Migraine Heroes

Have you ever noticed that a cold makes your migraine worse or strangely seems to make it disappear? In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast , host Diane Ducarme explores what illness may reveal about your own migraine pattern, from changes in the immune and nervous systems to shifts in sleep, routine, and medication. You’ll learn: 💡 Why a cold can trigger migraine in one person but seem to switch it off in another 💡 What changes when you are sick and which of those changes may matter for migraine 💡 How to investigate unusual migraine patterns instead of dismissing them Sometimes, the strangest change in your migraine is also the clue worth paying attention to. 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com References: The Role of Cytokines in Migraine: A Systematic Review (Thuraiaiyah et al., 2022): This review examines evidence linking inflammatory cytokines with migraine. Read more here . Distinct Inflammatory Profiles Across Migraine States: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Stuchfield-Denby et al., 2025): This review compares inflammatory markers across different migraine states. Read more here . Cytokines in Primary Headache Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Musubire et al., 2023): This analysis examines cytokine differences in migraine and other primary headaches. Read more here . Immunological Mechanisms of Sickness Behavior in Viral Infection (Krapić et al., 2021): This review explains how immune signaling produces fatigue, sleepiness, and other sickness behaviors during infection. Read more here . Twenty Years of Research on Cytokine-Induced Sickness Behavior (Dantzer & Kelley, 2007): This review describes how inflammatory cytokines signal the brain to produce sickness behavior. Read more here . Dural Immune Cells, CGRP, and Migraine (Balcziak & Russo, 2022): This review explores interactions between CGRP, immune cells in the dura, and migraine mechanisms. Read more here CGRP: The Immune System’s Double Agent — Context-Dependent Roles in Inflammation, Resolution and Cancer (Assas, 2026): This review examines CGRP’s contrasting pro- and anti-inflammatory immune effects. Read more here . Cytokine Storm Divergence in Viral Infections of the Upper Respiratory Tract (Chen et al., 2026): This review compares cytokine responses across respiratory viral infections. Read more here . Aberrations in Peripheral Inflammatory Cytokine Levels in Migraine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Geng et al., 2022): This analysis found higher levels of several inflammatory markers in people with migraine. Read more here . Migraine and Autonomic Dysfunction: Which Is the Horse and Which Is the Jockey? (Miglis, 2018): This review examines sympathetic and parasympathetic dysfunction in migraine. Read more here . Association Between Raynaud’s Phenomenon and Migraine in a Random Population of Hospital Employees (O’Keeffe et al., 1993): This study found migraine was more common among people with Raynaud’s phenomenon. Read more here . Kranools. “I Never Get a Migraine When I’m Sick With a Cold. There Must Be Some Way to Take Advantage of This.” Reddit, r/migraine: T his patient anecdote describes migraine disappearing temporarily during a cold. Read more here . This podcast is for informational purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for health-related concerns.

Autumn can bring more than cooler weather, it can quietly change several factors that influence your migraine threshold. In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores five fall-season triggers, from atmospheric pressure and shorter days to indoor heating, allergies, and shifting routines. You’ll learn: 💡 Why changing weather and barometric pressure may matter more than cold itself 💡 How shorter days, heating, allergies, and routine changes can lower your migraine threshold 💡 How to identify which autumn triggers actually matter for your body The goal is not to avoid the season, but to understand what your system may need as autumn changes around you. 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com References: Association Between Weather Conditions and Migraine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Li et al., 2025): This meta-analysis found associations between migraine attacks, temperature, atmospheric pressure, and several air pollutants. Read more here . Migraine and Sleep Disorders: A Systematic Review (Tiseo et al., 2020): This review examines the close relationship between migraine, sleep disorders, and circadian regulation. Read more here . Understanding Fall Headaches (Maryland Pain & Wellness Center): This patient-focused article discusses seasonal headache factors including weather changes, allergies, reduced sunlight, stress, and sleep disruption. Read more here . This podcast is for informational purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for health-related concerns.

After nearly 20 years of pushing through migraine, Jaya’s attacks began affecting her work, energy, and life as a mother. She had tried medication, scans, massage, acupuncture, and more but the migraines kept coming. By looking more closely at the small details of her daily routine, Jaya began uncovering clues that had been missed for years. Today, she has far fewer migraines and much more capacity to work, exercise, and enjoy everyday life with her daughter. 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com This podcast is for informational purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for health-related concerns.

