ADVERT: Ways to prevent menstrual migraines you should know

Migraines are a neurological disorder characterised by debilitating headaches. Some of the common symptoms of migraines are vomiting, nausea, difficulty in talking, sensitivity to sound and light, and numbness.

Migraine attacks affect both children and adults. Diagnosis depends on the symptoms reported by the patient as well as their medical history.

According to the Migraine Research Foundation, women are around three times as more likely to suffer from migraines than men, but scientists are still not sure of the exact causes. However, they are related to changes in the brain and do tend to run in families – meaning there is probably a strong genetic component, according to studies.

Symptoms of migraine

Migraine symptoms can often occur way before the headache itself. Common symptoms at this stage are depression, hyperactivity, neck stiffness, irritability, frequent yawning, fatigue or low energy, and food craving.

In the prodrome stage, migraines are frequently accompanied with aura. Aura causes difficulties in the patient’s movement, vision, sensation, and speech. The second phase of a migraine is called the attack phase – this is the acute phase where real pain occurs. The attack phase occurs from four hours to three days, and symptoms vary from one person to another. Some of the common symptoms in this stage include:

• Vomiting 

• Dizziness

• Sensitivity to light and sound

• Pain on one side of the head

• Throbbing head pain

• Nausea 

The attack phase is followed by the postdrome period. This stage causes changes in the mood and feeling of the patient, ranging from feeling extremely happy, euphoric, feeling apathetic, and sometimes very fatigued. The intensity of these changes varies from one person to another.

Migraines can be described as a severe, steady headache. The pain mainly occurs at the forehead, and while it might be less painful at the beginning, it will become more severe with time. One of the common types of migraine is a menstrual migraine. This is what you need to know:

Menstrual migraine 

According to studies, menstrual migraines affect more than 50% of women. These migraines may occur before the period, during the period, or after ovulation. 

Serotonin is believed to be one of the hormones behind migraines by interacting with other hormones to trigger them. 

The female sex hormone, oestrogen, is the primary cause of migraines in women. Oestrogen regulates menstrual fluctuation in women. Changes in the level of oestrogen and progesterone expose women to headaches. Some of the oral contraceptives used by women make them more vulnerable to migraines – they do this by influencing oestrogen levels.

Symptoms of menstrual migraine 

Menstrual migraine symptoms are similar to those of migraines without aura. The first stage is characterised by a headache on one side, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea.

Treatment 

Methods of treatment are similar to those of non-menstrual migraines. Behaviour management is a crucial treatment for both non-menstrual and menstrual migraine. 

Below are some of the standard treatment methods.

Preventive treatment

Preventive therapy is used to respond to women who have had frequent and severe attacks. Patients on preventive medicine can take the dose up to the menstruation period. Patients who are not taking preventive medication, or those with severe menstrual migraine, are advised to take short term prophylaxis.

Acute treatment 

Some medications have been tested and proved to be effective in the treatment of severe migraines. These medications include triptans, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and a combination of caffeine, aspirin, and acetaminophen. However, these medications cannot be used to treat menstrual migraines. When the migraines are severe, corticosteroids, dihydroergotamine, or analgesics should be applied. 

Hormonal response

This migraine relief method is only used when the standard preventive measures have been unsuccessful. This method involves the use of supplemental oestrogen taken in a transdermal patch or by mouth. An example of a preferred form of oestrogen is estradiol (0.5 mg tablet which is taken twice a day).

For women who prefer traditional progesterone oral contraceptives for 21 days in a month, the supplemental oestrogen may be taken on the last day of the pack. 

Conclusion

Menstrual migraines can be traced on hormonal changes, with the fluctuations in levels of oestrogen being a significant trigger. Menstrual migraines can be treated using a hormonal, acute, or preventive approach. Please consult your doctor to find out which migraine treatment is best for you.