How to Relieve PMS Migraine

Migraines affect how you live your day-to-day life. Severe migraines can last for days, with symptoms such as severe nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, dry mouth, ringing ears and sensitivity to light. Many women experience PMS migraines, also called menstrual migraines, prior to and during their monthly period. It is thought that the change in hormones during this time plays a part. However, many factors can affect the onset and treatment of migraines.

Things You'll Need

• Calendar List of migraine triggers Relaxation techniques Mouth guard Cool rag Over-the-counter pain medication Prescription migraine medication

Instructions

Treatment for PMS migranes

1. Be aware of any pattern your PMS migraines take, and look carefully at the calendar. Are they always the week before your period? Are they during your period? How long do they last? Can you tell when a migraine is going to occur? Some people have blurred vision, earaches, and light sensitivity or flashes. When these symptoms occur regularly prior to a migraine, they are known as auras. Take note of these symptoms prior to discussing treatment options with your doctor.

2. Treat your migraine without medicine by being conscious of the stress in your life. There is some evidence that grinding your teeth, tensing your jaw or holding your shoulders up and forward in a defensive position contribute to migraines. Some women are more susceptible to stress and reactive to tense situations prior to their periods, leading to PMS migraines. Be self-aware, and practice relaxation techniques to keep your jaw and shoulders loose. Nighttime teeth grinding can be resolved with a mouth guard you can obtain from your dentist.

3. Try resting for a short time in a dark room. Place a cool rag on your head or the back of your neck. Get a massage prior to your period. Relax and take care of yourself and your body. Be particularly aware of whether you are reacting to stressful situations differently before your period. Learn not to carry these stresses in your body. Try yoga, Pilates or meditation to relax.

4. Try to determine what triggers your migraines. Could it be a PMS migraine or is there more to the story. Alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, red wine and cheese can cause migraines. Are you eating an excessive amount of chocolate or cheese prior to your period? Try eliminating suspicious foods and see whether it helps. Seasonal allergies or specific scents, such as strong perfume, can trigger a migraine.

5. Treat you migraines with over-the-counter medication. Try ibuprofen combined with acetaminophen. If this does not work, try an over-the-counter migraine drug, including: Excedrin Migraine, Advil Migraine or Motrin Migraine Pain. These remedies will permit women with light migraines to go about their daily activities. Sufferers of more severe migraine attacks should see a physician.

6. Start by seeing your primary care or family practice physician. She will discuss treatment options and ways to reduce migraines, such as regular healthy sleep patterns. Prescription medications such as Imitrex, Axert or an antidepressant may be prescribed.

7. See a neurologist or go to a headache clinic if these suggestions do not work for your PMS migraines. Further tests, such as an MRI, will be run to determine what is causing your pain.

Tips & Warnings

• Transderm Scop patches have been shown to decrease the extreme nausea that is sometimes associated with migraines.

• Make sure to discuss with your doctor all other conditions you have and meds you are taking prior to starting a prescription migraine remedy. Certain medications cannot be taken together. Also certain medications are not recommended for women with high blood pressure or a history of heart disease.

References

• The Migraine Headache Center
• Diamond Headache Clinic Meds for Migraines
• Managing Migraine Trigger Foods