9 Top Remedies for Menstrual Migraine

Menstrual migraine can be incredibly disruptive to everyday life, causing throbbing headaches, nausea, and vomiting. But there is hope! There are so many ways you can combat menstrual migraine - from dietary changes to medications - that may help alleviate pain, reduce the severity of symptoms, or even prevent them altogether. In this blog post, we'll pull back the curtain on 9 top remedies for menstrual migraine that should be in your toolkit when battling the blues. So whether you're just starting to explore solutions for your painful and frustrating monthly headaches or have already tried everything without success–take heart – there's something out there that could make all the difference. Let's dive in!

Nine best Remedies for Menstrual Migraine

1 Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills are saving women from menstrual migraine for decades as a reliable form of contraception, but they can also be used to manage menstrually-related migraines. Numerous studies have shown that birth control pills effectively reduce the frequency and intensity of menstrual migraines when taken regularly. This is likely because the tablet keeps hormone levels consistent, preventing drastic shifts in estrogen and progesterone, which could trigger migraine attacks. Additionally, by lessening or eliminating periods, the amount of estrogen and progesterone in the system will remain steady throughout the month. Therefore, if you suffer from menstrual migraine, talk to your doctor about whether birth control pills might be right for you.

2 Hormonal IUD

Hormonal IUD has been an effective treatment for menstrual migraine, especially for those who suffer from severe migraines during their periods. The hormonal IUD releases hormones that directly affect the hypothalamus, which leads to fewer menstrual migraines. According to research, hormonal IUDs can even reduce headache severity and frequency by up to 80 percent compared with other treatments available today. It is important to note that several side effects are associated with using a hormonal IUD, so it is best to speak with your healthcare practitioner before beginning this therapy.

3 Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen belongs to the class of medications known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It can help reduce inflammation in the brain and constrict blood vessels that are thought to contribute to migraines. For optimal effect, it is recommended that ibuprofen be taken at the first sign of menstrual migraines, such as pain or sensitivity in the temple region. While ibuprofen may provide relief from symptoms and allow people to go about their normal activities, it is important to note that this medication should not replace professional advice from a doctor if these symptoms persist or become more frequent or severe.

4 Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is a widely used medicine for the relief of menstrual migraine symptoms such as headache, pain, and discomfort. When taken regularly, acetaminophen can help reduce the severity and duration of attacks. However, it is imperative to let your doctor know before taking acetaminophen to be sure it is suitable for your particular case. Additionally, when using over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen, stick to the dosage instructions on the label and do not exceed the recommended dose in any given 24-hour period. It's also a good idea to keep track of how much acetaminophen you are taking so that you do not add up your doses over time without realizing it. By doing so, you can ensure safety in usage and get the most benefit from this medication for your menstrual migraines.

5 Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient form of healing based on Chinese medicine that has been gaining popularity in recent years as a treatment for many types of pain, including menstrual migraines. The process works by stimulating specific points on your body with very thin needles to improve blood circulation and balance energy levels. During an acupuncture session, the practitioner will identify particular acupoints related to hormone regulation and energy flow in order to help reduce menstrual migraine headaches. Clinical studies have indicated that acupuncture can significantly reduce migraine symptoms and the number of headaches experienced during menstruation. While results can vary from patient to patient, it is worth considering acupuncture as a possible treatment option for those suffering from menstrual migraine headaches.

6 Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is the new norm when it comes to menstrual migraines these days. By applying pressure to specific points in the face, head, and neck areas, massage techniques help reduce tension and muscle pain associated with migraine headaches. This form of therapy works hand-in-hand with other treatments, such as medication and acupuncture. Massage therapy relaxes both body and mind while relieving general stress levels and helping restore balance to the body's energy flow. Additionally, it can improve blood circulation, which helps bring nutrient-rich nutrients throughout the body. With regular massage therapy sessions, many women have discovered that their migraine symptoms are significantly improved or eliminated over time.

7 Sleep and Exercise

Both sleep and exercise are essential habits to help mitigate menstrual migraine. Research indicates that women who sleep for fewer than seven hours or more than nine hours have a higher risk of experiencing regular migraines before, during, or after their menstrual cycle. To help ease tension from menstrual migraine, exercising on a regular basis has proven to be beneficial. Studies have found that exercise increases serotonin levels and releases endorphins, reducing migraine pain and improving the quality of sleep people receive. Investing in proper rest, exercise, and relaxation techniques will encourage healthy living practices and relieve menstrual migraines.

8 Magnesium Supplements

Magnesium supplements could help ease headaches and other symptoms of the condition. While the research needs to be more detailed on how exactly magnesium works to reduce menstrual migraine, studies suggest that taking 400 milligrams per day during the two weeks before your period can significantly reduce the severity of attack headaches. You should always consult with your healthcare provider before taking any supplement, as too much magnesium in your system can cause adverse reactions. Additionally, it's important to note that different people will respond differently to supplements - some will feel better faster than others - so be patient and mindful of your body's response to trial treatments.

9 Diet Modifications

One approach to managing menstrual migraine symptoms is to make diet modifications to reduce the frequency and severity of these debilitating headaches. Eating foods rich in magnesium, such as spinach, bananas, tobiko, yogurt, rice beans, and oat bran, may help reduce the number of prostaglandins circulating in the body, which are thought to contribute factor. Avoiding a high-sodium diet and processed foods, as well as limiting your intake of caffeine and alcohol–two known triggers for migraines–may also help to manage symptoms during menstrual periods. Additionally, being mindful about getting enough sleep, reducing stress levels with relaxation techniques, or engaging in regular exercise will improve overall health, which can also reduce pain levels associated with menstrual migraine.

Conclusion

If you suffer from menstrual migraine, know that you're not alone. The good news is that there are great tricks for you to try to lessen the pain and frequency of these migraines. From OTC medication to changing your diet, options are available to help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with menstrual migraine. Try every method until you find what works best for you, and then stick with it - hopefully, these remedies will help provide some relief.