The Good News about Menstrual Migraines

Approximately 15% of the general population has experienced a migraine at one time or another. Women dominate this statistic almost three to one over men. Of the women that suffer from migraines, 60% can be considered menstrual migraines – making an appearance at the same time as menses does. This translates into many women who suffer from monthly migraines as a result of normal hormone fluctuations every 28 days or so. The good news is that many of these women can get relief from the monthly pain and discomfort that these intense headaches can bring with a combination of preventative therapies and medications.

Preventing Menstrual Migraines

Menstrual migraines can often be prevented by the same means as headaches that occur at other times during the month. These prevention therapies can include avoiding specific triggers that might bring on the headaches of individuals, as well as the general triggers such as caffeine, artificial sweeteners and smoking. Women who suffer from menstrual migraines can also reduce the incidence with a regular exercise program that consists of at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity each day. It can also help to make sure that you are getting eight hours of sleep every night, with a set time to go to bed and a regular time to wake up each day. Others find stress management like biofeedback, relaxation therapies and even acupuncture to be effective preventative measures for menstrual migraines.

Treating Menstrual Migraines

If prevention does not prove to be effective enough relief from the menstrual migraine, there are treatment options available in terms of medications. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be taken as needed if they can indeed take the edge off of one of these intense headaches. Another medication that can be purchased at your pharmacy would be a pain reliever specifically formulated to address the symptoms of a migraine, such as Excedrin Migraine. If over-the-counter medications do not do the trick, your doctor can prescribe something to take that will either prevent the symptoms completely, or nip them in the bud once they begin. There are also hormone therapies that have been used effectively by some patients. Your doctor will be able to recommend the most effective treatment plan for your individual needs.

Menstrual migraines do not have to put a crimp in your lifestyle every single month. With effective prevention and treatment plans, you can be on the road to pain-free menstrual cycles in no time.