Menstrual Migraine Treatment

Menstrual Migraine Treatment and the contraceptive pill

Clinicians around the world are now beginning to point to the neck as the primary cause of migraines and have begun treating the cervical spine for menstrual migraine prevention rather than prescribing medications or cyclical hormone replacement therapy, including hormonal birth control (contraceptive) pills.

This means that our Menstrual Migraine treatment will not have any impact on the contraceptive pill!

Old theory of the cause of Menstrual Migraines

The traditional and old theory of the cause of menstrual migraines was the changes in hormonal levels in the body during the menstrual cycle. During the cycle, there is a fall in oestrogen levels at the beginning of the period. This fall in hormonal oestrogen levels was thought to trigger a menstrual migraine. However, the changes in hormonal levels are in fact the same regardless of whether a female suffers from a menstrual migraine or not

How Are Menstrual Migraines Diagnosed?

Menstrual migraines are typically diagnosed based on a detailed medical history and symptom tracking. A healthcare provider will assess the timing of migraine attacks in relation to the menstrual cycle, ensuring they follow a consistent pattern across multiple cycles.

Tracking headache symptoms using a migraine diary can be helpful in confirming whether the migraines are menstrual-related. This migraine/headache diary should record:

• The onset, duration, and severity of headaches
• Any associated symptoms, such as nausea or sensitivity to light and sound
• The phase of the menstrual cycle during which the migraine occurs
• Any potential triggers, such as stress, sleep disturbances, or dietary factors

In some cases, hormonal testing may be conducted to rule out other conditions, although most menstrual migraines occur without hormonal abnormalities. An accurate diagnosis is essential for determining the most effective treatment strategy, whether it involves lifestyle adjustments, preventive care, or targeted therapies.

Common Approaches to Managing Menstrual Migraine

Managing menstrual migraines often requires a combination of approaches tailored to the individual. While some women may find relief through lifestyle adjustments, others may need medical interventions to reduce the severity and frequency of attacks.

Lifestyle Change

• Consistent Sleep Patterns: Maintaining a regular sleep schedule can help reduce migraine frequency.
• Stress Management: Relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and gentle exercise can help manage stress-related triggers.
• Dietary Adjustments: Identifying and avoiding potential food triggers, such as caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods, may be beneficial.

Medications

• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium are commonly used to relieve headache pain and reduce inflammation.
• Triptans: These medications, often prescribed for migraines, can be effective in managing menstrual migraines when taken at the onset of symptoms.
• Hormonal Therapies: Some patients may be prescribed birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy to stabilise hormone fluctuations and prevent migraine episodes.

Non-Medication Approaches

• Physical Therapy & Postural Corrections: Addressing neck tension and posture-related issues may contribute to migraine relief.
• Targeted Menstrual Migraine Treatment: The Brisbane Headache and Migraine Clinic™ offers non-invasive, menstrual migraine natural treatment approaches that focus on identifying and treating the underlying cause rather than just managing symptoms.