Unlike ordinary headaches, migraines are headaches that feel throbbing and usually occur on one side of the head. Migraines are more common in women because hormonal changes during menstruation influence them. Here are some things you need to know about migraines during menstruation and ways to deal with them:
Migraine Symptoms During Menstruation
The decrease in estrogen level before menstruation causes hormonal changes in the body and causes migraines. Migraine attacks can last anywhere from 2 days before your period to 3 days after your period ends. Usually, the symptoms that are felt are throbbing pain on one side of the head, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and noise. Premenstrual syndromes such as bloating, sore breasts, and drastic mood changes also often accompany these headache attacks.
Difference between Migraine and Common Headache
Migraines usually occur on only one side of the head, and the pain is more severe. Migraines are categorized into two, namely, with aura and without aura. Migraine with Aura is a visual disorder that makes it appear as if the sufferer sees flashes of light and unusual lines about 30 minutes before the migraine attack. In addition, migraine with aura begins with symptoms in the form of numbness in the hands or face, a tickling feeling in the hands and face, and pain around one of the eyeballs or ears. Common headaches are not preceded by an aura, and usually, the pain is not as intense as a migraine.
How to Overcome Migraines
Here are some ways you can do to deal with migraines:
1. Medicine Consumption
In general, medicine for migraines is divided into two: to prevent and treat migraine. Examples of medicine to prevent migraines are anticonvulsants, CGRP antagonists, beta-blockers, and onabotulinumtoxinA. If migraine pain is severe, you can take the medication with rizatriptan. Always communicate with your doctor before you decide to take medication.
2. Exercise
A 2019 study indicated that cardio exercise could reduce the duration of migraine attacks. In addition, regular exercise is a great way to prevent migraine attacks.
3. Reducing stress
By trying to avoid stress-causing factors from day to day, you can reduce your risk of getting a migraine attack. This is because stress, even just for a moment, can cause migraine attacks.
Migraines, in general, can also be caused by poor sleep quality, excessive alcohol consumption, frequent caffeinated beverages, fatigue, and insufficient food intake. By knowing the causes of migraines, you can overcome and even avoid them. If the pain persists, don't hesitate to contact your doctor for further examination.
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Source:
Whelan, C. (2021). Understanding Why You Have Migraine During Your Period. Healthline. [online]. https://www.healthline.com/health/migraine/migraine-during-period