A menstrual migraine is enormously painful and often incapacitates the woman who experiences one. The migraine that appears as the menstrual period is approaching may cause nausea, vomiting, head pain, sensitivity to bright lights and loud sounds, blurred vision and fatigue. The cause of menstrual migraines is unknown; they may be linked to fluctuating hormones or a shortage of magnesium. In a menstrual migraine, the blood vessels in the head may contract and expand erratically and send a flood of pain signals to the brain.
Step 1
Trigger actions or substances that may be linked to the development of a menstrual migraine include: chocolate, smoking, alcohol (especially red wine), nuts, eggs, onion, tomatoes, soda and carbohydrates. It is best to avoid these foods if you have regularly experienced menstrual migraines. Bright lights and weather changes may also be linked to an occurrence of a menstrual migraine.
Step 2
Avoid processed foods. The chemicals in commercial foods may be linked to hormonal changes and overall poor health that may contribute to susceptibility to menstrual migraines.
Step 3
Keep a journal of occurrences of migraines and their relation to the time of the period. Also note symptoms of the migraine and the time and duration of the menstrual migraine symptoms. List what foods were eaten in the meal immediately prior to the appearance of the migraine. This journal will help identify possible triggers to migraine attacks and will give the doctor a concise list of symptoms.
Step 4
Treatment of menstrual migraines includes the use of cold or hot packs, acupuncture, use of an estrogen patch, Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Vitamin B6, zinc, magnesium and calcium. Talk to your doctor about ideas to treat menstrual migraines based on the specific set of symptoms detailed in the log of menstrual migraine occurrences.
Step 5
Discuss alternative treatments with a physician too. Some possible ideas for alternative treatment of menstrual migraines include: herbal teas (especially mint tea), meditation, ginger or feverfew (do not take if pregnant or if you have a clotting disorder).
Tips and Warnings
- Talk to your doctor about the symptoms and frequency of menstrual migraines. Ask family elders if they too have experienced menstrual migraines and how they handled them.
- Talk to your doctor before starting any medical or alternative treatment for menstrual migraines. If the pain from a menstrual migraine is so severe you cannot function normally, notify a doctor and consider a visit to the Emergency Room to ensure your symptoms do not endanger your safety.
Things You'll Need
- Journal to log symptoms of menstrual migraines
