Menstrual Migraine: Causes and Treatment Methods

Menstrual migraine is a specific type of headache that occurs during certain days of the menstrual cycle, primarily before and during menstruation. These migraines are characterized by intense headache pain and have a pronounced cyclic pattern. In this article, we will discuss what menstrual migraine is, how to treat it, and what preventive methods are available.

What is a Migraine?

A migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by severe, pulsating headaches, typically localized in the frontal-temporal area of the head. Migraines can occur with or without aura. Aura is a set of symptoms like flashes of light, tinnitus, increased sensitivity to light and sound that precede a migraine attack.

What is Menstrual Migraine?

Menstrual migraine occurs two days before the onset of menstruation and lasts for the first three days of the menstrual cycle. These headaches are cyclic, meaning they appear every month at the same time with the same intensity. On other days of the cycle, no headaches are present.

Causes of Menstrual Migraine

Menstrual migraine is related to hormonal fluctuations in the female body. Before menstruation, the level of estrogen drops sharply, which triggers a migraine attack. Hormonal changes are the main factor making migraines more intense in women compared to men.

How to Treat Menstrual Migraine?

Treatment for menstrual migraine can be divided into two stages: stopping the attack and prevention.

Stopping the Attack

Migraine attacks can be stopped with triptans, which are the main medications used to treat migraines. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are sometimes used, although they are less effective in treating migraines.

Preventing Attacks

To prevent menstrual migraine, it is important to stabilize the hormonal balance. This can be achieved through:

• Hormonal contraception: Continuous use of hormonal medications helps stabilize hormone levels and reduce the likelihood of migraine attacks.
• Hormonal intrauterine device (IUD): This prevents menstruation, thus avoiding sharp fluctuations in estrogen levels.

However, it is important to note that hormonal therapy does not always completely eliminate migraines. In some cases, the attacks may become less intense but will not disappear entirely.

When to See a Doctor?

If you notice that headaches occur strictly before menstruation and continue during the first days of your period, it is important to consult a doctor. Together with a gynecologist and neurologist, the best treatment and preventive measures can be selected to reduce the frequency and intensity of the attacks.

Conclusion

Menstrual migraine is a serious condition that requires a comprehensive approach to treatment. Controlling hormonal levels and choosing the right medications can significantly reduce the intensity of the attacks. Pay attention to your condition and do not delay your visit to specialists.

If you have any questions or issues with migraines, feel free to consult a doctor. We will help you find the right treatment and improve your quality of life.