Menstrual migraine: what is it, causes, symptoms and treatment

There are different factors, common to both genders, that have the ability to influence headaches, such as family history and age. However, headaches are much more common in women than men. Statistically, over the course of a year, women are three times more likely than men to experience at least one migraine.

This significant difference in the prevalence of headaches could be explained by the hormonal changes that occur in women during the period. One third of women suffer from headaches that are caused by menstruation.

These headaches are caused by the two so-called female sex hormones: estrogen and progesterone. These substances, secreted by the ovaries, are the main ones in charge of controlling the menstrual cycle. It has been shown that these hormones, in addition to cycle regulation and pregnancy, may influence the underlying chemistry of the headache.

Some studies link the menstrual cycle and the fluctuation of hormones - which occurs during it - with some types of headache. In this article we will talk in a general way about the relationship between headaches and the menstrual cycle, and we will describe in depth

menstrual migraine, one of the most common conditions that occurs during the menstrual period.

• Related article: "The 7 types of migraine (characteristics and causes)"

What is menstrual migraine?

A menstrual migraine is a debilitating headache caused by hormones that regulate menstruation.

During menstruation different headaches can occur. Some do not have their origin in hormones, for example, we can talk about tension headache. Tension headache is a headache that is usually derived from stress, a pain similar to the oppression of wearing a headband is described.

However, the most common headaches that occur during menstruation do have a hormonal origin. Hormonal headache and menstrual migraine are mainly described. The origin of these two affections is common, hormone fluctuation, but present different severity of symptoms.

We speak of a hormonal headache when the symptoms range from mild to moderate. Although it is an annoyance or discomfort that lasts over time, it does not affect the development of the person's normal life.

Menstrual migraine is considered an extreme headache and is debilitating. Normally, it affects only one side of the head and lasts for several hours, even days. Severe palpitations and intense pain interfere with the patient's daily life, preventing you from performing everyday tasks.

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Causes

Migraine is related to dysfunctions that affect the cerebral blood vessels. Its origin is multifactorial, both genetic and environmental factors are included to explain why some people suffer from this pain.

Headaches are caused by inflammation of the meninges (the membranes that cover and protect the brain) and the widening of the vessels that supply the brain.

Some studies have shown that this is caused by an abnormal nervous system response. In migraine there is an activation of the trigeminal nerves, which innervate, among other areas, the meninges and cerebral vessels, there is also excessive neuronal activation in the brainstem and in the brain area. hypothalamus

The factors that act as triggers for headaches are fairly well identified. Migraines are typically caused by stress or anxiety, poor sleep hygiene, diet, weather, and exposure to noise or flashing lights, among other known causes.

Hormonal fluctuations, which occur over the course of a woman's life, modulate the appearance of migraine and the evolution of the disease and its symptoms.

Hormones are chemical substances responsible for regulating different functions. They influence cells other than the ones that secreted them.. They act as messengers between the different systems and tissues of the human body.

Progesterone and estrogen are the hormones responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Although this is their main function, they also influence other mechanisms, since they travel through the bloodstream and can reach any part of the body through it.

A relationship has been shown between the molecules that cause headaches in the brain and female hormones. Specifically, changes in estrogen levels have been linked to headache patterns. A stable level could improve symptoms, however, a decrease in this hormone causes a worsening.

The menstrual cycle is mainly regulated by two hormones. Estrogens help release the egg, which normally occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle. Hormone levels are lowest just before your period. Progesterone also has a key role in the hormonal cycle. After ovulation, the ovaries produce progesterone, which is responsible for preparing the uterus for possible fertilization. If there is no fertilization, the levels go down again.

These changes in the levels that occur throughout the hormonal cycle (they are not stable). They are responsible for headaches. Also, headaches can occur in menopausal or premenopausal people who experience a decrease in female hormones. Another situation, known and not pathological, where there are large changes in these hormones is during pregnancy.

• Related article: "Premenstrual syndrome: causes, symptoms, treatment and remedies"

Menstrual migraine symptoms

menstrual migraine shares a number of symptoms with other types of migraines, often manifest:

• Intense pain
• vomiting and dizziness
• Sensitivity to sound stimuli
• Sensitivity to light and noise
• Decreased ability to concentrate
• sweating
• Neck and shoulder stiffness
• Blurry vision
• Feeling very cold or very hot

Menstrual migraine also has symptoms related to menstruation that include:

• Feeling of extreme tiredness
• Muscle and/or joint pain
• Intestinal disorders such as constipation or diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• cravings
• Mood disturbance.

How to treat menstrual migraine?

There are different preventive strategies that help in the treatment of menstrual migraine and depend on the situation that originates them. That is why it is advisable to keep a migraine diary to help identify the factors likely to cause migraine, among which are food, sleep patterns, lifestyle, stress, environmental conditions, etc.

Changes in lifestyle

All healthy lifestyle changes can play a significant role in migraine symptoms and their abatement. Yoga, dietary changes, and meditation can help most migraine sufferers. There is no quick fix, but trying different approaches is important to increase the chances of finding a suitable solution.

• You may be interested: "10 psychologically healthy daily habits, and how to apply them to your life"

Medication

Preventive treatment is used to reduce the frequency and symptoms of migraines and influence their appearance. This is based on taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including ibuprofen and naproxen. The taking of medication will depend mainly on the regularity of the cycles. If the cycle is regular, it is convenient to take the medication a few days before the period and maintain the treatment for 15 days.

If it is irregular, daily pharmacological treatment may be necessary. This treatment can be of a different nature, including anticonvulsants, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers or antidepressants.

hormonal contraceptives

Depending on the patient, the use of hormonal treatments, frequently the contraceptive pill, to prevent excessive hormonal fluctuations and reduce headaches, have been shown to be ineffective. It is true, that in some patients they can help reduce the appearance of migraines, since they influence estrogen levels. Nevertheless, This practice is only recommended in women in whom other treatments do not work, do not suffer from migraines with aura and do not have mood disturbances due to contraceptives.

estrogens

For people going through menopause, taking estrogen can influence headaches. Some get worse, while others show improvement. One of the solutions given is the use of an estrogen skin patch, it provides a stable amount of estrogen and does not affect headaches.

conclusion

Menstrual migraine is a type of migraine that is caused by the fluctuation of hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. This pathological condition differs from hormonal headaches in the severity of its symptoms, since it affects the daily tasks of people who suffer from it. It shares symptoms with general migraines, and its manifestations include intense pain and sensitivity to light and sound. Although they are difficult to treat, there are a number of preventive treatments and lifestyle changes that can help relieve symptoms and decrease their frequency.