About Menstrual Migraine

Background

Many women experience headaches caused by changes in their hormones. According to the National Migraine Centre, more than half of women who get migraine notice a link with their periods. Menstrual migraine tends to be particularly severe. Migraine is most likely to develop in either the 2 days leading up to a period or the first 3 days during a period.

Signs of Hormone Headaches

It’s worth keeping a diary for at least 3 menstrual cycles to help you check whether your migraines are linked to your periods. If they’re linked, a diary can help to pinpoint at what stage in your cycle you get a migraine.

The Migraine Trust website has a downloadable headache diary, which may be a useful tool.

Other causes

Combined oral contraceptive pill – some women report more frequent attacks, especially in the pill-free week, when oestrogen levels drop.

Menopause – partly because periods come more often and partly because the normal hormone cycle is disrupted.

Self-Help Tips

Try these tips to help prevent a migraine:

  • Eat small, frequent snacks to keep your blood sugar level up.
  • Have a regular sleep pattern, and avoid too much or too little sleep.
  • Find ways to deal with stress, such as regular exercise and relaxation strategies.

 

*Source NHS.UK 2022

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