For some people, COVID ends, but the headache does not. Long COVID can bring a new headache pattern or make an existing migraine condition feel very different. In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast , host Diane Ducarme explores why migraine, fatigue, poor sleep, dizziness and brain fog can sometimes appear together after COVID and why it may help to look beyond the head alone. You’ll learn: 💡 Why Long COVID may trigger new headaches or worsen an existing migraine pattern 💡 Why fatigue, sleep problems, dizziness, brain fog and exercise intolerance may sometimes travel alongside migraine 💡 Why recognizing your new post-COVID migraine pattern can be more useful than assuming your old triggers still explain everything When the pattern changes, understanding what has changed can be the first step toward making sense of your symptoms. 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com References: Long COVID Headache (Tana et al., 2022): This review describes persistent and new headaches after COVID-19, including migraine-like presentations. Read more here . Headache in COVID-19 and Long COVID: To Know Facts for Clinical Practice (Gómez-Dabó et al., 2023): This review covers the clinical features and management of headache during and after COVID-19. Read more here . Post-COVID Dysautonomias: What We Know and (Mainly) What We Don’t Know (Goldstein, 2024): This review examines autonomic dysfunction associated with post-COVID conditions. Read more here . Long-Term Neurological and Cognitive Impact of COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis in Over 4 Million Patients (Elboraay et al., 2025): This analysis examines persistent neurological symptoms, including headache, fatigue, and cognitive problems. Read more here . Post COVID-19 Condition (World Health Organization): This WHO resource defines long COVID and summarizes its common persistent symptoms. Read more here . Migraine and Other Headache Disorders (World Health Organization, 2025): This fact sheet summarizes migraine, other headache disorders, and their global burden. Read more here. This podcast is for informational purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for health-related concerns.

What if one of your biggest migraine triggers is something you have never thought to notice? In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast , host Diane Ducarme takes you through a practical “trigger scan”: from sleep, hormones and food to weather, sensory overload, posture and more without turning migraine management into a life of avoidance. You’ll learn: 💡 How to spot less obvious migraine triggers across your everyday routines, environment and body 💡 How to observe patterns without obsessing or eliminating everything and identify the few things that may actually matter for you The goal is not a smaller life built around avoiding triggers, but greater awareness of what helps your body become more stable. 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com Few of the trigger episodes mentioned: Indulgence or Insight? What Chocolate, Cheese & Wine Reveal About Your Brain The Fasting Paradox: Why Skipping Meals Can Spark Migraine and Stress Why Red Wine Triggers Migraines for Some People And What Science Reveals Kombucha for Migraine: Healing Tonic or Hidden Trigger? 5 Reasons Why Fragrance & Perfume Smells Are Triggering Your Migraines & What To Do About It When Light Hurts: The Hidden Link Between Screens, Stress, and Migraine Hidden Sugar and Blood Sugar Spikes: The Silent Migraine Trigger This podcast is for informational purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for health-related concerns.

Seeing flashing lights or strange visual changes on one side does not always mean the problem is coming from one eye. In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast , host Diane Ducarme explains the important difference between migraine aura and true retinal migraine and why knowing whether your symptoms affect one eye or both can matter. You’ll learn: 💡 Why migraine aura comes from the brain, even when the visual change seems to be on just one side 💡 What makes true retinal migraine different, why it is so rare, and why other causes of temporary vision loss need to be ruled out 💡 A simple one-eye-at-a-time test that can help you describe your visual symptoms more clearly to your doctor When it comes to visual migraine symptoms, one eye versus both eyes can be a very important clue. 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com References: Spreading Depolarization as a Therapeutic Target in Migraine (Harriott & Ayata, 2025): This review examines spreading depolarization as the mechanism of migraine aura and a potential treatment target. Read more here . Current Perspective on Retinal Migraine (Chong et al., 2021): T his review covers the diagnosis, mechanisms, and management of retinal migraine. Read more here Retinal Migraine: Evaluation and Management (Maher & Kingston, 2021): T his review emphasizes that retinal migraine is rare and a diagnosis of exclusion. Read more here . Transient Monocular Visual Loss (Amaurosis Fugax): How Does Age Impact Diagnosis? (Douglas et al., 2024): This review explains causes and evaluation of temporary vision loss in one eye. Read more here . Retinal Migraine (International Headache Society): These criteria define fully reversible monocular visual symptoms associated with retinal migraine. Read more here Migraine With Aura (International Headache Society): These criteria define reversible visual, sensory, language, motor, brainstem, or retinal aura symptoms. Read more here . This podcast is for informational purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for health-related concerns.

