Approximately 70 percent of migraine sufferers are female, and 60 to 70 percent of those women report a relationship between their menstrual periods and their headaches, according to the Cleveland Clinic. This may be due to the hormonal changes that occur during menstruation. Women who regularly experience menstrual headaches should explore possible treatment options with their doctors.
Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter pain medications may ease the pain of headaches due to hormonal fluctuations. Acetaminophen may provide pain relief, but non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often the best over-the-counter option for the treatment of menstrual migraines, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Products specifically marketed for menstrual pain may include a combination of medications that also prove beneficial. Women using these over-the-counter medications should always follow the instructions on the package carefully, and contact their doctors with any questions or concerns.
Prescription Pain Medications
Some women find that prescription pain medication can relieve their menstrual headache pain more effectively than over-the-counter pain relievers. Prescription medications prescribed for menstrual headaches may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, beta blocker medications, anticonvulsants, calcium channel blocker drugs, diuretics and small doses of ergotamine or methylergonovine maleate, explains the Cleveland Clinic. Women should talk to their doctors about their headaches to determine if prescription medication may be an appropriate treatment. Doctors may suggest using prescription pain medications as a preventive treatment as well. This may include taking the medication for a few days before menstruation is expected and continuing to take medication for the first few days of the menstrual period.
Hormonal Birth Control
Although some women experience menstrual headaches for the first time while taking a hormonal form of birth control, others find their headaches significantly reduce in intensity or frequency when they are on hormonal birth control. Birth control pills that contain fewer inactive pills in the package or those containing only progestin may produce fewer headaches than others, according to MayoClinic.com.
Other Treatments
Women who do not wish to use medications to relieve their headaches may wish to try more natural treatment options. Applying a cold cloth or ice pack to the head may prove useful. Massaging the muscles of the neck, shoulders, back and head may also help. Women may also consider dietary changes, such as limiting caffeine and alcohol and eating regularly to maintain blood sugar levels. Other healthy lifestyle modifications may also reduce the frequency or severity of headaches, such as getting enough sleep, getting regular exercise and avoiding stress, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
