INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Keep track of the activities and other factors that lead up to the time you get a headache. This will help you identify some of the things that might trigger your migraines.  Count up the frequency and duration of your migraines. Most migraines last for a few hours. Severe migraines can last for several days. Migraines may happen frequently, such as every few days, or they may happen a couple of times per month. Other people get migraines just once a year. Also track the severity of your headaches. Do you get more severe headaches after you eat chocolate, for example? Do your headaches last longer if you have been really stressed out? One of the most common migraine triggers is emotional stress. This might come in the form of anxiety, worry, excitement, and other emotions. When you have these stressful feelings, your muscles may become tenser and your blood vessels may dilate. This can cause more severe migraines. Having too much coffee, chocolate, or other foods that contain caffeine can increase the possibility of getting a migraine. Many people have sensitivities to certain preservatives and additives used in foods. These include monosodium glutamate (MSG), nitrates (used in preserved meats, for example), alcohol, and aged cheeses. Weather changes, especially when the air pressure changes, can have an effect on a person’s migraine likelihood. When a storm is moving in, for example, you might start to feel tension in your head.

SUMMARY: Keep a headache journal. Check your emotional stress levels. Monitor your caffeine intake. Observe how much you eat certain food preservatives and additives. Check the weather.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Some progesterone creams are available over the counter, while others require a prescription from your doctor. You should ask your pharmacist about different options, and ask for details about the differences. When applying anything to your skin, make sure to read the ingredients and make sure that you do not have any known allergies. If you decide to go with an over the counter option, you might want to try your local natural health store. Homeopathic remedies can be very successful, and you can ask the staff at a small store any questions you may have. You might receive more personalized advice than at a large chain store. While generally considered safe, progesterone can cause some unwanted side effects. Some users have reported issues such as upset stomachs and weight gain. Others have noticed depression-like or PMS-like symptoms. Remember, this cream contains hormones, so it will affect you physically. Before you start using progesterone cream, discuss your options with your doctor. Explain your concerns, and what you hope to gain from using the cream. Ask all of the questions that you have, and gain a clear understanding of what the cream can do for you.

SUMMARY:
Research different creams. Shop around. Know the possible effects. Talk to your doctor.