Why Do You Get Migraine During Periods? Is It Normal? Remedies And Prevention

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Getting your periods alone is enough to ruin your whole day (for most us) - the pain, tiredness and fatigue can really get you down, what if a migraine is added to this already-doomed equation? Must I say more!

In migraine headaches, there is usually a severe throbbing or pulsing pain, usually on one side of the head, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound [1].

In recent decades, experts have recognised that a decrease in oestrogen is associated with the onset of menstruation-related migraines. However, the mechanism behind the connection has not been fully understood.

Let's take a look.

Migraine During Periods: What Causes It?

A variety of factors can contribute to headaches, including genetic factors and ageing. However, hormonal changes are often linked to headaches in women [2].

Having steady levels of oestrogen can help ease headaches, but changes in oestrogen levels can make headaches worse. Hormones play an important role in menstruation and pregnancy. Hormones may also affect headache-related chemicals in the brain.

According to a new study, levels of a peptide associated with migraine also fluctuate during the menstrual cycle in accordance with hormonal fluctuations. There is an increase in calcitonin gene-related peptide or CGRP levels during the drop in oestrogen that occurs at the onset of menstruation [3].

The term peptide means a molecule that contains two or more amino acids (the molecules that join together to form proteins). Peptides that contain many amino acids are known as polypeptides or proteins [4].

It was also found that the CGRP levels in blood during menstruation were higher in migraine sufferers with regular menstrual cycles - 5.95 piograms per milliliter (pg/ml) - than in those without migraines - 4.61 piograms per milliliter (pg/ml).

Contraceptive Pills And Migraine During Periods

The results indicate that women taking contraceptives and women post-menopause do not exhibit the same increase in CGRP levels, regardless of whether they experience migraine attacks.

It was also found that different types of contraception are associated with migraine differently. There is some evidence that desogestrel can reduce migraine symptoms in some cases. In addition, the study found that one-third of migraine patients experiencing oral contraceptives experienced improvement, one-third worsening, and one-third no change at all [5].

The Risk Of Stroke, Contraceptive Pills And Migraine During Periods

Furthermore, it is important to note that both oestrogen-containing preparations and migraine with aura are associated with a slightly increased risk of stroke, whereby the risk varies greatly based on the dosage of the oestrogen being used [6].

Thus, oestrogen-free contraceptive strategies are most appropriate for patients who suffer from migraines with aura.

Is it normal to get migraines during your period?

A large number of women experience headaches due to hormonal changes. The National Migraine Centre, for example, reports that more than half of all women who experience migraines experience them during their periods. These so-called menstrual migraines tend to be particularly severe [7].

Migraine During Periods: Remedies

Many migraine sufferers report that they experience migraine headaches before or during menstruation because of the drop in oestrogen just before their period [8].

Several treatments have been proven to be effective in treating migraines related to hormone changes, including:

• Wrap a cold cloth or an ice pack in a towel and apply it to the painful area on your head or neck.
• Learn relaxation exercises in order to help lower stress, as stress can worsen period migraines.
• You may benefit from acupuncture if you suffer from headaches and wish to relax.
• In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend that you take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications may relieve your headache pain immediately after it begins.
• Migraine medications that treat nausea and vomiting may be recommended by your healthcare provider.

How To Prevent Migraine During Periods?

Apart from medication, here are some ways you can preevent the onset of menstrual migraines:

• Taking part in moderate exercise every day can help you have fewer migraine headaches and make them less severe. However, it is important not to exercise too hard.
• Sleep for seven to eight hours each night to prevent migraine during periods.
• For many people, migraines are caused by stress, especially during periods. To reduce stress, try deep breathing techniques, yoga, or meditation.
• Avoid foods that trigger headaches. Some of these foods include chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, aspartame and other artificial sweeteners, processed meat, and cheese.
• You should consume several small meals and snacks throughout the day instead of three large meals. Hunger can give you headaches, especially when you are menstruating.

On A Final Note...

Period migraine or migraine during periods are normal. But if you experience excruciating pain, consult a doctor.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.