Menstrual Migraines: Getting Them to Stop or Never Start
Ladies are three times more likely to have migraines than men. Isn't that terrible to hear?
This does not show signs until the females reach puberty. 60% of women gain migraines related to their period. I often wonder if menstrual created migraines are only linked to estrogen. That's like saying migraines are merely headaches.
Today, we are aware that migraines are much different than just your standard headache. Gaining a migraine during a menstrual cycle is more than estrogen flowing through the body. Serotonin, melatonin, and other chemical levels fluctuate with the menstrual cycle. Each one of these play some role in menstrual related migraines
I have run into these specific migraines a time or two. I run into issues maneuvering simple things. Doing laundry, doing dishes or even making dinner. The pain would get so intense that I would need to lay in my bed, keep the lights off and place a sleep mask over my face... just so that I could keep the pain down... if only for a moment
It can be unbearable at times and make you feel as if you will never get through it. They normally start about two days before your period begins. Now, you could take medication to help you through. Taking a medication called naproxen twice a day with food can sometimes offset the effects. It not only prevents migraines, but it can help with your cramping issues as well.
I know, I know, not everyone deals with cramping during their period, but many do so it's nice to know.
Outside of medications, as you know... I'm not a fan. There are some other things you can do to help deal with menstrual migraines:
Make yourself some tea with lavender: I'm sure it sounds gross, but lavender reduces blood vessel inflammation. Bonus: It also helps lower stress and anxiety!
Take in some Caffeine: You'd think with all of the Monster Energy I drink... I would never have migraines of any capacity. Unfortunately, I do. Probably because my intake is too high. A lot of caffeine can create migraines but taking in a little at a time can help to avoid them. Crazy right? Grab you a cup of coffee ladies. Your head will thank you.
Stay hydrated: Water is your friend. I bet this is not the first time you've been told that. In this case, it's 100% true. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to stay hydrated.
Eat something: Being hungry can be a reason your headaches become migraines. Yes, we all want to be stick thin and attract mates, but those mates will be scared away if we're in so much pain we snap at them when the light comes on. Eat something. Bonus points if you eat something with caffeine in it... like chocolate.
Be mindful of what you can and can't do. Don't overextend yourself in order to avoid these menstrual migraines. One could argue that it only happens once a month for a short amount of time and it's not worth changing your whole world.
🧡Shine Bright, Kayla
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