Monthly hormonal changes occur especially in women of reproductive age. Menstruation is typically a 28-day cycle in which the female hormones of estrogen, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone fluctuate as it works on the ovaries and uterus to prepare for conception each month. Vaginal bleeding occurs when the uterus sloughs of its endometrial (uterine) lining when fertilization doesn't take place. Migraines, premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder are a few of the side effects of these changes.
Menstrual Migraines
According to the Menstrual Migraine website, menstrual migraines refer to a hormone-related migraine that typically occurs in conjunction with menstrual cycles. In fact, these migraines tend to be more severe, occur more frequently and last longer than the typical migraine. Nausea and vomiting typically accompany these migraines. The National Headache Foundations says that these migraines begins as a throbbing pain on one side of the head. A woman can also be extremely sensitive to light and sound.
The female hormone estrogen is to blame for menstrual migraines. This hormone is responsible for controlling monthly periods. In fact, fluctuations in both estrogen and progesterone (another female hormone) make a woman prone to these crippling headaches. Medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, dihydroergotamine, triptans and a combination of caffeine, aspirin and acetaminophen, are effective ways to treat a menstrual migraine, says the National Headache Foundation. Corticosteroids and dihydroergotamine can treat severe migraine headaches.
Premenstrual Syndrome
Premenstrual syndrome also occurs as a result of monthly hormonal changes. According to the Mayo Clinic, manifestations of this syndrome include crying spells, depression, anxiety, mood swings, trouble sleeping and poor concentration. It can also cause food cravings, social withdrawal, fatigue, breast tenderness, acne, diarrhea and muscle or joint pain. Simply changing diet, exercising and stress reduction can help treat premenstrual syndrome. However, medications, such as antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, oral contraceptives and medroxyprogesterone acetate, are available if lifestyle changes do not reduce premenstrual syndrome manifestations.
Premenstrual Dysmorphic Disorder
Premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD) is a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome. According to MedlinePlus, signs of this disorder are similar to premenstrual syndrome and include fatigue, disinterest in social relationships, anxiety, food cravings, mood swings and anger. However, a woman may also develop suicidal thoughts, binge on food and feel out of control. MedlinePlus says that 3 to 8 percent of women having menstrual periods suffer from this disorder. Treatment for PMDD is much like that of premenstrual syndrome. However, a woman may take vitamin supplements, such as calcium, magnesium and Vitamin B6 to manage PMDD.
