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Menstrual Migraines

Menstrual Migraines

Do you suffer from it too? Every month again? Read here what exactly menstrual migraine is and what you can do about it!

What is it?
Many women suffer from a monthly, severe headache. During menstruation, seizures occur, usually on the first day or the two days before. These attacks are usually even more severe and longer lasting than 'normal' migraines and are often accompanied by vomiting.

How come?
Menstrual migraines are caused by fluctuations in hormone levels. Just before and during menstruation, the amount of estrogen and progestin drops and some women are extra sensitive to this change. The result is a severe headache.

What are you doing about it?
If you take a contraceptive pill with a high dose of estrogen, it is better to switch to a pill with a lower amount of estrogen if you suffer from menstrual migraines. Your pill can be the cause of the severe headache.

If this is not the case, there are plenty of medicines that can help you. For example, your estrogen level can be brought back up to standard by an estrogen injection or you can take a preventive medicine based on anti-inflammatories a few days before your period. Does this have any effect? Then taking Triptans often helps. These drugs are specifically designed to combat migraines and have been shown to work well.