Doctors and researchers often observe a correlation between the menstrual cycle and headaches or migraines in women. According to menopause clinician Marcy Holmes of Women To Women, these headaches may occur because of a drop in progesterone levels in the body at the onset of the menstrual cycle or because of an overall low progesterone concentration. Headaches or migraines from low progesterone can also occur during the first trimester in pregnancy.
Severity
Because progesterone and estrogen are among the most important hormones in a woman's body, a lower concentration of these hormones can be responsible for severe migraines where symptoms include sensitivity to light and other sounds, nausea, and vomiting. The headache could be preceded by an aura, quite similar to a normal migraine. The National Headache Foundation reports that a menstrual migraine could span a few days, until the progesterone levels become normal.
Estrogen and Progesterone
Dr. Edward Lichten, director of the Headache Institute for Women in Southfield, Michigan, mentions that estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate a lot during the last half of the menstrual cycle. He notes that 80 percent of women report experiencing their worst headaches during their reproductive years. A blood test during the last phase of the menstrual cycle can help your doctor in understanding if your headaches stem from the progesterone levels in your body.
Pre-Menstrual Syndrome, or PMS
Women who suffer from migraines are at a greater risk of severe migraines, with or without an aura, during the pre-menstrual phase. Headache symptoms are also similar to migraine in PMS. This may be accompanied by joint pain, acne and lack of coordination. In addition to this, there could also be a craving for alcohol and chocolate.
Medical Management
In cases of severe migraine, medical management may be the best option for healing, although neurologists find hormonal migraines the most difficult to treat. However, injecting an anti-estrogen compound could be the solution because it tricks the brain into thinking that the body has enough estrogen and progesterone, curbing the production of more hormone.
If you see a pattern in your headaches or migraine, consult your gynecologist.
Progesterone Cream
Dr. Elizabeth Smith, writing for Migraine 101, also addresses using a progesterone cream that can be rubbed on the temples to relieve menstrual migraine pain. She also notes that patients have found relief from menstrual migraines by administering progesterone oil under the tongue as they feel the migraine coming on. Progesterone creams and oils are not advised for women who want to conceive because this affects ovulation. Consult with a physician before beginning a regimen that includes progesterone.
References
- Women to Women: Menstrual Migraines And Other Hormonal Headaches
- National Headache Foundation: Hormonally Related Headaches Last Longer, Are More Severe
- US Doctor: Overview of Hormonal Medical Treatment of Women's Headaches
- Migraine 101: Using Progesterone Cream Helps Alleviate Migraine Headache For Relief and Treatment