Have a migraine question you wish you could ask Diane directly? Every other Thursday, Diane opens the door for a small, informal live Q&A, bring your question or simply come and listen. The next sessions are October 22 and November 5, 2026. They are not recorded, so the conversation stays with the people in the room. 👉 To join, register at migraineheroes.com/live

Could your jaw be quietly adding fuel to your migraine attacks? In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast , host Diane Ducarme explores how jaw tension, clenching, and TMJ dysfunction may interact with migraine, especially if you wake with headaches or feel pain around your temples. You’ll learn: 💡 How to recognize signs that jaw tension or clenching may be contributing to your migraine 💡 Why teeth and tongue position at rest matter and why a mouth guard may not solve the clenching itself 💡 A simple jaw-reset routine you can try at home to release tension and calm the system Sometimes, a small change in how you hold your jaw can make a surprisingly meaningful difference. 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com References: Temporomandibular Disorders in Migraine and Tension-Type Headache Patients: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis (Bizzarri et al., 2024): This review found painful TMDs are more common in people with migraine and tension-type headache. Read more here. Exploring the Bidirectional Association Between Migraine and Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Dias et al., 2026): This review found a substantial association between migraine and TMD in both directions. Read more here. International Consensus on the Assessment of Bruxism: Report of a Work in Progress (Lobbezoo et al., 2018): This consensus distinguishes awake and sleep bruxism and describes bruxism primarily as a behavior. Read more here . Association Between Primary Headache and Bruxism: An Updated Systematic Review (Réus et al., 2021): This review found limited migraine evidence, with a clearer association between awake bruxism and tension-type headache. Read more here. Evidence for Central Sensitization in Patients With Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies (La Touche et al., 2018): This analysis found evidence of increased pain sensitivity in people with TMD. Read more here. Diagnostic Criteria for Headache Attributed to Temporomandibular Disorders (Schiffman et al., 2012): This study developed clinical criteria for identifying headaches attributable to TMD.Read more here . Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders for Clinical and Research Applications (Schiffman et al., 2014): This work established validated diagnostic criteria for common temporomandibular disorders. Read more here . Associations Between Sleep Bruxism and Other Sleep-Related Disorders in Adults: A Systematic Review (Kuang et al., 2022): This review found sleep bruxism more common in several sleep disorders and highlighted sleep arousal as a possible link. Read more here. Influence of Occlusal Appliances on the Masticatory Muscle Function in Individuals With Sleep Bruxism (Ferreira et al., 2024): This review found oral appliances did not consistently reduce muscle activity or bite force. Read more here . Efficacy of Conservative Interventions Targeting Temporomandibular Disorders for Adults With Headache Disorders (Demont et al., 2025): This review found limited-certainty evidence for headache improvement from TMD-focused conservative treatments. Read more here . The Efficacy of Manual Therapy Approaches on Pain, Maximum Mouth Opening and Disability in Temporomandibular Disorders (Vieira et al., 2023): This review found manual therapy may improve TMD pain, mouth opening, and disability. Read more here . TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders) (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research): This guidance recommends conservative care first and cautions against unnecessarily irreversible treatments. Read more here . This podcast is for informational purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for health-related concerns.

