MENSTRUAL MIGRAINES

Women are three times as likely than males to experience migraines. It is not until the females enter puberty that this difference becomes apparent. 60% of women experience migraines associated with their menstrual cycle. Only 14% of women experience migraines that are timed with their periods. Could estrogen be the only factor in migraines associated with menstruation? Saying migraines are merely headaches would be equivalent. We now understand that migraines are much more than just headaches. More than just the body's shifting levels of estrogen can cause menstrual migraines. The menstrual cycle causes changes in the levels of many chemicals, including serotonin, prostaglandin, norepinephrine, melatonin, and others. Each has a part to play in migraines connected to menstruation.

Typically, menstrual migraines begin two days before or two days after the start of menstruation. A straightforward solution is to take 500 mg of naproxen twice daily WITH FOOD over these five days. Anti-inflammatory medications should always be used with food to assist avoid the development of stomach ulcers. If you have a history of ulcers, bleeding issues, or aspirin allergies, do not take. Naproxen will assist in both cramp reduction and migraine prevention. A few over-the-counter vitamins may prove beneficial.

NEVER use triphasic contraceptives. Monophasic birth control pills appear to be more effective, even for women who do not get menstrual migraines. Oral contraceptives may be sold in packets of variously colored pills.