Menstrual Migraines or Regular Headache? Find Out!

Ever feel like your period isn’t content with just cramps, cravings, and mood swings; it also has to bring in a full-blown migraine like an uninvited guest crashing your already chaotic hormonal party? Welcome to the world of menstrual migraines. While regular headaches might show up after a stressful day or too much screen time, menstrual migraines, however, are tied to your cycle, your hormones, and sometimes your will to get out of bed. According to a recent small study, around 23% of women are affected by menstrual migraines. 

But how do you know if what you're experiencing is a hormonal headache, a menstrual migraine, or just your body being dramatic? Let’s break it all down.

The hormonal factor in menstrual migraines

To get to the root of the drama, we need to talk about hormones — specifically oestrogen. Yes, the same hormone that helps regulate your menstrual cycle.

When oestrogen levels drop sharply, typically right before your period, that’s when hormonal headaches and menstrual migraines tend to happen. It’s like your body is reacting to the hormonal plot twist of the month.

Understanding hormonal headaches

Hormonal headaches are directly linked to the fluctuations in hormones, most commonly oestrogen and progesterone. These usually occur around menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause, or when you make changes in your birth control regimen.

Unlike your average tension headache, hormonal headaches tend to be:

• Throbbing or pulsating

• On one side of the head

• Accompanied by fatigue, mood changes, or nausea

The root causes of hormonal headaches

Major hormonal headache causes revolve around oestrogen. When oestrogen levels plummet (typically right before your period), blood vessels in the brain can react, leading to pain. Around 60% of women with migraines report a connection to their menstrual cycle.

Additional triggers include:

• Perimenopause or menopause

• Treatments involving hormones

• Pregnancy

What are menstrual migraines?

Menstrual migraines are a specific type of hormonal migraine that usually starts two days before the onset of your period, and can last for the first three days of the cycle. The timing isn’t random; that’s when oestrogen levels take a nosedive, which, for some, triggers severe head pain, nausea, sensitivity to light, and more.

Symptoms include: 

• Throbbing pain (often on one side)

• Sensitivity to light, sound, or smell

• Nausea and/or vomiting

• Fatigue or dizziness

Quick Explainer

Menstrual migraines usually start two days before the onset of your period.

Spot the symptoms of hormonal headaches

To make things tricky, hormonal headache symptoms can sometimes mimic regular migraines, but the pattern is the clue.

Look out for:

• Headaches that occur around the same time each month

• Pain that worsens with physical activity

• Headaches that come with mood changes or bloating

• Nausea, vomiting, or sensory sensitivity

Hormonal headaches: Diagnosis explained

Hormonal headaches can be quite a nuisance, but pinpointing them is easier with the right info. Track when they strike, how bad they get, and if other symptoms like nausea tag along. Don’t forget to note your cycle and any triggers like stress or food. A little bit of detail can go a long way in helping you find relief.

Relief for hormonal headaches and menstrual migraines

Managing hormonal headaches and menstrual migraines requires a combination of preventive strategies and acute interventions to keep symptoms at bay. It’s about finding the right balance, whether it’s stabilising your hormones or adjusting your lifestyle. With the right approach, you can not only reduce the frequency of these headaches but also minimise their impact on your everyday life. 

Hormonal headache treatment

Hormonal headaches don’t exactly wait for the right time, they show up uninvited and unrelenting. Fortunately, there are ways to manage and minimise their impact. Here are some effective methods to help you tackle those hormonal headaches.

• Maintain a routine: Consistent sleep, healthy meals, and hydration can help reduce headache triggers.

• Manage stress levels: Incorporating relaxation techniques like deep breathing or gentle movement can support overall well-being.

• Stay physically active: Regular, moderate exercise may help stabilise hormone levels and reduce headache frequency.

• Nourish your body: Eating a balanced diet and avoiding known food triggers can play a role in prevention. 

• Limit screen time and bright lights: Reducing sensory overload may ease discomfort during a headache episode.

Menstrual migraine treatment

Menstrual migraines can be a cruel companion to your cycle, but they don’t have to take over your life. If you’ve been wondering how to prevent menstrual migraines, here’s how you can take control and feel better. 

• If your migraines follow a regular pattern, prepare your schedule with lighter tasks during that time. 

• Limit caffeine and salty foods, especially around your period, as they may contribute to dehydration or tension. 

• Try warm baths or showers as heat can help relax tight muscles and ease pressure around the head and neck. 

• Stay indoors during harsh weather. Sudden changes in temperature or pressure can be a trigger for some. 

• Consider light yoga or meditation. These activities can support both physical and emotional balance during your menstrual cycle.

Parting thoughts 

While regular headaches may come and go without much fuss, menstrual migraines tend to follow a more predictable and often more intense pattern linked to hormonal changes. Understanding the distinction allows you to take a more focused approach to care. With the right menstrual migraine treatment and a bit of proactive planning, it’s possible to reduce their impact and regain control over your routine. Paying attention to your body’s signals can truly make a difference in how you manage each cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main difference between a menstrual migraine and a regular headache? 

Menstrual migraines are linked to hormonal changes around the time of your period, while regular headaches can be caused by stress, dehydration, or other common triggers.

2. When do menstrual migraines usually occur?

They typically strike two days before the onset of your periods and last for the first three days of the cycle, coinciding with a drop in oestrogen levels.

3. Are menstrual migraines more painful than regular headaches?  

Yes, they often last longer and are more intense than regular tension headaches, sometimes accompanied by nausea or light sensitivity.

4. How can I tell if my headache is hormonal?

If your headaches follow a monthly pattern and occur near your menstrual cycle, they may be hormone-related.

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