In women, migraines brought on by fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone is often labeled hormone headaches or menstrual migraines. The symptoms are similar to traditional migraines, and they include painful, throbbing eye sockets, intense pressure in the head, upset stomach and GI tract, and a low tolerance for light and noise. When you add all of this in with PMS, menstrual cramps, or menopausal symptoms, it can become intolerable. Although doctors cannot pinpoint who is going to get these headaches or when, there are some preventative treatments women can try before, during, and after they strike.
1. Track Everything
If you begin to suffer from this blistering pain, grab a notebook or use a calendar app. Start to keep track of the first day of your period and how long it lasts. Note any symptoms you feel, such as bloating or cramping. Next, write down what you are eating. This will come in handy later, and finally, document when a migraine starts, what symptoms you have, and how long the pain lasts.
If you are unlucky and develop these migraines often, your notes may help you discover if there is a condition triggering them. If you are not able to find anything that might be causing them, your records can tell you when they most likely will hit. With that information, try to schedule some downtime and do your best to limit stress around the days you think they might appear.
2. Food and Beverages
Some foods, mixed with hormonal changes, can trigger migraines. Some known culprits are gluten and alcohol. Gluten can be found in breads, cereals, and grains. Many people’s digestive systems will not process gluten properly, and there have been some correlations made between gluten intolerance and headaches. If you study your notebook or calendar and see a pattern of eating gluten-filled foods, such as a sandwich, shortly before the pressure or pain kicked in, it might be worth the effort to find gluten-free alternatives for a while and see if that puts an end to the menstrual migraines.
Alcohol can be a factor, or it can be the type of booze. Red wine and its sulfites cause some women issues, but vodka may not. Some people feel a glass of wine on the weekends helps them relax, which could release some stress. Try avoiding alcohol altogether or switching drinks if you think the beverage is adding to the problem.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory. The combination of estrogen imbalances and inflammation might be causing these painful headaches. Turmeric is a flavorful spice that may help alleviate some internal inflammation. To ingest the spice, you have several options, such as turmeric tea, which you can add honey or lemon to, or capsules. The tea and tablet forms make it convenient to take every day, or you can add it to foods. It pairs well with cooked vegetables and meat.
4. Intimacy
The act of having an orgasm has been documented to reduce and possibly prevent migraines. An orgasm causes a cascade of chemicals, which could be what helps the body fight the migraine. It might be worth a try, and the side effects of this intimate move are many, like lowering stress and promoting a good night’s sleep.
5. Exercise
Physical fitness is always good for the body and mind, but it can ward off menstrual migraines too. In this case, not all activity is equal. Yoga is beneficial because of the flowing moves and its calming effect on the nervous system. Work in a few poses every morning before your regular routine, or do some yoga stretches right before bed. Some smooth beginner moves are child’s pose, which has you place your knees and forehead on the floor, allowing your spine to stretch, or downward dog. The famous downward dog causes blood to flow to your head.
6. Calming Scents
Essential oils are used to treat a variety of conditions. Scents, such as lavender, can contribute to sleep and relaxation. Some ways to take advantage of it are warming the oil in a diffuser or adding a drop to baby or olive oil and massaging it into your temples. During an active menstrual migraine, see if focusing on the scent while rubbing your head takes your mind off some of the pain and pressure. You might test other oils also to see if you enjoy one odor more.
Menstrual migraines are not easy to deal with because they are coupled with other body and mood changes. With some tracking and experimenting, you may find some relief from this disruptive and intrusive disorder.
