It is possible for a woman to experience a menstrual migraine (also known as a hormone headache) each month.
More than just a painful headache, a migraine is a neurological condition with a variety of symptoms, some of which may include crippling pain on one side of your head that you may describe as pulsing or throbbing, notes Cleveland Clinic.
The health publication menstrual migraines, commonly referred to as hormone headaches, occur two to three days before or during a woman’s period and may be aggravated by movement, light, scents, or sound. Although they could just last a few hours, your symptoms will probably go on for days, states the health publication.
What causes menstrual migraines?
Changes in estrogen levels that take place just before the start of your period.
Hormone replacement medication for menopause and birth control tablets can alter the frequency or severity of migraines in addition to a fall in estrogen levels, says the health publication mentioned above.
According to Cleveland Clinic here are the symptoms of a menstrual migraine
- Headache pain that ranges from dull to a severe throb.
- Feeling very warm (sweating) or cold (chills).
- Sensitivity to light, noise and smells.
- Tender scalp.
- Loss of appetite.
- Dizziness and blurred vision.
- Pale skin color (pallor).
- Feeling tired.
- Nausea and vomiting, stomach upset, abdominal pain.
- Diarrhea or fever (rare).
How to treat menstrual migraine
Mayo clinic suggest the following treatments for menstrual migraine
- Relaxation exercises
- Ice: Apply an ice pack or a cold towel to the sore spot on your head or neck. To protect your skin, enclose the ice pack with a towel, the health publication advises.
- Medicine
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