1. Menstrual Migraines Are Quite Common
While it is natural to feel physically and mentally off before and during your period, some women experience much more extreme ailments each month. This may include menstrual migraine, from which about 12 million American women suffer. Common symptoms of menstrual migraine can include a severe, one-sided, throbbing headache that lasts from 24 to 72 hours. You may also experience more nausea and vomiting as compared with migraines that occur at other times of the month.
2. Causes of Menstrual Migraines
The exact cause of menstrual migraine is not known, but experts suggest that it's most likely associated with hormonal changes that naturally occur during your monthly menstrual cycle. Particularly, fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone may trigger migraines--especially if you are on the birth control pill, which further influences hormonal levels. Additionally, if you have a family history of menstruation-related migraines, you are probably a likely candidate for the condition.
3. How to Treat a Menstrual Migraine
Although seemingly intolerable at times, menstrual migraine is a treatable condition. Your doctor may suggest taking an over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like Aleve, Advil or Motrin as soon as you feel a headache coming on (or 24 hours before the expected onset if you always experience your migraines at the same day of the month). Or, she might prescribe other medications like Triptans (to fight pain and control nausea and vomiting) or a low-dose of birth control (to regulate hormone levels). And since magnesium deficiency is particularly common in women with menstrual migraines, you may try to treat your pain with 400 to 600 milligrams a day of magnesium oxide.
4. Proper Diagnosis Is Key
When it comes to dealing with menstrual migraine, seeing a doctor is key--especially because research suggests that nearly half of all women suffering from migraines do not receive a proper diagnosis. So if you feel like you maybe suffering from menstrual migraine, talk to your healthcare professional to determine the root of your headaches and to figure out a treatment plan to rid yourself of this monthly malady for good.
