, hypoallergenic alternatives.

It is worth investing in a silicone scalp massager (often sold for applying shampoo, conditioner, and hair treatments) to stimulate and relieve your scalp without scratching the skin.

Making your own natural scalp treatment takes minutes and will also help with hair condition and growth. Use a base of argan, jojoba, and black seed (nigella sativa) oil to help condition, soothe, and provide antimicrobial benefits to your scalp. For every three tablespoons (45ml) of oil base, add a tablespoon (15ml) of castor oil. Combine with five drops of tea tree essential oil; three drops each of lavender and rosemary essential oils, and one drop of peppermint essential oil. Shake the blend in a small jar or whisk it in a bowl.

Dip the scalp massager in the bowl of oil so that it coats the tips, and then massage your head each evening. As the itching improves, you can apply this treatment weekly instead of nightly.

There is a long-standing connection between digestive health and skin conditions. The gut plays a crucial role in overall wellbeing, and imbalances in the digestive tract can show up in the form of skin issues. Consuming a diet rich in fibre, probiotics, and prebiotics can help promote a balanced and healthy gut flora, which can help resolve skin problems.

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that contribute to a healthy gut microbiome. Fermented foods such as yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi are high in probiotics, or you can take a high-quality probiotic supplement.

Prebiotics nourish and support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and are present in foods such as garlic, onions, leeks, and bananas.

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• NOTE: The information contained in this column is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a doctor.