What is menstrual migraine?

Menstrual migraine is a term used to describe migraines that are linked to menstruation more significantly than by mere coincidence.

Menstrual migraines typically strike in the window surrounding a woman’s period - usually two days before the onset and the first three days during the menstruation. These headaches can be so severe that they disrupt daily activities and can be exacerbated by physical activity, bright lights, or strong odors.

Migraines can be debilitating, and when they occur in relation to a woman's menstrual cycle, they are referred to as menstrual migraines.

Symptoms of Menstrual Migraines

Menstrual migraines typically mirror common migraine symptoms but are often more intense and less responsive to treatment. Symptoms can include:

Throbbing, pulsating pain on one side of the head
Sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes smells and touch
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue and dizziness

Understanding Menstrual Migraines

Notably, about 20–25% of female migraineurs in the general population are affected by menstrual migraines, and the incidence rises to 22–70% among patients who seek help at headache clinics.

These migraine attacks are not just painful but carry a significant burden, often leading to greater disability compared to non-menstrual migraines.

Emerging research, such as that published in The Lancet, suggests that the loose interpretation of diagnostic criteria for menstrual migraines has led to inconsistent study results regarding their prevalence, clinical characteristics, and responses to treatment.

What Causes Menstrual Migraines?

For many, the days leading up to and during menstruation are marked not just by the inconvenience of the period itself but by the onset of debilitating headaches known as menstrual migraines.

Triggers: Hormonal changes, especially drops in estrogen during the menstrual cycle.
Mechanisms: Estrogen withdrawal and prostaglandin release.

These migraines are thought to be triggered by the natural ebb and flow of hormones, specifically the drop in estrogen, which coincides with the menstrual cycle.

The Role of Hormones in Menstrual Migraines

The pathophysiology of menstrual migraines has been linked to two main mechanisms: the withdrawal of estrogen and the release of prostaglandins.

As cited in The Journal of Headache and Pain, diary-based studies highlight that attacks during the perimenstrual period can be more disabling and last up to 35% longer than attacks at other times.

These findings point to the distinct nature of perimenstrual migraines and underline the complexity of their treatment.

Effective Treatments for Menstrual Migraines

Treatment for menstrual migraines can be multifaceted. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed, which specifically target migraine pain. Hormonal therapies such as contraceptive pills or hormone replacement therapy may also be recommended depending on the individual's needs and health profile.

We highly recommend sumatriptan if administered early during a migraine attack.
Sufficient for managing symptoms can help NSAIDs medications, After short medical assessment from one of our prescribers
Hormonal Therapies: Contraceptive pills, hormone replacement depending on individual needs.

Clinical trials often blur the lines between perimenstrual attacks in women diagnosed with menstrual migraine and those that occur by chance with menstruation.

This lack of distinction can impact the effectiveness of treatment modalities. According to research shared on PubMed, the management strategies that focus on estrogen withdrawal and prostaglandin release show promise, yet the evidence is not conclusive enough to establish standardized treatment protocols.

Preventing Menstrual Migraines

Lifestyle Changes: Regular sleep, stress management, diet adjustments.
Hormonal Control: Continuous contraceptive pills to stabilize hormones.

Preventative strategies are a cornerstone of managing menstrual migraines. This might involve lifestyle modifications such as regular sleep patterns, stress management, and diet adjustments.

In some cases, continuous use of contraceptive pills to stabilize hormone levels can also be an effective prevention strategy.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Assistance

Severe Symptoms: Sudden, severe headache, vision changes, loss of consciousness.
Non-responsive Headache: Lasts longer than usual, doesn’t respond to treatment.

While menstrual migraines are often a recurring nuisance, they generally do not pose a serious health threat.

However, if you experience symptoms like an abrupt, severe headache, vision changes, loss of consciousness, or if a headache persists longer than usual and does not respond to your regular treatment, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.