Menstruation Migraines, wha...

Among females, migraines are 3 times more common than it’s in males. Around 70 % of women experience such migraines before or during their periods. Studies have shown that most of the time, migraine has a noticeable connection with a menstrual cycle.

Menstrual migraines are a lot worse than regular migraines and it happens because of the hormonal changes during your periods. Menstrual migraines are also known as hormone headaches and these types of migraines may also cause during perimenopause and pregnancy.

Menstrual Migraines: Causes & Triggers

Causes:

Primarily fluctuation in estrogen levels causes menstrual migraines. The hormone in the body affects inflammation levels and they serve as messengers and have the power to alter the behavior of several body organs, including the blood vessels. Blood vessels in the area may swell as a result of chemicals in the brain. This may induce pain and neurological problems if it irritates neighboring brain nerves.

Reduced levels of estrogen may cause migraine attacks because estrogen can change how pain is perceived. The body releases prostaglandins, which are substances that cause inflammation to increase, just before a period.

Some of the other factors that may level up the risk of getting migraines are:

• Genetically
• Underlying medical problems that cause inflammation and lead to migraines.

Triggers:

Apart from the drop in estrogen levels, hormonal replacement therapies for menopause and birth control pills can affect the severity of migraines. There are some other triggers too:

• Strong smells
• Bright lights
• Too little or too much sleep
• Stress/anxiety

Menstrual Migraines: Symptoms

The symptoms of menstrual migraines or hormonal migraines are quite the same as other types of migraines:

• Feeling very cold (chills) or too hot (sweating)
• Headache that starts from a basic to a severe throb.
• Sensitivity to noise, smell, and light.
• Not feeling like eating
• Tender scalp
• Vision gets compromised (Blurred/Dizziness)
• Skin gets pale in color
• Feeling tired
• Stomach upset (Vomiting/Nausea) and abdominal pain
• Fever or diarrhea (Very rare)

Menstrual Migraines: How To Get rid Off

Some specific medicines will lessen the existing symptoms from getting worse. So consumption of medicine as soon as any of the symptoms start is recommendable. Generally, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) can be taken like-

• Ibuprofen
• Aspirin
• Naproxen
• Ketoprofen
• Fenoprofen Calcium

Some other hacks can reduce or tends to lessen a menstrual migraine:

• Lying down in silence (Quiet & dark room)
• Consuming more water
• Hot or cool packs
• An eye mask

Menstrual Migraines: When To Seek Immediate Help

Consult a doctor if you are experiencing severe migraines. Here are some signs you should be aware of so that it won't be too late:

• Headache is more painful than ever before.
• Headache that suddenly feels intense or explosive.
• Terrible headache and a tight neck
• Headache that becomes worse over 24 hours.
• Headache that follows physical exertion like weightlifting, aerobics, jogging, or sexual activity.
• An eye that is red and has a terrible headache in only one eye.

Final Verdict

Menstruation time is a common time for migraine attacks for women. They may also experience episodes during their perimenopause, pregnancy, and while having birth control pills.

People who experience frequent migraine attacks can enhance their quality of life in several ways. The best and most advisable way will be to involve identifying and avoiding triggers, taking supplements of magnesium, and taking drugs to prevent or relieve symptoms.