Menstrual migraines
Do you find you're more prone to headaches at certain times of the month? For many women, migraines are an unwelcome addition to the long list of menstrual symptoms. These intense headaches can disrupt daily life and leave you feeling miserable.
About 12% of Americans experience migraines. At least 60% of people who have a period and experience migraines report their migraines happening around the time of their menstrual cycle.
Read on for the causes and help with relief strategies if this is something that affects you.
Why does my head hurt?
Menstrual migraines are severe headaches that occur in connection with your menstrual cycle, often just before or during your period. Unlike typical migraines, menstrual migraines are closely tied to hormonal fluctuations, particularly the drop in estrogen levels, which happens just before your period starts.
Prostaglandins, hormone-like substances the trigger your uterine contractions, can contribute to migraines.
Stress, lack of sleep, certain foods, and dehydration can also exacerbate the likelihood of getting menstrual migraines.
Get some relief
Though there is no guaranteed quick-fix, these strategies can help ease your headaches:
- Track your cycle: Keeping a detailed menstrual and migraine diary can help identify patterns and triggers, making it easier to manage your migraines. You can download a free, printable version here.
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule: Regular sleep can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines (plus, it's great for our cycles - read more here).
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help prevent dehydration, a common migraine trigger.
- Balanced diet: Eating regular meals and avoiding known migraine triggers like caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods can be beneficial (as can chocolate, always).
- Stress management: Practices such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help manage stress and reduce migraine occurrences.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help, but consult your healthcare provider for prescription options if migraines are severe. And make sure to mention the cyclical nature of them if this is something you've noticed.
Menstrual migraines are about as unpleasant as it gets, but understanding their causes and implementing effective relief strategies can make a significant difference.