What Are the Treatments for Premenstrual Migraines?

Premenstrual migraines are often caused by a decrease in estrogen levels just prior to the menstrual period. If you've ever suffered a premenstrual migraine, you know how painful and nauseating they can be. However, take hope, as various treatments are available, both over the counter and by prescription.

Acute Treatment

• In most cases, premenstrual migraines can be treated with over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, Aleve, and Motrin or stronger prescription medications like Ketoprofen or Arthrotec. These medications are known as NSAIDs. Other individuals may be treated with prescription triptans such as Zolmitriptan or Sumatriptan. In rare instances involving severe symptoms, your doctor may prescribe opioids such as Meperidine or Butorphanol.

Non-Medicinal Treatments

• Proper nutrition, exercise and sleep can reduce the severity of premenstrual migraines. Mental exercises such as visualization and biofeedback work for some. Meditation or meditation combined with gentle yoga exercises that involve sitting or standing poses may help as well. Stress management techniques like deep breathing and massage offer relief or may head off migraines. If you feel a migraine coming on, find a quiet, darkened place and relax with a warm washcloth over your eyes (or a cold washcloth, if that works better).

Preventive Treatments

• Taking medications such as acetaminophen or naproxen sodium (such as Aleve) as your period approaches may reduce or head off migraines. Your doctor may prescribe preventive treatments such as Naratriptan or Sumatriptan or even estrogen supplements in patch or tablet form to help with symptoms.

Foods to Avoid

• For some, foods can trigger a premenstrual migraine, such as chocolate, peanut butter and some dried fruits. Caffeine and chemical preservatives found in packaged foods can be triggers as well. Alcohol increases the blood flow to the brain, which may result in a migraine attack. As everyone reacts differently to particular foods, keep a diet journal so you can determine your particular triggers.