Should you tell your employer about your migraine or keep it private? In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast , host Diane Ducarme explores how to approach migraine disclosure at work in a way that protects your privacy while helping you get the support you need. In this episode, you will learn: How to decide whether telling your employer about migraine is right for you. Who may actually need to know, from your manager or HR to occupational health or a trusted colleague. How to explain your migraine, decide how much to share, and ask for practical workplace support. The goal is not to justify your illness, but to create the conditions that help you work well. 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com References: Identification of Work Accommodations and Interventions Associated With Work Productivity in Adults With Migraine: A Scoping Review (Begasse de Dhaem et al., 2021): This review identifies workplace factors and accommodations associated with better productivity in migraine. Read more here. Migraine in the Workplace (Begasse de Dhaem & Sakai, 2022): This review examines presenteeism, stigma, productivity loss, and workplace migraine programs. Read more here. Migraine in the Workplace: Work Productivity Impact in a Large US-Based Healthcare System Using a Cross-Sectional Employee Survey (Begasse de Dhaem et al., 2025): This study documents substantial migraine-related productivity loss, particularly from presenteeism. Read more here. Migraine Stigma and General Knowledge of Migraine: A Cross-Sectional European Survey (Goadsby et al., 2025): This survey examines migraine stigma and public understanding across multiple countries. Read more here. Migraine and Work – Beyond Absenteeism: Migraine Severity and Occupational Burnout – A Cohort Study (Peles et al., 2024): This study links migraine and greater migraine severity with occupational burnout. Read more here. Legal Aspects of Migraine in the Workplace (Riggins & Paris, 2022): This review discusses workplace accommodation, disability protections, leave, and US employment law for migraine. Read more here. Reasonable Accommodation at Work: Guidelines and Good Practices (European Commission, 2024): These guidelines provide practical guidance for creating individualized and inclusive workplace accommodations. Read more here . This podcast is for informational purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for health-related concerns.

Can you have a migraine without a headache? In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores silent migraine, visual aura without headache, and symptoms such as kaleidoscope vision, zigzag lines and blind spots, helping you understand what may be happening in the brain and why these symptoms can feel so unsettling. In this episode, you will learn: Why migraine aura can happen without headache pain. How to recognize zigzag lines, blind spots, kaleidoscope vision and other visual aura symptoms. How Western science and Traditional Chinese Medicine interpret these sudden neurological changes. Understand what these visual changes may be telling you, and when they deserve closer attention. 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com References: The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd Edition (International Headache Society, 2018): The official classification defines migraine aura and typical aura without headache. Read more here. What Does a Migraine Aura Look Like?A Systematic Review (Joppeková et al., 2025): This review summarizes aura symptoms, mechanisms, diagnosis, and differential diagnoses. Read more here. Spreading Depolarization as a Therapeutic Target in Migraine (Harriott & Ayata, 2025): This review examines spreading depolarization as the biological basis of migraine aura and a potential treatment target. Read more here . Migraine Aura Symptoms: Duration, Succession and Temporal Relationship to Headache (Viana et al., 2016): This diary study examines the timing and sequence of aura symptoms and headache. Read more here . Clinical Features of Migraine Aura: Results From a Prospective Diary-Aided Study (Viana et al., 2017): This study describes the variety and variability of visual, sensory, and language aura symptoms. Read more here . Cortical Spreading Depression and Migraine (Charles & Baca, 2013): This review examines cortical spreading depression and its proposed relationship to migraine aura. Read more here . Neuroimaging in the Pre-Ictal or Premonitory Phase of Migraine: A Narrative Review (Karsan & Goadsby, 2023): This review examines brain changes occurring before migraine headache begins. Read more here. Migraine Aura Without Headache (Shah, Dilwali & Friedman, 2018): This review covers aura without headache, its diagnosis, physiology, and differential diagnosis. Read more here . Migraine Aura Without Headache: Transient Ischaemic Attack or Not? (Dennis & Warlow, 1992): This study compares aura without headache with transient ischemic attacks. Read more here. Aura Phenomenon: A Proposal for an Etiology-Based Clinical Classification (Pensato et al., 2025): This review proposes distinguishing migrainous aura from aura caused by other neurological conditions. Read more here . This podcast is for informational purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for health-related concerns.

For years, Susanne thought her headaches might be a dental problem. By the time she found herself crying in her GP's office, saying "I can't manage this," migraines were coming weekly, and the fear of the next one was shaping her work, her weekends, and her plans. In this episode, she shares how she started to understand her own migraine patterns, what changed when she stopped bracing for the next attack, and why her biggest lesson was learning to trust the process, and herself. Her story comes from our practitioner-guided work, which shaped the method behind the Migraine Heroes app. Today, you can start that same method in the app and see your own migraine patterns. Getting started is free. This podcast is for informational purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for health-related concerns.

