Help for Menstrual Migraines

Extreme sensitivity to sound or light.
Intense headaches, dizziness and nausea.

Migraines come with a host of symptoms like these, many of which can be debilitating. And migraines are not an equal opportunity ailment--being three times more common in women than they are in men.*

Migraines affect nearly 22 million women in the U.S.*, and more than half of those women experience migraines right before or during their periods.**

How migraines are linked to the menstrual cycle isn't exactly clear. Researchers believe the sharp drop in estrogen levels right before a woman's cycle may trigger the intense headaches. That's likely because estrogen controls chemicals in the brain that affect a woman's sensation to pain.

Women who experience menstrual migraines should consult with their physicians to obtain a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plans. Because the onset of menstrual migraines is predictable, the good news is they can often be successfully treated with medication or lifestyle changes.

If you suffer from menstrual migraines, there are several things you can do to help your doctor determine the right preventive treatment for you. There are also some self-care remedies that are worth trying.

To Do

•Keep a headache diary. Track your symptoms, their frequency and their severity. This information can provide your doctor with clues for identifying patterns and determining possible external triggers.

•Monitor your period. Keep track of your cycle, how long it lasts and note the time between. Like your headache diary, these insights will make it easier for your doctor to suggest the right treatments.

•Know your current medications. List all prescriptions and over-the-counter meds you're taking and share the list with your doctor. Your physician will want this information before prescribing any migraine drug to avoid unwanted interactions or contraindications.

To Try

•Add more magnesium to your diet. Magnesium deficiencies have been linked to migraines as well as symptoms of PMS. Take a magnesium supplement or eat more magnesium-rich foods such as spinach, broccoli, bananas, avocados, nuts, peas and beans.

•Steer clear of caffeine and wine. Both are well-documented migraine triggers worth avoiding until you determine the real culprits behind your migraine episodes.

•Explore alternative therapies. Some women find relief with alternative medicine such as acupuncture and chiropractic care. Consider if they're right for you and whether you'd want to add them to traditional migraine treatments.

•Ensure proper rest and relaxation. Regularly strive for a good night's sleep of at least eight hours. Reduce your stress levels with the help of relaxation techniques or try the benefits of massage therapy.

No two women have the same periods or the same menstrual migraines. By sharing information about your personal health conditions with your doctor, he or she will be able to develop an individualized treatment therapy for your successful migraine management.

*Migraine Research Foundation
**U.S. Department of Health and Human Services