Do you feel a headache a few days before the arrival of menstruation, during it, or the days after it has already ended? This is a condition that many women suffer every month and is called menstrual migraine, which seems to be a consequence of the hormonal changes that the female body experiences during this stage. It is essential to pay attention to the exact moment these headaches occur to determine the precise cause and schedule a visit with the gynecologist if they do not stop or are accompanied by significant alterations in menstruation. In the following FastlyHealarticle, we show the causes of headaches during menstruation and natural remedies more effective in relieving them.
Table of Contents
Why do you get a headache during menstruation?
Headache before menstruation
Many women suffer from a headache during the 2 or 3 days before the start of menstruation, and in many cases, this symptom lasts until the end of it. When the Headache appears during the days before the arrival of menstruation, it constitutes one more symptom of what is known as “premenstrual syndrome. ” In this, other physical symptoms may occur, such as pain and swelling in the breasts, fluid retention, pelvic pain, abdominal swelling, excessive gas, general malaise, increased appetite. All of them, in addition, are usually accompanied by a series of emotional symptoms. By consulting the Premenstrual article syndrome, you can discover them: duration, causes, and treatment.
Although the exact causes are unknown, it has been pointed out that both the Headache before and during menstruation and the rest of the symptoms could be related to the hormonal changes that the female body experiences during this stage. Specifically, menstrual migraine is associated with the decrease in estrogen that occurs just before the menstrual cycle. These hormones control brain chemicals that affect the sensation of pain in women.
Headache after menstruation
Now, when the Headache occurs after the period or just at the end of it, it is convenient to bear in mind that hormonal changes in the female body do not always cause it. It is possible that in this case, the Headache is due to very heavy menstruation in which there has been a significant loss of iron due to excessive menstrual bleeding. Additionally, headaches can be accompanied by weakness, exhaustion, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
Very heavy or prolonged periods are medically known as menorrhagia. In this case, it is imperative to consult with the gynecologist to determine the cause and know if there is any disorder or condition behind a very long or excessive period. In the following article, you can see the leading causes of a burdensome period.
Symptoms of menstrual migraine
The so-called menstrual migraine can present with the symptoms that we list below, although these can vary from one woman to another and also present different intensities according to each patient:
- Pain on one side only.
- Sickness
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to sounds
- Difficult to focus
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Bad mood
Natural remedies for headaches during menstruation
Once the possible causes of Headache during menstruation are known, we will see what treatments can be carried out at home to relieve it naturally and quickly. Those that can offer you the best results are the following:
Chamomile poultice
Chamomile acts as a potent anti-inflammatory and natural painkiller in case of menstrual migraine and other types of headaches. You have to prepare an infusion of chamomile, wait for it to cool, moisten a cloth, and place it on the forehead or the area where you feel the most pain.
Ginger infusion
Ginger has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, so it is ideal for relieving headaches during menstruation. Prepare an infusion by adding a piece of fresh root to 1 cup of boiling water, letting it sit for a few minutes, and taking small sips to combat discomfort.
Apple vinegar
Apple cider vinegar also has anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties, which can help relieve headaches and migraines. The treatment consists of diluting two small tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 1 glass of water and drinking the preparation.
Lavender or peppermint oil
There are essential oils, such as lavender or peppermint, that have vasoconstrictive, vasodilator, and relaxant properties, providing relief when you have menstrual migraine. With a few drops of these oils, you can gently massage the painful area in circular motions.
Cold compresses
The application of cold is beneficial for reducing inflammation in the area and relieving discomfort. Dampen a gauze or compress with cold water and place it on your forehead to work for about 20 minutes.
You can see other treatments like these in the article Home remedies for headaches.
Other tips to relieve menstrual headaches
- Incorporate more magnesium-rich foods into your diet, as a lack of this nutrient has been linked to headaches and other symptoms of PMS.
- Eat more foods rich in niacin, as this B-complex vitamin helps mild headaches.
- Iron-rich foods are recommended especially for women who have heavy periods and prevent anemia.
- Drink plenty of water and healthy fluids, such as natural juices and herbal teas.
- Avoid consuming alcohol and caffeine.
- Get some light to moderate physical exercise to reduce the discomfort associated with PMS.
- Relax and reduce daily stress.
- Go to your gynecologist if the Headache during menstruation, before or after it is very intense and does not stop with the passage of days.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Headache during menstruation: causes and natural remedies, we recommend that you enter our category of Female reproductive system.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.