Postpartum recovery already asks a lot from the body and migraine can make that transition even harder. In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast , host Diane Ducarme explores why migraines can return after childbirth, what may be driving them, and how to better support the body during postpartum recovery. You’ll learn: 💡 Why migraine can return after childbirth, even after improving during pregnancy 💡 Which postpartum headache changes should not automatically be treated as your “usual migraine” 💡 How Traditional Chinese Medicine looks at postpartum migraine through recovery, depletion, and rebuilding the body’s resources This episode is about understanding postpartum migraine in the context of recovery, not just stopping the pain, but supporting the body as it rebuilds. 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com References: Course of Migraine During Pregnancy and Postpartum: A Prospective Study (Sances et al., 2003): This study tracks migraine improvement during pregnancy and recurrence postpartum. Read more here. The Complex Relationship Between Estrogen and Migraines: A Scoping Review (Reddy et al., 2021): This review examines estrogen fluctuations and the estrogen-withdrawal hypothesis in migraine. Read more here. Hormonal Influences in Migraine — Interactions of Oestrogen, Oxytocin and CGRP (Krause et al., 2021): This review explores how reproductive hormones and CGRP interact in migraine. Read more here . Migraine and Sleep Disorders: A Systematic Review (Tiseo et al., 2020): This review examines the bidirectional relationship between migraine and sleep disorders. Read more here . Interventions for Migraine and Sleep: A Systematic Review Exploring Their Bidirectional Association (Sforza et al., 2026): This review evaluates treatments targeting migraine, sleep, or both. Read more here. Exclusive Breastfeeding Protects Against Postpartum Migraine Recurrence Attacks? (Serva et al., 2012): This study links exclusive breastfeeding with lower early postpartum migraine recurrence. Read more here . Management of Primary Headaches During Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Breastfeeding: A Systematic Review (Saldanha et al., 2021): This review evaluates headache treatments during pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding. Read more here . Acute Headache in Pregnant and Post-Partum Patients: A Clinical Review (Greige et al., 2023): This review discusses primary headaches and dangerous secondary causes during pregnancy and postpartum. Read more here . Headaches in Pregnancy and Postpartum: ACOG Clinical Practice Guideline No. 3 (ACOG, 2022): This guideline covers evaluation and treatment of headaches during pregnancy and postpartum. Read more here . Beyond Postdural Puncture Headache: Headache and the Puerperium (Bavaro et al., 2026): This review covers the differential diagnosis and management of postpartum headache. Read more here . Disclaimer : This podcast is for informational purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for health-related concerns.

Your desk may be affecting your migraine more than you realize. In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast , Diane Ducarme shares seven tiny changes that can make your working day feel easier and more migraine-friendly. You’ll learn: 💡 How light, screen position, noise, and hydration can quietly affect your migraine threshold 💡 7 simple, low-cost desk upgrades you can try without redesigning your workspace 💡 Diane’s special productivity trick and how one simple sheet of paper can completely change the way you work 👉 Download Diane’s productivity sheet , a simple tool designed to help you reduce mental clutter, stay focused on what matters most, and get more done without keeping everything in your head. 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com References: A Neural Mechanism for Exacerbation of Headache by Light (Noseda et al., 2010): T his study identifies a neural pathway through which light can worsen migraine pain. Read more here . Migraine and Light: A Narrative Review (Artemenko et al., 2022): This review examines photophobia and how light can influence migraine attacks. Read more here. Factors Negatively Affecting a Migraine-Friendly Workplace in Healthcare (Aydinlar et al., 2026): This study identifies workplace factors that can worsen migraine burden among healthcare workers. Read more here . Digital Screen Exposure and Migraine Burden: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Gowda et al., 2026): This review examines the relationship between screen exposure and migraine burden. Read more here. Identification of Work Accommodations and Interventions Associated With Work Productivity in Adults With Migraine (Begasse de Dhaem et al., 2021): This review identifies workplace accommodations that may support productivity in people with migraine. Read more here . Migraine and the Environment (Friedman & De Ver Dye, 2009): This review examines environmental migraine triggers such as light, odors, air quality, and weather. Read more here . SEEDS for Success: Lifestyle Management in Migraine (Robblee & Starling, 2019): This review outlines lifestyle strategies involving sleep, exercise, eating, diaries, and stress management. Read more here. Color and Spatial Frequency Are Related to Visual Pattern Sensitivity in Migraine (Shepherd et al., 2013): This study examines how color and visual patterns influence discomfort in migraine. Read more here . Disclaimer : This podcast is for informational purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for health-related concerns.

