This Is Why You Get A Period Headache
Period Headache make you think periods stink: You’ve got PMS, agonizing cramps and body aches, bloating, cravings, and, of route, bleeding. Can it get worse? Nicely, you may also experience a lovely aching, throbbing headache before or during your period. UGH.
Yep, it’s not simply you—the period headache is actual.. “Indeed, many women do suffer from diagnosis of ‘premenstrual migraines,’”
“it’s far very tough to inform if a migraine is hormonally related or no longer simply from the signs and symptoms, however it’s the timing that’s the standard clue,” “Many women get these headaches the day before or so and the first day of their period.”
Some good news? By day two or three of menstruation, period headaches *usually* fade, But until then (and for next month!), it helps to know how to inform if it’s period-associated head ache you’re handling —and how to ease your discomfort.
Here, the whole thing you need to know about premenstrual headaches from a couple of period pros.
Why do some women get a period headache?
Blame estrogen, “most menstrual-related complications are due to the speedy drop in estrogen proper earlier than the onset of your duration”.
A mini menstruation lesson: When you ovulate (as in, an egg is released from your ovary), your estrogen peaks and your ovary makes progesterone. For a while, your womanly hormones stay up. But if you’re *not* pumping pregnancy hormones a week or so later, your body halts estrogen and progesterone production, triggering your period,
That unexpected drop in estrogen (a.k.a. “estrogen withdrawal”) tweaks chemicals in your brain that affect how you experience pain, and up goes your sensitivity, Add to that constricted blood vessels, which happens to some ladies when they’re low in estrogen, et voilà: the dreaded period headache.
Other potential factors that can play into period headache? Dehydration, blood loss(especially if you’re anemic), and poor sleep,
Already at risk of migraines? Then there’s a 60 percent danger you’ll suffer from menstrual migraines as well, if you’re on birth control, that can bring on more headaches when you switch to your sugar pills and your estrogen levels tank (yay, hormones!).
Does this feel like your typical headache or…?
They may present a little differently than a typical headache or migraine. Menstrual headaches can range from mild to severe when it comes to pain, and they tend to start on one side of your head before spreading (docs aren’t sure why this is, she says).
Classic migraine symptoms could strike, too; for instance, you might feel super-sensitive to light and sick to your stomach.
Okay, gimme the fix: How do I eliminate mine?
The first step is prevention. Stay hydrated, get some rest, and make sure you’re logging enough hours of sleep. If you know a headache tends to come with your period, try using a period tracker and then start taking over-the-counter pain meds like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve) a few days before,. These meds will help fight the inflammation causing that pounding in your head. Take ‘em as needed with food (to avoid upsetting your stomach and developing ulcers), and follow the recommended dosage on the back of the box.
If you’re on the Pill, you may be able to prevent your headaches by simply taking pills through your period and skipping the sugar pills to keep estrogen levels up. But always consult with your doctor first before making any changes to your medication regimen.
Got pain or killer nausea on top of a headache? It’s best to see your Medical Doctor. You may need prescription meds to treat more severe migraine symptoms.
Another option if you’re really struggling with menstrual migraines: Ask your doctor about a script for an estradiol pill. Simply put, it’s like a boost of estrogen that you put under your tongue and can give you sweet relief in as little as 30 minutes, as estrogen is absorbed right into your bloodstream, “It’s truly amazing.”