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What are menstrual migraines?

Menstrual migraines usually occur within two days either side of the first day of a woman’s period. If menstrual migraines are a problem, you may benefit from using either non-hormonal or hormonal treatments.

The non-hormonal treatments that are recommended are:

  • Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), a widely used type of medication that helps reduce pain eg. ibuprofe
  • Triptans, medicines that reverse the widening (dilation) of blood vessels, which is thought to be a contributory factor in migraines eg. sumatriptan, rizatriptan or eletriptan

Hormonal treatments that may be recommended are:

  • Oestrogen patches - which are worn three days before the start of your period and continued for seven days
  • Hormonal contraception, such as the combined oral contraceptive pill
  • Certain types of contraceptive implants or injections

Signs of hormone headaches

It’s worth keeping a diary for at least three menstrual cycles to help you check whether your migraines are linked to your periods.

If they’re linked, a diary can help to pinpoint at what stage in your cycle you get a migraine.

The Migraine Trust has an online headache diary, which may be useful:

Self-help tips for hormone headaches

If keeping a diary reveals that your headaches develop just before your period, you can try these tips to help prevent a migraine

  • Eat small, frequent snacks to keep your blood sugar level up. Missing meals or going too long without food can trigger attacks. Have a small snack before going to bed, and always eat breakfas
  • Have a regular sleep pattern and avoid too much or too little slee
  • Avoid stress. If this proves difficult, find ways to deal with stress, such as taking regular exercise and using relaxation strategies.

Migraine clinics

If you are not responding to treatment or your migraines are not being well managed, your GP may refer you to a specialist migraine clinic for further investigation.

Reasons for being referred include:

  • doubt over the diagnosis of migraine
  • a rarer form of migraine is suspected
  • other headaches besides migraine are present
  • treatment is not working well for you
  • your migraines or headaches are getting worse and/or more frequent.

Other useful telephone numbers and contacts

  • NHS 111
  • Southport Health and Wellbeing Centre, Physiotherapy Gym, 42 to 44 Hoghton Street, Southport, PR9 0PQ

Our patients matter

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust listens and responds to patients and their carers to help improve the services we deliver. If you have any comments, compliments or concerns you can speak with a member of staff or contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) and Complaints Team

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