How do I know I got Menstrual Migraine?

If you have headaches that occur between 2 days before your period and in the first 3 days of flow, and if those headaches are more severe, or light bothers you more with those headaches, odds are you have menstrual migraine. Menstrual migraine is fueled by the drop in usual estrogen levels that occurs just prior to the menstrual period. The menstrual migraine window is considered 2 days before flow starts and continues for the first 3 days of menses.

Around 50 per cent of women notice a link between migraine and their periods. This may not be apparent until a woman reaches her late 30s or 40s, despite having had migraine since her teens or 20s. Women with other period problems often do not recognize that the accompanying headaches are actually migraine.

Studies have shown that migraine can be triggered by a drop in Estrogen levels, such as naturally occurs around menstruation. Estrogen ‘withdrawal’ also triggers migraine in other situations such as the pill-free interval of combined oral contraceptives.However, Estrogen is not the only hormone responsible for ‘menstrual’ migraine. Other studies have shown that women who notice migraine during the first few days of their period may be susceptible to the hormone prostaglandin.

Most women with migraine can manage menstrual attacks in the same way as non menstrual migraine. Keeping diaries can help you anticipate when your period is due. Look especially at the non-hormonal migraine triggers as avoiding these pre-menstrually may be sufficient to prevent what appears to be a hormonally linked attack. For example, take care not to get over tired and, if necessary cut out alcohol. Eat small, frequent snacks to keep blood sugar levels up as missing meals or going too long without food can trigger attacks. Treat an attack with your usual medication and don’t delay – treatment is more effective the earlier it is taken. If the migraine attack returns later the same day or the next day, repeat the treatment. This can sometimes go on for four or five days around period time.

This information is provided as a general guide only and is not a comprehensive overview of prescribing information. If you have any queries or concerns about your headaches or medications please discuss them with your family neurologist. #headache #migraine #pain #menstrual #mens #menstrualmigraine #pain #specialist #neurologist #doctor #physician #winnielim #treatment #cure #medicine #health #diet #exercise #lifestyle #healthylife