Every month again…
Many women have to go through it every month: menstrual migraines. But there is definitely something that can be done about this form of migraine!
In menstrual migraines, the attacks occur during menstruation. Usually the attacks start on the first day of menstruation or in the first two days before it, always at the same time.
Nausea and vomiting
The attacks are generally more severe, longer lasting and more difficult to treat than those of regular migraines. They are usually accompanied by increased nausea and vomiting.
If the attacks also occur at other times of the cycle, it is not a menstrual migraine, but menstrual-related migraine.
Causes
Hormones play a crucial role in the development of menstrual migraines. Just before and during menstruation, the amount of estrogen and progestin (female sex hormones) decreases sharply.
A sharp drop in estrogen is believed to be responsible for the onset of the seizures. Women with menstrual migraines are often extra sensitive to normal fluctuations in hormone levels.
Taking a high-dose estrogen contraceptive pill can also lead to menstrual migraines. In such a case, it may help to switch to a pill with a lower estrogen dose.
Solutions
The good news is that menstrual migraines can be cured. There are several effective drugs. For example, your estrogen level can be brought back up to standard by an estrogen injection, or you can take a preventive measure based on anti-inflammatories a few days before your period.
Another solution is to take triptans. These are drugs specifically designed to combat migraines. They help well.
Watch a video about migraines here.