Can birth control trigger migraines or make hormonal migraines worse? The answer may have less to do with simply having “too much estrogen” and more to do with how your hormones rise, fall, and change over time. In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast , host Diane Ducarme explores the connection between migraine, hormones, birth control, and the menstrual cycle, including why migraine attacks may appear around menstruation or during the hormone-free days of contraception. You’ll learn: 💡 Why hormonal fluctuations and estrogen withdrawal may contribute to menstrual migraine 💡 Why migraine with aura matters when choosing hormonal birth control 💡 What to do if your migraines begin or noticeably change after starting contraception You’ll also learn how different forms of birth control can create very different hormonal patterns and why understanding your individual migraine response matters. If you think your migraines may be linked to your hormones or birth control, this episode will help you know what to track and what to discuss with your doctor. Ask Diane Anything: Live Q&A Have a migraine question? Join Diane live to ask your questions or simply listen. 👉 Register here: migraineheroes.com/live 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com References: Menstrual Migraine Is Caused by Estrogen Withdrawal: Revisiting the Evidence (Raffaelli et al., 2023): This review reassesses the evidence linking estrogen withdrawal to menstrual migraine. Read more here . Hormonal Contraceptives and Migraine Frequency and Severity in Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Alju et al., 2026): This review examines how hormonal contraceptives may affect migraine frequency and severity. Read more here . Use of Combined Hormonal Contraceptives Among Women With Migraines and Risk of Ischemic Stroke (Champaloux et al., 2017): This study examines stroke risk according to migraine type and combined hormonal contraceptive use. Read more here . Safety of Hormonal Contraceptives Among Women With Migraine: A Systematic Review (Tepper et al., 2016): This review evaluates vascular risks of hormonal contraception in women with migraine. Read more here . Hormonal Contraceptives and Risk of Ischemic Stroke in Women With Migraine (Sacco et al., 2017): This consensus statement provides guidance on contraception and stroke risk in women with migraine. Read more here . Effectiveness of the Progestin-Only Pill for Migraine Treatment in Women (Warhurst et al., 2018): This review evaluates progestin-only contraception as a potential migraine treatment. Read more here U.S. Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, 2024 (CDC, 2024): These guidelines classify contraceptive safety for different medical conditions, including migraine with and without aura. Read more here . Disclaimer : This podcast is for informational purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for health-related concerns.

Living with chronic migraine can feel deeply isolating. Pain, unpredictable attacks, cancelled plans, and feeling misunderstood can slowly make your world feel smaller. In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast , host Diane Ducarme explores the connection between migraine, loneliness, social isolation, and support, and how to stay connected without pushing your body beyond what it can manage. This episode is about finding a connection that works with your migraine not against it. You’ll learn: 💡 How to create migraine-safe forms of social connection without exhausting yourself 💡 How to explain what migraine support actually looks like to the people around you 💡 Why supportive relationships can matter more than having a large social circle and how small moments of connection can help you feel less alone You do not need to rebuild your entire social life to feel supported. Sometimes one understanding person, one message, or one small moment of connection can begin to open your world again. Ask Diane Anything: Live Q&A Have a migraine question? Join Diane live to ask your questions or simply listen. 👉 Register here: migraineheroes.com/live 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com References: My Migraine Voice Survey: A Global Study of Disease Burden Among Individuals With Migraine for Whom Preventive Treatments Have Failed (Martelletti et al., 2018): This global survey highlights the personal, social, and professional burden of migraine. Read more here . The Social Life of Migraine: A Meta-Ethnography of Lived Experience in Adults With Migraine (Ng et al., 2026): This review explores how migraine affects identity, relationships, and social participation. Read more here . Impact of Migraine on the Family: Perspectives of People With Migraine and Their Spouse/Domestic Partner in the CaMEO Study (Buse et al., 2016): This study examines how migraine affects partners and family life. Read more here . Life With Migraine: Effects on Relationships, Career, and Finances From the CaMEO Study (Buse et al., 2019): This study shows migraine’s impact on relationships, careers, and finances. Read more here . The Stigma of Migraine (Young et al., 2013): This study examines the social stigma experienced by people with migraine. Read more here . Loneliness and Migraine Self-Management: A Cross-Sectional Assessment (Lui et al., 2020): This study explores how loneliness relates to migraine self-management. Read more here . Poor Social Support and Loneliness in Chronic Headache: Prevalence and Effect Modifiers (Westergaard et al., 2021): This study found greater loneliness and poor social support among people with chronic headache. Read more here . The Family Impact of Migraine: Population-Based Studies in the USA and UK (Lipton et al., 2003): This study shows that migraine can substantially affect partners, children, and family activities. Read more here . Disclaimer : This podcast is for informational purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for health-related concerns.

