My journey with migraines has been a long, challenging road of discovery, perseverance, and transformation. My story is not unique, but like many others, I struggled to understand this complex condition that affected every facet of my life. From early morning headaches to debilitating attacks triggered by stress, hormones, and diet, migraines became a persistent part of my reality.

High school marked the onset of frequent episodes, and I vividly recall enduring nausea, hot flushes, and splitting headaches that often derailed my days. During my early years and into young adulthood, I tried numerous remedies and treatments that were ineffective, as well as medications that caused adverse effects. Still, I can confidently say, “been there, done that.”

Nothing seemed to make sense, and I found myself constantly trying to determine what I did differently that led to my migraines. At this stage, I knew a lot more about migraines, yet somehow, I felt even more perplexed by them.

It wasn’t until my doctor mentioned that my migraines were genetic and advised me to “just put up with it.” At the time, I knew little about genes—aside from the fact that jeans were my favourite piece of clothing. Just a tad embarrassing when I think back, but it was a deciding factor that marked the beginning of my journey of discovery.

After completing my complementary medical degree, followed by a Master’s in human nutrition, I found myself a little wiser about the body’s inner workings. At that point, the appeal of gene theory diminished. This doesn’t mean I dismiss the importance of genetics, but discussions around genetics often become a common default in mainstream medicine when there are no clear answers to complex conditions.

For me, this journey has been exceptionally exciting, drawing from both my clinical experiences and my personal battle with migraines. Even the moments when I subjected myself to my own scientific experiments and endured intense, induced migraines have provided me with extraordinary insights into the complex nature of migraine events. It has been both challenging and rewarding, significantly enriching my understanding of the complexities surrounding migraines.

Today, while I stay mindful of my triggers, I’ve learned how to enjoy life without the fear of debilitating pain. My journey has taught me the power of listening to my body and embracing a holistic approach to health.

If migraines are a part of your story, let me help you on your journey to better health.