Migraine during menstruation? this is the cause and how to fix it!

Menstruation is a normal thing that occurs in every woman of childbearing age every month. During this time the body's hormones also undergo many changes, triggering various side effects in the form of menstrual pain. Well, one of the most common pain complaints during menstruation is migraine headaches. Have you ever experienced it? Find out more about the causes and ways to deal with migraines during menstruation or menstruation below.

Causes of migraines during menstruation

Migraine headaches are the most common thing for women during menstruation. Quoted from the National Center of Biotechnology Information, more than 50 percent of women experience migraines during menstruation.

Part of the cause of menstrual migraines may be due to the decrease in the hormone estrogen that occurs before menstruation. In fact, this hormone also has the function of regulating pain or pain. When estrogen levels drop, you will be more sensitive to pain.

Not only that. The decrease in the hormone estrogen is also related to serotonin levels in the brain. If the hormone estrogen decreases, then serotonin also decreases. Researchers believe that fluctuations in serotonin levels also play a role as a trigger for migraines.

Migraine symptoms during menstruation

Migraines usually occur during ovulation until before, during, or after menstruation. Migraines most often occur before and after the first day of menstruation. This is also based on about 60 percent of women reporting when experiencing it.

Migraine symptoms that can be felt during menstruation or menstruation are the same as migraines in general. However, headaches that occur before menstruation may not be accompanied by aura (sensory disturbances). Aura can be defined as a visual disturbance that makes you see as if there are flashing lights or flashes of light with blind spots in vision, or a tingling sensation in the hand or face area.

Common symptoms that can occur with menstrual migraines are:

• Sensitivity to very bright light.
• Sensitivity to quite noisy sounds.
• A throbbing pain in one side of the head.
• Feel tired, nauseous, to vomit.

Symptoms of migraine during menstruation accompanied by hormonal headaches:

• Fatigue that feels severe and has never been felt before.
• Joint pain as well as muscle aches.
• The occurrence of constipation and diarrhea.
• Food cravings or cravings.
• There are changes in mood and thoughts.

How to diagnose menstrual migraine?

Until now, there is no specific way to confirm the diagnosis of migraine during menstruation. So, the way you can do at this time is to record what you feel at least a migraine in a span of three months.

Things that you need to note, such as migraine attacks that occur as well as the symptoms you feel during the menstrual cycle. After that, the doctor will help you to further diagnose after seeing the comparisons that have been written.

In addition, the doctor will also perform a physical test and ask about the medical history of your closest family. This method is needed to determine whether there are conditions that underlie the migraine. However, if there is anything other than hormonal fluctuations, your doctor may recommend additional tests such as:

• Blood test
• CT scan
• MRI scan
• And check the lumbar spine as well

How to deal with migraines during menstruation

There are several ways you can do to overcome the causes of migraines during menstruation. The way you can do this is to know in advance the severity of the headache essence.

1. Taking pain relievers

When you can't stand the pain caused by menstruation coupled with migraines, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers. Several kinds of drugs to relieve pain such as:

• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen sodium
• Aspirin
• Acetaminophen

If you have a migraine condition during menstruation that is quite severe, triptan drugs are an option that can be consumed. However, you need to consult a doctor first. The function of these drugs is to work by stimulating serotonin, which can help reduce inflammation and constrict blood vessels. These drugs include:

• Opioid
• Glucocorticoid
• Dihydroergotamine
• Ergotamine

Not only pain relievers, you can also consume other alternatives such as drinks that contain caffeine. Also pay attention to the amount of caffeine consumed so that it does not become addictive or make migraines worse.

2. Compress with ice

You can also do home remedies to treat the causes of migraines during menstruation. One way is to compress the sore head with a cold compress.

If you don't have ice pack , simply apply the forehead using a cold towel for 10 to 15 minutes. Ice therapy is claimed to relieve pain and treat inflammation.

3. Doing relaxation

Try to do activities that relax your body at the same time, such as meditation or yoga. This will help calm and relieve tension and improve migraine symptoms during menstruation.

Not only that, exercising regularly can also help trigger migraines caused by hormones. When exercising, also pay attention to your water intake to avoid dehydration.

4. Acupuncture

Acupuncture therapy requires professional help to insert needles into specific points on your body. The needles are claimed to stimulate the release of endorphins, helping to relieve pain and stress.

5. Get enough rest

If you don't get enough sleep, this is also the reason for migraines when your period gets worse. Give your body at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.

Then, also pay attention to your room so that you sleep better. Like turning off the TV, dimming the light while sleeping, and setting a temperature that makes your body comfortable.

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