A migraine is an intense headache that is often accompanied by other symptoms like visual disturbances, sensitivity to light, and nausea.

Women are three times more likely than men to experience migraines, and it’s believed that hormones play a key role in this disparity. Specifically, the link between migraines and periods has been an area of interest for scientists for many years. Here’s what the research says about this connection:.

What are migraines and periods?

A migraine is a type of headache that usually involves moderate to severe throbbing pain on one side of the head, although it can also occur on both sides. It’s often accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and sometimes vomiting.

Migraines can last for hours to days and can be debilitating for those who experience them.

A period, or menstrual cycle, is a regular series of changes that occur in a woman’s body each month. It involves the shedding of the lining of the uterus, which results in bleeding from the vagina for several days.

Hormones like estrogen and progesterone are involved in regulating the menstrual cycle.

What is the link between migraines and periods?

Many women with migraines notice that their headaches occur around the time of their periods.

In fact, up to 60% of women with migraines experience menstrual migraines, which are migraines that occur exclusively or predominantly during the time of menstruation. This suggests that there is a link between hormones and migraines.

It’s believed that fluctuations in hormones like estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle can trigger migraines in some women.

During the menstrual cycle, estrogen levels rise and fall, and it’s believed that a drop in estrogen levels may trigger migraines in some women. This drop in estrogen levels occurs just before the start of a woman’s period, which is why many women with migraines experience menstrual migraines.

How do you treat menstrual migraines?

Treating menstrual migraines can be challenging, as they are often more severe and harder to treat than other types of migraines. However, there are several treatment options that may help:.

1. Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen can help relieve the pain of menstrual migraines.

2. Triptans: These are prescription medications that are specifically designed to treat migraines. They work by narrowing blood vessels in the brain and reducing inflammation.

3. Hormone therapy: In some cases, hormone therapy may help prevent menstrual migraines. This can involve taking birth control pills or other hormone medications that regulate hormone levels.

4. Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes like getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and avoiding triggers like certain foods or changes in the weather may also help prevent menstrual migraines.

Conclusion

The link between migraines and periods is a complex one that involves hormones and other factors. While not all women with migraines experience menstrual migraines, those who do can find them debilitating and challenging to treat.

If you experience menstrual migraines, talk to your doctor about treatment options that may help you manage your pain and improve your quality of life.