Menstrual Migraine Relief

Many women are seeking menstrual migraine relief. In fact, 60 percent of women who suffer from migraines see an increase around the time of their periods. True menstrual migraines begin two to three days before the start of a woman's period and can last all the way until the end of her period. In most cases, they are triggered by an imbalance of estrogen, either because the body isn't producing enough progesterone or because it is producing an excess of estrogen. Fortunately, women can find relief though some of the same methods used to treat other types of migraines.

Easing a Migraine

• When you experience a menstrual migraine, you want relief fast. Often, just taking 2 acetaminophen or ibuprofen will provide menstrual migraine relief. If your menstrual migraines are predictable, take these over-the-counter painkillers 24 hours before you expect your period to begin, and continue every eight hours until your period is over.

  Lie down in a dark, quiet room, since light and sound tend to aggravate migraines. Sip a cup of mint herbal tea or even a cup of coffee. You'll need to experiment with what works best for you, because caffeine triggers migraines in some people and eases them in others. Mint is known to soothe migraine pain, as well as the nausea that often accompanies it. Massage your neck and shoulders. This helps get the blood flowing in that area and can ease migraine pain.

  Another trick to get quick menstrual migraine relief is to drink a liquid magnesium supplement. Liquid works faster because it is easier for your body to absorb. Do not take more than the bottle recommends, because too much magnesium at a time will cause diarrhea.

Prevention

• Before reaching for medications that could cause side effects, consider natural methods for menstrual migraine relief. Prevention is often the best treatment.

  One way is to watch your weight. A reduction in fat intake will create a reduction in estrogen levels. If you are overweight, begin a weight-loss program, including regular exercise. Exercise releases endorphins that may ease migraine pain.

  A balanced diet with adequate fiber and water will help your body eliminate excess estrogen. Avoid processed foods, sugar and alcohol. Keep a migraine diary to track your reactions to the things you eat, so you can cut them out, if necessary.

  Supplement with magnesium and vitamin B2. As many as 80 percent of the population is deficient in magnesium. Supplementing with magnesium and taking in magnesium-rich foods such as whole grains, leafy greens, nuts, beans and seeds will dramatically decrease your occurrences of migraine headaches.

Medical Help

• Some medications may ease your menstrual migraine. Triptans such as Frova, Relpax and Imitrex can prevent migraines, including menstrual migraines. Over-the-counter medications may be helpful. Some find success with a combination of aspirin, acetaminophen and caffeine.

  Birth control pills may contribute to menstrual migraines. If you think this may be the case, discuss this with your doctor. He may be able to put you on a low-dose birth control pill or offer other suggestions that can give you permanent menstrual migraine relief.