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 taking regular exercise and using relaxation strategies.
*Source NHS.UK 2022