Got a migraine question the podcast hasn’t quite answered for you? Join Diane live for Ask Diane Anything on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Bring your questions about migraine, hormones, sleep, food, exercise or simply come and listen. ✨ Free to attend 📅 Thursday, September 24 🔗 Register at migraineheroes.com/live Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for health-related concerns.

If your migraines suddenly feel more frequent, intense, or unpredictable in midlife, hormonal instability may be playing a bigger role than you realize. In this episode, you’ll learn: 💡 Why fluctuating estrogen during perimenopause can make the migraine brain more reactive 💡 How poor sleep, hot flashes, anxiety, irregular periods, and migraine can reinforce one another 💡 How to track your personal patterns and create more stability during this hormonal transition Perimenopause may feel unpredictable, but understanding your changing rhythm can help you respond with more clarity and confidence. Ask Diane Anything — Live Q&A Have a migraine question? Join Diane live on September 24, 2026 to ask your questions or simply listen. 👉 Register here: migraineheroes.com/live 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com References: Migraine Across the Menopausal Transition and Beyond: A Narrative Review (Korn & Bernstein, 2026): This review covers migraine changes and management across menopause. Read more here . Menstrual and Perimenopausal Migraine: A Narrative Review (MacGregor, 2020): This review examines hormonal changes affecting menstrual and perimenopausal migraine. Read more here . Menstrual Migraine Is Caused by Estrogen Withdrawal: Revisiting the Evidence (Raffaelli et al., 2023): This review reassesses the evidence for estrogen withdrawal as a migraine trigger. Read more here . Perimenopause and Menopause Are Associated With High Frequency Headache in Women With Migraine (Martin et al., 2016): This study found increased high-frequency headache during perimenopause. Read more here . Executive Summary of the Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop + 10 (Harlow et al., 2012): This paper defines stages of reproductive aging and the menopausal transition. Read more here . Migraine Management During Menstruation and Menopause (MacGregor, 2015): This review covers migraine treatment during menstruation and menopause. Read more here . Migraine and Menopause: A Narrative Review (Bernstein & O’Neal, 2020): This review examines migraine patterns and treatment around menopause. Read more here . Hormonal Influences in Migraine, Interactions of Oestrogen, Oxytocin and CGRP (Krause et al., 2021): This review explores how reproductive hormones and CGRP interact in migraine. Read more here . Acupuncture for the Prevention of Episodic Migraine (Linde et al., 2016): This Cochrane review evaluates acupuncture for migraine prevention. Read more here . Acupuncture for Migraine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Regression of Randomized Controlled Trials (Yang et al., 2024): This review examines the dose-response relationship between acupuncture and migraine frequency. Read more here . Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for health-related concerns.

