How to Prevent a Migraine Before a Mentsrual Period

Migraines are never fun, but when they strike along with menstrual cramps, bloating and premenstrual irritation, you have a recipe for pure misery. Luckily, there is something you can do about it. Here's how to prevent a migraine before your menstrual period.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• ibuprofen
• calendar
• doctor or health professional

1. 
    
   Always talk to a medical professional before using any medications. (photo by [e-mail])

   First, and always, consult your doctor or other health care professional before starting any kind of treatment with drugs or alternative medicines. Remember, even over the counter medications and herbal remedies can be dangerous under certain circumstances.

2. 
    
   Keep track of your monthly cycle. (Image by [e-mail])

   Track your menstrual cycle on a calendar. This is important because premenstrual migraines and migraines connected to ovulating are often caused by fluctuating hormone levels. Knowing when you're most likely to have a migraine is the first step in preventing them.

3. 
    
   Taking ibuprofen in the days before your period starts can head off migraines. (photo by [e-mail])

   Start taking ibuprofen three days before you expect your period to start. Take 1-2 200 mg ibuprofen tablets every eight hours until your menstrual period begins. While there are no double-blind studies to prove the effectiveness of this, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence that taking ibuprofen for 48-72 hours before your period starts can head off a lot of the worst premenstrual symptoms, including premenstrual migraines. By maintaining a low level of the anti-inflammatory in your bloodstream when you expect a migraine, you can head it off before it starts.

4. 
    
   Stay hydrated to head off migraines. (photo by [e-mail])

   Drink plenty of water. Low level dehydration is often a precursor to migraines. When you're feeling crampy and irritable already, it's easy to forget to drink the water your body needs.

5. 
    
   Avoid caffeine triggers just before your period. (photo by ArminH)

   Watch the migraine triggers. The most common migraine triggers include caffeine, chocolate, red wine and aged cheeses. If you drink coffee regularly, though, avoid cutting out caffeine entirely and suddenly. The caffeine withdrawal symptoms can trigger the migraine you're trying to prevent.

Tips & Warnings

• If these tips don't help, talk to your doctor about birth control pills for migraine and premenstrual symptom control.

Resources

• Migraine prevention tips from Aetna Health

[slphilbrick]

on 1/10/2009 Excellent tips on preventing menstrual migraines.... easier to prevent than stop ! 5*

[1WebWriter]

on 1/10/2009 You're right. Cutting back on the caffeine really does help.

[sunshine11219]

on 1/6/2009 good solid tips here