How to Treat Menstrual Migraines

Migraines that are triggered by hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle are the easiest type to diagnose and treat. The predictable onset of menstruation allows triggers to be tracked and preventive methods prescribed. About 60 percent of women migraine sufferers do make this link. Many find relief with lifestyle changes, contraceptive pills or other medications. You can also treat your symptoms at home or with alternative therapies. Read on to learn how to treat menstrual migraines.

Things You'll Need

• Migraine diary
• Doctor's consultation

Instructions

Prevent Menstrual Migraines

1. Gather information about hormonal induced migraines. You will need to help your doctor calculate frequency and any external triggers. Educate yourself about causes so you know what to look out for in the future.

2. Take your migraine diary to show your doctor, who will determine your preventive options to treat your condition.

3. Take any prescription or over-the-counter drugs recommended by your doctor as directed. These may include aspirin, ibuprofen, estrogen patches or other medication. Oral contraceptives may be used to interrupt the menstrual cycle and prevent the hormonal change that causes migraines.

4. Be aware of any external triggers, such a caffeine or certain foods, and avoid them prior to your menstrual cycle.

Treat Menstrual Migraine Symptoms

1. Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen for five to seven days surrounding your menstrual cycle. These may ease pain and reduce headache frequency.

2. Try alternative therapies such as massage, chiropractic or acupuncture to see what works for you. Read about the benefits of these and other ways to treat migraines in "The Women's Migraine Survival Guide." See the Resources section below for a link.

Tips & Warnings

• Migraines can last from four to 72 hours.

• Pregnancy can affect the intensity of migraine headaches.

• Keep a migraine diary of events leading up to your attacks, so your doctor can best evaluate and diagnose your condition.

• Prevention is the optimum treatment, so learn what you can do to prevent menstrual migraines.

• If you experience headache pain after more than 72 hours, see a doctor.

• Oral contraceptives can seriously affect the health of smokers.

• See your health care practitioner before taking or changing the dosage of any medications to treat your headaches.

Resources

• More Info on the American Headache Society Website
• Online Video Educational Resource on Headaches.org
• Causes and Treatments in The Women's Migraine Survival Guide