Why do I have a headache every time my period comes?

We've all been there: The cramps, the bloating, the mood swings . But why do I have a headache every time I get my period? Is it just a coincidence or is there a deeper connection?

In this article, we'll tell you the reasons why so many women experience headaches during their period and what you can do to find relief. Get ready to say goodbye to menstrual migraines and hello to a pain-free period!

Menstruation and headaches

It is common for women to experience headaches or headaches during their menstrual cycle. This can be attributed to the fluctuations in hormones that occur during this time.

Menstrual headaches are often described as a stabbing pain on one or both sides of the head and can last from a few hours to several days.

Research suggests that around 60% of women who suffer from migraines report a link between their headache attacks and their menstrual cycle.

The exact cause of these headaches is still unclear, but hormonal changes are thought to play a key role.

Types of headaches related to the menstrual cycle

There are several types and causes of headaches, but so far, only two of them have been proven to be related to the menstrual cycle.

Tension headaches

This is a very common type of headache. It is often felt on both sides of the head and is characterized by a feeling of mild to moderate compression or tension. Some women experience these headaches during the menstrual phase on a recurring basis.

Migraine

Migraine is a disorder that manifests itself with characteristic headaches and can be debilitating. Migraines are usually severe and feel like a stabbing pain on one side of the head.

In addition to pain, migraines may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, increased pain intensity with normal activity, and sensitivity to light and sound. Some migraine sufferers may experience an aura of visual or sensory symptoms that occur before the headache, as a warning sign. The duration of migraines can be up to three days.

These can also be triggered by hormonal changes and can have symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain.

Knowing the relationship between menstruation and headaches is important to developing ways to manage them effectively.

It is important to remember that each person may experience headaches differently, and not all women experience these types of menstrual cycle-related headaches. If you have any concerns or need specific treatment, it is advisable to consult a health professional.

• You may be interested: Does cold weather affect women's menstruation?

Hormonal changes: The culprit of menstrual headaches

During menstruation, the body undergoes hormonal changes that can trigger headaches as well as constipation. See the details of that evil in this link .

The two key hormones involved in menstrual headaches are estrogen and progesterone.

Estrogen levels rise during the first half of the menstrual cycle and then decline rapidly just before menstruation begins.

This sudden drop in estrogen can cause blood vessels in the brain to narrow, causing a headache. Progesterone levels increase after ovulation and can also contribute to headaches.

In addition to hormonal changes, other factors such as stress, lack of sleep, and poor diet can also increase the likelihood of period headaches.

It is important to track your menstrual cycle and note when headaches occur to identify patterns and possible triggers.

There are several ways to manage menstrual headaches, including over-the-counter pain relievers, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and a healthy diet. In some cases, prescription medications may be necessary.

It is important to talk to your doctor if you experience severe or frequent menstrual headaches or if they interfere with your daily activities. They can help determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options. It is also important that you read in this link what you should and should not do when you are on your days so that time will not be so uncomfortable.

Coping with menstrual headaches: tips and remedies

Period headaches can be a real pain, but there are ways to deal with them.

An effective remedy is over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or aspirin. It is important to take these medications as soon as you feel the headache coming on, rather than waiting until it becomes severe.

Never forget:

1. Get plenty of rest and sleep to reduce stress and fatigue, which can trigger menstrual headaches.
2. Another option is to try relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or yoga, which can help reduce stress and tension that can trigger headaches, so doing relaxation exercises reduces muscle tension and anxiety.
3. Massage affected areas, such as the temple, to improve blood circulation and relieve pain.
4. Apply hot or cold compresses to the head and neck to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
5. Take magnesium, vitamin B6, and omega-3 fatty acid supplements to reduce headaches and menstrual cramps.
6. Eat foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries and green leafy vegetables, which can reduce inflammation and pain. Click here for expert recommendations on what you can and cannot eat on those days .
7. Avoid foods rich in caffeine, sugar and salt, which can worsen menstrual headaches.

When to Seek Medical Help for Period Headaches

While mild headaches during menstruation are normal and can be controlled with various home remedies, some women may experience severe headaches that significantly affect their daily life.

If you notice a sudden increase in the intensity or frequency of your menstrual headaches, it is important to see a healthcare provider.

Women who experience menstrual migraines, which present with symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light or sound along with the headache, should also seek medical attention.

Frequent use of over-the-counter pain relievers or other medications may not be effective in controlling menstrual migraines.

Additionally, if your headache occurs at times other than during your period or is accompanied by other unusual symptoms such as fever or vision changes, it could indicate an underlying condition that needs prompt diagnosis and treatment by a doctor.

Misconceptions about menstrual headaches

Menstrual headaches are a common phenomenon, but they remain shrouded in misconceptions.

One of the most persistent is that period headaches are primarily a psychological or emotional response to menstrual pain.

Menstruation actually causes genuine physical changes in the body that can cause headaches.

Another misconception is that menstrual headaches always go away on their own without any intervention.

Although many people may experience a mild headache during menstruation, others may need appropriate medications and lifestyle changes to effectively control their symptoms.

It is also important to note that not all women experience headaches with every period, as hormonal fluctuations and other factors differ from person to person.

Dispelling these common misconceptions about period headaches is crucial to promoting accurate understanding and effective management of this condition among sufferers everywhere.

Notably, menstrual headaches are a common problem faced by many women. Understanding the link between menstruation and headaches is crucial to finding effective ways to deal with them.

It's important to know when to seek medical help for menstrual headaches, especially if they become severe or interfere with daily activities.

These articles may also interest you:

• 10 home and natural remedies to help you relieve pelvic pain in women
• Types and colors of menstruation: what do the reviews say about each one?
• Is it bad to drink alcohol when I have my period? Could I do it without problem?
• Is it true that lemon stops menstruation? Myth or Reality? What do the experts say?

Frequent questions

Can I get a headache before menstruation?

Many women experience headaches in the days before the start of their menstruation, which can last until the end of the menstrual cycle. This symptom is part of what is known as "premenstrual syndrome." PMS can also include other physical symptoms such as breast pain and swelling, fluid retention, pelvic discomfort, abdominal bloating, constipation , excess gas, general discomfort, and an increase in appetite. Although the exact causes of these symptoms are not yet fully understood, they could be related to the hormonal changes that a woman's body experiences during this period.

Are there natural remedies to relieve headaches during your period?

Once we have identified the possible causes of headache during menstruation, there are natural and home treatments that can provide quick and effective relief, among them we can tell you chamomile poultice, ginger infusion, apple cider vinegar, oil of lavender or mint and cold compresses: The application of cold is very effective in reducing inflammation and relieving discomfort. Moisten a gauze or compress with cold water and place it on your forehead for about 20 minutes to get relief. And if you want relief from pelvic pain, take a look here .

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