Almost half of women who suffer from migraines get headaches during their period. But not all menstrual migraines are alike- here are some tips for recognizing hormone-triggered migraine attacks, and natural ways to treat them.
What defines a menstrual migraine?
According to the International Headache Society, there are two types of menstrual migraines, or hormonal migraine headaches.
Menstrually-related migraines without aura begin two days before menstruation, and up to three days following the first signs of a period. With menstrual migraines without aura, headaches follow a similar pattern for at least two out of every three menstruation periods, although you may also experience migraine attacks during any time of menstruation.
Approximately half of all female migraine patients experience menstrually-related migraines without aura.
Pure menstrual migraines without aura follow a similar pattern, except that migraine attacks only occur during the first few days of menstruation, and not during any other time of the month.
Purely menstrual migraines without aura are less common, but still significant, striking almost 20% of all women who suffer from migraine headaches.
Also see: Symptoms of a Menstrual Migraine
Natural menstrual migraine care
If you suffer from chronic migraines, it’s important to speak with your health care practitioner or neurologist to discuss ways you can reduce headache frequency, both naturally and with the help of migraine medications.
That being said, here are some healthy complementary treatments that help many women suffering from menstrual migraines:
Get more magnesium!
About half of all women who suffer from migraines also exhibit magnesium deficiency, according to the latest studies.
Magnesium is an essential nutrient that promotes natural relaxation, and is crucial for numerous biochemical reactions throughout your body.
Magnesium helps to relax your arteries, a huge advantage for women who suffer from migraine headaches caused by constricted blood vessels.
In countless experiments focused on patients of chronic migraine, supplementation of magnesium consistently provided favorable results in migraine frequency, severity, and duration.
Women wishing to boost magnesium in their diet as a means of reducing the effect of menstrual migraines can choose to take supplements while also increasing their intake of magnesium-rich foods, such as dark leafy greens, whole grains, legumes, and seafood.
Open yourself up to butterbur!
Another star in the world of natural alternative medicine, the herb butterbur (Petasites hybridus) has been turning heads with its ability to benefit migraine patients efficiently and without side effects, at least 50% of the time.
Butterbur extract is completely safe for migraine patients, including women suffering from menstrual migraines caused by hormonal imbalances.
Always look for butterbur supplements that are PA-free, as pyrrolizidine alkaloids found in second-grade butterbur treatments can have toxic side effects.
Your turn!
Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave your comments below.
Share with your friends!
If you found this article helpful, then please share with your friends, family, and coworkers by email, Facebook, or Google+.
Like this? Read more:
6 Safe Migraine Treatments for Pregnant Moms
Migraines and Menopause Symptoms
Natural Migraine Ingredients for Women
Sources:
Menstrual Migraine: New Approaches to Diagnosis and Treatment
Image(s) courtesy of marin/FreeDigitalPhotos.net