How to Manage Menstrual Migraines

If you have ever experienced migraines, you can attest that these are not ordinary headaches, and will go to any length to seek relief from this pain. Some women experience migraines that worsen with the onset of menstruation. It can be painful and uncomfortable for you to endure these pains every month. It is time to consider how a Santa Monica migraines expert can help give you peace of mind.

At GreenBridge Medical, Dr. Frankel and his team are committed to helping you get relief from menstrual migraines. They understand how debilitating migraines can be and accord an individualized approach to help you manage migraines to make that time of the month bearable. Below is a guide to help you know the available options. 

Differences Between Migraines and Regular Headaches

A correct diagnosis is the first step in the battle against migraines. Your doctor makes use of well-established criteria to diagnose migraines and set them apart from regular headaches. You can experience migraines if you have a severe headache that affect the head from one side, coupled with: 

  •   Nausea
  •   Sensitivity to noise
    ·   Dizziness
    ·   Fatigue
    ·   Vomiting
    ·   Sensitivity to light

Menstrual migraines can be classified into two types: those that strike during  menstruation, and those that happen during other times during the cycle.

Migraines with aura are accompanied by sensory changes such as flashing lights. Menstrual migraines can happen with or without aura. Close to 50% of women who have menstrual migraines experience aura.

Causes of Menstrual Migraines

Changes in estrogen levels prior to and during the menstrual period are believed to be the cause of migraines among women. Other contributing factors include low levels of magnesium, uterine lining releasing inflammatory chemicals, and change in brain chemicals during the menstrual cycle.   

Managing Menstrual Migraines

Your therapy aims at stopping acute pain and preventing migraines from occurring in the future.  Your doctor evaluates the severity of your condition and how long it has persisted in determining the right treatment plan. Severe migraines can be managed using triptans, which stimulate the production of serotonin to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Other options for managing this condition include:

  •   Botox injections
  •   Stress management
  •   Calcitonin gene-related peptides
  •       Avoiding triggers, such as caffeine

Should I Seek Treatment for Migraines?

Most women who live with migraines do not seek treatment for the condition since they think that this is something that they can live with. Dr. Frankel insists that migraine headaches are not synonymous with the menstrual period and it is needless for you to suffer from the resulting pain. It is critical that your doctor rules out the existence of an underlying medical condition that could be manifesting through severe headaches.

Migraines can negatively impact your health, productivity, and social life. According to the World Health Organization, migraines are top among the conditions which affect people under the age of 50. Do not be part of these statistics by continuing to think that your problem will cease to exist after some time. Take the best course of action and seek medical help to be liberated from the shackles of debilitating pain.