• May 1, 2024

Many factors contribute to headaches, both for men and women, including family history and age. Women, however, often notice a relationship between headaches and hormonal changes.

Estrogen and progesterone play a key role in the regulation of the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, and can affect the chemical processes related to headache. Estrogen levels can improve headaches, while decreasing estrogen levels can cause pain to increase.
 

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During menstruation

Decreasing estrogen just before the period can contribute to headaches. Many women with migraines report headaches before or during menstruation. To treat them you can choose the following:

1. Apply ice . Keep a cold cloth or an ice pack in the sore area on the head or neck. Wrap the ice in a towel to protect your skin.

2. Relaxation exercises Try relaxation exercises to reduce stress.

3. Biofeedback. It can improve headaches, helping to control the way your body responds to stress.

4. Acupuncture. It can improve the headaches.

5. Take analgesics and triptans. Some women may have a combination of NSAIDs and triptans to relieve the pain of menstrual migraines.

6. Take other medications prescribed for pain. Sometimes, your doctor may suggest other pain medications, such as dihydroergotamine (dihydroergotamine mesylate).

Prevent is better

If you have several headaches in a month, the doctor may recommend a triptan preventive treatment.

If your menstrual cycle is regular you can consume the preventive medicine a few days before menstruation and continue it two weeks after it.

If you have migraines during your entire menstrual cycle or if you have irregular periods, your doctor may recommend that you take preventive medications every day.

Daily medications may include beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants or magnesium. The doctors will review any other medical condition you may have to determine what medications may be most appropriate for you.

Making changes in lifestyle, such as reducing stress and exercising regularly, can also help reduce the frequency, duration and severity of migraines.