Why you’re more likely to get a headache before your period
By Natalie Healey

Women have a lot to put up with, especially when it comes to their menstrual cycle. Even the luckiest of us tend to find periods quite uncomfortable.

No one enjoys dealing with stomach cramps (which can range from mild to severe) and low mood. But the time of the month can also bring on headaches which can have a devastating impact on daily life.

It's estimated that at least 5 million women experience hormonal headaches each month. And more than half of women who get migraines tend to notice a link with their periods.Many women on the Pill also find their headaches are worse during their pill-free week.

According to the Migraine Trust, menstrual migraine is associated with falling levels of oestrogen. Studies show that migraine is most likely to occur in the two days leading up to a period and the first three days of a period. There's usually no aura associated with this type of headache and unfortunately, it often lasts longer than other types.


Dr Dawn Harper says: 'The best way to know if you have a menstrual migraine is to keep a diary for a few months which records both your migraine attacks and the days you're on your period.'

You might also find a menstrual tacking app can be useful to identify patterns in your headaches.

Another advantage of this method is you might identify other migraine triggers (that aren't related to your hormones) which you can try to avoid.

Dr Harper and consultant neurologist (and headache expert) Dr Nicholas Silver give their tips to combat horrible hormonal headaches:

1. Take action

When a migraine strikes, act quickly at the onset of the headache to try and prevent it from getting worse:

-Visit your local pharmacy and ask about over-the-counter solutions.
-Drink a large glass of water and if possible eat some carbohydrates.
-If nausea is present then consider an anti-sickness tablet that also helps to keep the stomach moving – this will allow better absorption of food and fluid.

2. Avoid triggers

Certain foods and drink can make menstrual headaches worse. Although it can be tempting to reach for foods such as chocolate and wine, these may actually make migraines worse for some women. Make a note of the foods that do seem to make it worse, then try and avoid these triggers when possible.

3. Drink up


4. Stick to a routine

Try to stick to a regular routine as much as possible when it comes to things like when you eat meals, the time you go to bed and wake up each day, and when and for how long you exercise. If you get migraines, your brain might well be sensitive to environmental changes that the brain considers threatening. So, a consistent schedule can help reduce the chance of a migraine being triggered.


5. Effective pain relief

Over-the-counter pain relief tablets are a go-to option for period pain and associated headaches. There are now non-addictive options available in pharmacy to help you step-up your pain relief whilst enabling you to carry on with your day.

Dr Nicholas Silver and Dr Dawn Harper are currently working with double action pain relief brand Combogesic (RRP 3.99 for a pack of 16).

Via Net Doctor

(Images: Getty)

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