Learn all ways to make your menstrual migraine go away for good. From natural solutions to short-term and long-term treatment options, this article aims to cover it all. Get to know what actions you can take after you feel a headache start to form. We’ve also covered the key differences between menstrual-related and pure menstrual migraine. Just be sure to not self-diagnose, and if your menstrual migraine gets worse, we’ve also covered when you absolutely should seek expert advice. If this seems like something that would help you, keep reading to know more. 

A] What Starts A Headache On The First Day Of Your Period

The role of both oestrogen and progesterone is crucial for understanding what’s causing your headache. Oestrogen is concerned with reproductive and sexual development in females. Progesterone, on the other hand, helps a woman prepare for pregnancy. When the pregnancy doesn’t occur, that’s when you get your period.  Both these essential hormones experience a drop in their levels before you start your period. Prostaglandins, a kind of fatty acid, are released on the first or second day of your period, which deals primarily with inflammation. Studies show it is also linked with headaches. Along with these factors, like your sleep levels, dehydration, coffee intake, and iron levels, can also contribute to your headache. 

B] Cramps Combining With Headache: A Recipe For Disaster

These are some common factors that are notorious for causing cramps and headaches after your period. These include:

• Heavy blood flow during periods

If you experience heavy bleeding during your periods, it can even lead to anaemia. This happens due to a decrease in the RBCs. A drop in oxygen levels is witnessed. If not taken care of, symptoms like weakness, cold feet, hair loss, and more can occur. If you feel your iron levels are dropping due to heavy blood flow during your periods, you can consult our dedicated services. 

• Irregular sleep cycle 

Did you know your brain chemistry gets altered if you do not sleep properly? Well, now you do. You reduce the oxygen supply to your body every time you decide not to sleep on time. Reduced sleep is also responsible for inflammation. When these two combine, it can lead to both headaches and cramps. 

• Low blood sugar 

Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, is a condition in which your blood sugar levels reach critical levels. Your cells require glucose, and when the glucose levels are not high enough, it can starve your cells. Carbohydrate-rich food items such as fruit juices and glucose tablets can be kept handy.

C] Difference Between MRM vs PMM

Here are some key differences between menstrual-related migraine vs pure menstrual migraine:

Duration

• MRM: It occurs before your period cycle.
• PMM: It occurs during your period cycle.

Cause

• MRM: It can be triggered by both hormonal and non-hormonal triggers, like your diet and sleep.
• PMM: Primarily due to a drop in oestrogen levels.

Concerned population

• MRM: Many women face menstrual-related migraines.
• PMM: Compared to MRM, fewer women experience pure menstrual migraine.

Diagnosis requirement

• MRM: You should experience migraines in at least 2 out of your 3 period cycles, along with any other dates.
• PMM: You should experience migraines in at least 2 out of your 3 period cycles and not during other times.

D] How To Make Menstrual Migraines Go Away Through Natural Ways

Here’s how to make period headaches go away naturally:

• Changing your diet

Include foods like pumpkin seeds, avocados, spinach, or almonds that are rich in magnesium content.

• Peppermint oil

Buy peppermint essential oil and mix it with an available carrier oil. Apply this mixture to your temples and relax with this migraine remedy.

• Cold or warm compress

You might have to experiment with this one. Try a cold compress first, and if that doesn’t work, then try a warm compress. 

• Herbal teas

Grate some ginger and make some ginger tea from it. You can also add some honey to sweeten the sharp taste of ginger.

E] Medicine Options For Short-Term Treatment Of Menstrual Migraines

Some instant menstrual migraine relief medicine options:

• Triptans 

Triptans are a commonly prescribed medicine. They are available in several forms. Pills, dissolving tablets, nasal spray, and more. They act by constricting your inflamed blood vessels in the brain.

• NSAIDs

Ibuprofen and naproxen are examples of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. While they work well for migraines, their long-term use can lead to stomach issues. 

• Antiemetics

Many women experience nausea or even vomiting during their periods. This can lead to dehydration and loss of vital electrolytes.

Your doctor can even combine certain medicines based on the symptoms of your condition. 

F] Medicine Options For Long-term Treatment Of Menstrual Migraines

Some long-term medicine options for menstrual migraines:

• Hormonal therapies

The root cause of your menstrual migraine could stem from hormonal imbalances. Hormonal contraceptive options in pills, patches, rings, and patches, among other methods. 

• Alternative options for prevention:

• Beta blockers

Beta blockers are used to prevent migraines, not to treat an ongoing migraine. Propranolol is an excellent example of this. 

• Antidepressants

As tricyclics can change serotonin and norepinephrine levels, they can be used to treat migraines and not just any mental health-related problem. Venlafaxine, a type of antidepressant, can also be prescribed as an option.

• Anticonvulsants

Valproate is usually prescribed as a seizure medication, but it is also prescribed to prevent migraines. 

If you have any queries regarding these medicines, you can send us a message by filling out our contact form. 

F] Some Experts Recommended Advanced Treatments

Here are some expert-recommended options on how to make period headaches go away:

• Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy can be recommended in some cases. This is because they help restore oestrogen, a hormone linked to the cause of menstrual migraines. 

• Nutritional support

• Magnesium

Instead of magnesium, magnesium glycinate is a better alternative to avoid any digestive issues. Magnesium glycinate, with a minimum 400 mg dose, can be recommended due to its role with neurotransmitters. 

• Iron supplementation

With low iron, your body is not able to supply enough oxygen. You can consult our services in London to check for any deficiencies. 

• Vitamin B12

Studies have shown B12 to be an excellent preventive measure for migraines. 

• Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, is an antioxidant that can be used as a preventive measure.

• Botox therapy 

Small Botox injections can be administered to your muscles in the head or neck areas. Botulinum toxin in Botox is an MHRA-approved treatment used to treat chronic migraines. 

G] When Should You Consult An Expert

If any of the below-mentioned pointers seem familiar, you should ideally consult an expert:

• You notice a pattern of migraines with every cycle.
• The menstrual migraines tend to last 3 days or longer.
• You experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or visual disturbances. 
• Natural methods no longer provide relief.
• Any sudden changes you notice.
• Any other symptoms not mentioned.

And while this article explains the medicines and treatments required, it is suggested that you do this under the supervision of a doctor. With expert guidance, you can receive an accurate diagnosis and prevent any unwanted side effects. You should ideally start medication for your menstrual migraines only after a thorough assessment.  To know more about how menstrual migraines can be treated through modern medicines, make an appointment with our private gynaecologist in London today.