Menstrual Migraines?

Like the other responders I have talked to my OB and GP about the menstrual headaches and they are cycle related. My GP recommended Excedrin Migraine and it usually nips it in the bud. Has caffeine so I switch to Advil if close to bed time. What also helps is drinking a caffeinated beverage-tea, coffee, pop and if I possibly can laying down for a nap. Certainly no fun!!

I also get this type of head ache! One doctor told me the head aches occur in the menstrual cycle wen the Estrogen withdrawls (thus causing the onset of menstruation). One thing that can help is using a L. estrogen cream when you feel the head ache coming on. I have very high estrogen so I don't feel comfortable putting more in my system. I take Tylonal Tension Headache -- it has some caffein in it which seems to help. I also sometimes take Advil sometimes. And yes, sleep.

I am not on birth control but I get these headaches too! Although it is relatively a new occurance for me. Sleep is the best solution...not very workable but it is what helps. I am miserable right now.

I get those. I recently found that I craved more calcium foods just before my period (cheese & yogurt are what I go for personally, I hate actual milk). When I "give in" and eat enough to satisfy my cravings I don't get them anywhere near as bad as when I don't, in fact there have been several months where I didn't get them at all! Maybe try upping your calcium. I did read somewhere once that upping your calcium was believed to help though I don't remember where as it's been years since I first read that. Also if I notice one creaping on I grab a Gatorade and drink that as well as an extra cup of cafinated coffee (I ususlly only drink one a day but I up it to 2). I will take a Tylenol if I have to but I don't like taking that unless I really have to.

You seemed to have gotten some good advice. Just wanted to add.....Make sure you are drinking plenty of water (half your body weight in ounces) every day.

I get these too, though not every month, usually a few days before my period begins. My GYN suggested taking Aleve starting 5 days before, and for the duration of, my period. This may not work for you since you mentioned your periods are irregular. I have also tried many different kinds of prescription medication, all with varying degrees of success. You didn't mention if you had ever been prescribed any of them - you may want to try one if you haven't already. They are kind of my last resort - don't really like taking them but sometimes it's the only thing that gives relief. I've also found that my migraines are tied to my blood sugar levels - tend to get them more when my sugar dips too low. Perhaps there is a connection there with you too? Just a thought.

Many of us get migraines either before the period or during or after it. It is hormonal. If you get them just during your period, then you know that they are related to it. What usually triggers them is the drop in estrogen, It is not the level of estrogen that is the problem, but the drop from one level to another. What is a bit strange is that you have the migraine for the entire time of your period. That is a bit unusual. Also, you say that you are on birth control. I, for example, cannot be on any kind of pil or shot or any of that kind of birth control. My migraines got worse when I was on the pill. I talked to my OBG and she said the same thing that migraines do get worse when on the pill. So I would look into that, too. Do some blood work and check everything to make sure that everything is where it should be. Lack of Magnesium is also a problem when it comes to migraines.
Talk to your doctor and ask him/her to do some blood work and go from there. You may be able to get away with just some supplements and some headache medicine (for me Advil works from time to time). It's a good thing that you know that these headaches come only during your period. I wish mine were like that, but I get them out of the blue and it is always with nausea and it goes downhill from there. Good luck!

I've treated many women for menstrual miraines (I'm a chiropractor). It takes a few weeks for treatmetn (maybe 2x/week for 3 weeks) to get things working better and usually the first cycle after treatment begins, the migraines are less severe. Most women get to the point where they come in for one treatment right before they usually get one and then they either don't get one at all, or it is very mild. If you need a recommendation for a chiropractor in your area, I'd be glad to help if I can. Just send me a private message.

Hi! This sounds exactly like the type of headaches I get! I never had migraines until after my second child was born. It was my husband that made the connection of them coming at the time of my period. I casually mentioned it to my doctor a couple of years ago (she a gen. practioner) and she said that hormones can totally be a trigger! I don't get them every month, but generally about every three months. She prescribed a triptan migraine medicine and that has helped TREMENDOUSLY! Triptans are a class of drugs commonly used to treat migraines. I only use it when I really have to (don't like medicines that much in general) but it has been a lifesaver. Some days I would have a migraine for two or more days..it is an awful feeling.

You might also start paying attention to other common migraine triggers and avoid those at that time of the month...alchohol, caffeine, chocolate, etc. and definitely getting enough sleep like one other person mentioned can really help! Good luck!

I understand what your going thru. I have been on many kinds of birth control. And I have learned that no matter what kind your on they cause headaches. What works for me is a cup of hot peppermint tea, and a nap.

Menstrual migraines are real and really painful.

Talk to your doctor again and explain that you want to begin exploring migraine medicines. I get a migraine either right before or immediately after my cycle. It starts at the base of my skull and radiates upwards to my temples. At its worst I am nauseous and have extreme light and noise sensitivity. I do take migraine pills when I have all the symptoms.

I have also found that taking ibuprofen at the beginning of my PMS and throughout my cycle helps stave the migraines off. I have no idea why. I have gotten the migraines whether I have been on birth control or not, so mine are organic and not tied to the BC hormone therapy.

Good Luck.

Sounds neurological based. Maybe you should get checked to be sure. I get Migraines but the other aches and pains sound like they are somethng else. Go see a Neurologist.

It doesn't sound like you have migraines like mine, but I will tell you about mine anyway. I found out recently that I have a MSG sensitivity. I have been having migraines since I was in high school. Check out the truthinlabeling.org. There is a long list of items that contain MSG that list it as something else. (sodium casenate was getting me, it is in coffee creamer) You could be more vunerable to MSG during your period? Worth checking into.