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Menstrual migraines are real and here’s how you can deal with them

If that sharp pain in only one side of your head seems to trouble you every month as you menstruate, then you could be suffering from menstrual migraines.
Periods can also come with menstrual migraine. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Dr Madhuri Burande Laha Updated: 30 Oct 2023, 15:57 pm IST

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Are you one of those women who tends to get a migraine during her periods? Then, you may be suffering from a condition called menstrual migraine! This condition is not uncommon and happens because of a dip in oestrogen levels. If you suffer from this problem then you will encounter pain on one side of the head and the pain will be throbbing and may rob your peace of mind.

Moreover, did you know that migraines can also strike during pregnancy, perimenopause, and even during menopause? These migraines may start anytime and can be experienced at any time of the month.

Various studies also suggest that menstrual migraine is related to menstrual cramps and even painful periods. Apart from this, other factors that cause migraines are stress, feeling fatigue, alcohol, exposure to extreme light, and even sound, extreme weather conditions, eating foods jam-packed with tyramine like chocolates or banana, having artificial sweeteners or even additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Many women have accepted menstrual migraines as the harsh reality of their lives—believing that they can’t do much about it. That, however, is far from the truth.

Your hormones can make you really sick during your periods. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Following are some vital tricks to manage menstrual migraines:
1. Over-the-counter (OTC) medication

Your doctor will prescribe you certain drugs that will help you get relief from that excruciating pain. The dosage will be as prescribed by the doctor. You will also have to take vitamins and magnesium as suggested by the doctor.

2. Get rid of the stress

Managing stress and anxiety is the need of the hour. In order to stay stress-free just try to opt for yoga and meditation. Likewise, you can also do deep-breathing exercises.

Constant stress can aggravate you PMS symptoms. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
3. Exercise every day

It is no brainer that exercising can help you stay fit and fine. But, you will also be surprised to know that staying physically active will allow you to get rid of migraines that are triggered by hormones. Furthermore, stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water.

Apart from following these tips to manage menstrual migraines, you should note down triggers in a diary. Also take note of what works best for you if you tried different treatments. You will have to seek your doctor’s help if the medication prescribed to you fails to do the trick.

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Dr Madhuri Burande Laha

Dr Madhuri Burande Laha is a consultant obstetrician & gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital, Kharadi (Pune). ...Read More

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