Could fatigue, dizziness, brain fog, feeling cold, and migraine be pointing to something deeper, like low iron stores? In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast , Diane Ducarme explores the connection between iron, energy, oxygen delivery, brain function, and migraine and why low iron can sometimes be missed when we look only at hemoglobin. You’ll learn: 💡 Why low iron may affect much more than your energy — and potentially make a migraine-prone nervous system more vulnerable 💡 Why ferritin can reveal depleted iron stores even when your blood count appears normal 💡 Simple ways to support iron intake, plus why finding the reason behind low iron matters just as much as replacing it You’ll also discover how heavy periods, blood loss, diet, and absorption can contribute to depletion and why symptoms are often clues worth investigating rather than problems to look at in isolation. 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com References: The Bidirectional Relationship Between Iron Deficiency Anemia and Chronic Headache Disorders (Rohilla et al., 2025): This meta-analysis found a significant association between iron-deficiency anemia and chronic headache disorders. Read more here . Association Between Dietary Iron Intake and Serum Ferritin and Severe Headache or Migraine (Meng et al., 2021): This study links iron intake and ferritin levels with migraine or severe headache in some women. Read more here . Association Between Anemia Severity and Migraine in Iron Deficiency Anemia (Sari & Kama Başci, 2024): Lower ferritin was associated with greater migraine pain and headache impact. Read more here . Is There Any Correlation Between Migraine Attacks and Iron Deficiency Anemia? A Case-Control Study (Tayyebi et al., 2019): This study found associations between migraine and iron deficiency, particularly among women. Read more here . Is Iron-Deficiency Anemia Associated With Migraine? Is There a Role for Anxiety and Depression? (Pamuk et al., 2016): This study found migraine was common among patients with iron-deficiency anemia. Read more here . Association Between Iron Deficiency Anemia and Chronic Daily Headache: A Case-Control Study (Singh et al., 2023): Iron-deficiency anemia was independently associated with chronic daily headache. Read more here . Iron Deficiency Without Anaemia: A Diagnosis That Matters (Al-Naseem et al., 2021): This review explains how iron deficiency can occur despite normal hemoglobin levels. Read more here . British Society of Gastroenterology Guidelines for the Management of Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Adults (Snook et al., 2021): These guidelines explain how ferritin and other iron markers are used to diagnose iron deficiency. Read more here . Non-Anaemic Iron Deficiency (Balendran & Forsyth, 2021): This review covers low iron stores despite normal hemoglobin and their clinical management. Read more here . Iron in the Migraine Brain (Tepe, Yemisci & Karatas, 2025): This review explores iron deficiency, iron overload, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation in migraine. Read more here . Disclaimer : This podcast is for informational purposes only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for health-related concerns.

Jessica’s migraine story began in childhood and followed her through major hormonal shifts, perfectionism, motherhood, and years of trying to figure things out alone. She shares how understanding her body differently helped her move from recurring three-day migraines toward greater freedom and why her biggest message is simple: don’t lose hope. 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com 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.

Waking up nauseated can feel confusing especially when the migraine pain has not started yet. In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast , host Diane Ducarme explores why nausea can be an early part of a migraine attack and what it may reveal about the timing of the migraine process. You’ll learn: 💡 Why nausea can begin before head pain — and what this tells us about where a migraine attack may actually start 💡 How sleep, your internal body clock, the hypothalamus, and the gut may contribute to nausea on waking 💡 How to recognize your own early-warning pattern, so morning nausea becomes useful information rather than another unexplained symptom Sometimes, the first sign of migraine is not pain. Learning to notice what happens before the headache may help you understand your attacks much earlier. 🎧 New episodes every Monday and Wednesday 🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com References: Premonitory Symptoms in Migraine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies Reporting Prevalence or Relative Frequency (Eigenbrodt et al., 2022): This review identifies common symptoms that occur before migraine pain begins. Read more here. Brain Activations in the Premonitory Phase of Nitroglycerin-Triggered Migraine Attacks (Maniyar et al., 2014): This study identifies hypothalamic and brainstem activity before migraine headache begins. Read more here Hypothalamus as a Conductor of the Migraine Prodrome: A Narrative Review (Root & Schwedt, 2026): This review explores the hypothalamus as a key driver of early migraine symptoms. Read more here . Pathophysiology and Therapy of Associated Features of Migraine (Villar-Martinez & Goadsby, 2022): This review examines nausea, sensory sensitivity, and other symptoms accompanying migraine. Read more here . Migraine and Gastroparesis (Arca et al., 2022): This review explores the relationship between migraine and delayed gastric emptying. Read more here . Gastric Emptying in Migraine: A Comparison With Functional Dyspepsia (Yu et al., 2012): This study compares gastric emptying in migraine, functional dyspepsia, and healthy controls. Read more here . Pathofysiological and Clinical Correlates of Sleep in Primary Headache Disorders: A Narrative Review (van Liefland et al., 2026): This review examines how sleep and headache disorders interact biologically and clinically. Read more here . 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.