Menstrual Migraine - the Good News

Out of every 100 people, approximately 15 have experienced a migraine episode at least once. With women, however, the numbers are different. Almost three times as many women as men have felt the excruciating pain of migraine.

Menstrual migraine accounts for 60 percent of migraines among women.

Define Menstrual Migraine

Menstrual migraine is a migraine that affects a woman between the 2nd day before the menstrual period begins and the end of the period. It is regular, and arrives as surely as does the period. Another name for menstrual migraine is menstrually associated migraine (MAM).

Normal hormone fluctuations every 28 to 30 days may cause these migraines. Female sex hormone levels, specifically progesterone and estrogen, decline sharply just before the period begins. Studies suggest that this estrogen withdrawal may trigger migraine. It happens only in women who are already predisposed to migraine through family history or other factors.

Some so-called menstrual migraines are associated with the menstrual period, but are not true menstrual migraines. They do not occur regularly, or within the precise time frame of a true menstrual migraine.

How Menstrual Migraine Differs from Other Migraine

Menstrual migraine is different from other migraine, even in the same women. It is timed regularly, appearing with each menstrual period. Menstrual migraine is also more severe than migraine at other times. Menstrual migraine is more than twice as likely to occur during the first 3 days of menstruation as it is at any other time of the month. Menstrual migraine is more than three times as likely to be severe as other migraine.

Menstrual Migraine Prevention

Menstrual migraine can be prevented - and that is good news. Use of preventative medication such as a triptan reduces migraine episodes by at least 50 percent. The prescription medication should be taken for 6 days. Your doctor will have you begin 2 days before you expect a regular menstrual migraine.

In addition to prescription medication, exercise can be helpful in menstrual migraine prevention. Try to get at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity daily. Eat properly, and maintain regular sleep hours. Avoid any foods you may think are migraine triggers for you.

Menstrual Migraine Treatment

Menstrual migraine can be treated - which is also good news. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can often take the edge off of these headaches. “Excedrin Migraine” is often recommended.

Lavender has also been found effective in treating menstrual migraine. The soothing scent as well as the powerful effects of the oil itself can bring relief wherever you are. On this website, we review Lavender Love, a wonderful product for Migraine Relief. To read our review, click here - or click the blue Lavender Love button at the top of this page.