Why do females get headaches when on their period?

Answer 1

At least five million women suffer 'hormone headaches' each month, according to researchers.

They said some get headaches lasting several days and have to plan their diaries around the pain.

Changes in sex hormones are blamed for the migraine-style attacks which some sufferers have endured for many years as part of their menstrual cycle.

Each month, almost half suffer four or more of the headaches which can last for up to a week in the worst cases.

Experts claim too many women 'grin and bear' the pain which may prolong the agony of the under-recognised condition.

Dr Catherine Hood, a GP who specialises in women's health, said an estimated five million women suffered hormonal headaches regularly during the busiest time of their lives when they are juggling family and work.

'Women suffer from headaches more than men, especially during the reproductive years when female hormones are up and down with the menstrual cycle,' she said.

'Hormone headaches are not short-lived if left untreated.

'Some sufferers expect to have a headache at certain times of the month and it dictates how they plan their activities.

'Up to a third of women don't like taking tablets for it but the pain should be nipped in the bud to break the cycle.'

Dr Hood said changing levels of the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone may affect headache-related chemicals in the brain.

Falling oestrogen levels can cause menstrual headache and make women more sensitive to pain, she added.

The latest research involving 50 women aged 18-45 who regularly endured hormonal headaches found they had suffered for 12 years on average.

One woman had lived with regular attacks for 30 years.

In the study commissioned by the makers of 4head, a treatment made from peppermint, more than half said their pain lasted several days, typically two to three.

Some women, however, suffered for up to a week.

The key trigger was the monthly cycle, with more than half getting hormone headaches before their period and a third during.

The vast majority of employed women continued to work despite feeling stressed and irritable.

The research, which was independently verified, also tested 4head Stick, with eight out of ten women saying it was effective.

Three-quarters said relief was immediate or within 15 minutes.

The active ingredient

Answer 2

Menstrual migraines are reported to have three causes. One is the sharp decline in estrogen before menstruation begins. For women who have this as the cause, wearing the estrogen patch (100mcg patch) several days before the decline would happen, or being on Birth Control** for three straight months without skipping the week intended to produce menstruation (so that they get four periods a year) has been been shown to help with migraine control by keeping estrogen levels consistent.

The second cause is the increase in prostaglandins that occur in the body during the shedding of the endometrium. Prostaglandins are chemicals in the body that can cause inflammation and pain. To help offset this cause, a recommendation would be to take Naproxen (two doses of Aleve) for several days before your usual occurrence of migraine. The third cause is a magnesium deficiency during your period. Magnesium levels are known to drop during your cycle. Magnesium is one of the most important minerals when it comes to controlling migraines, and in fact - just a lack of magnesium in your system can cause you to be sensitive to light all the time. Magnesium is used orally as a preventative, and intravenously as a migraine abortive. To prevent this cause, begin taking a daily magnesium supplement, and increase it during the latter half of your cycle. * ** birth control poses a stroke risk, as does migraine with aura. If you have migraines with aura, particularly migraines with prolonged aura, taking birth control can further increase your risk of stroke.

Answer 3

Migraines that occur right before the beginning of menses are called Menstrual Migraines and are often triggered by fluctuating or low levels of estrogen or other hormones. See your physician or headache specialist for appropriate diagnosis and treatment of Migraine and headache disorders.

Answer 4

as to why women get headaches around/during their periods, its could be due to a number of factors, low hormone levels,

the body response to the pain level of the menstrual cramps, dehydration, tiredness, Diet eating to much processed salty and sugary foods, lack of exercise. Most of all depends on the individual.as so ive heard from a few women that they don't suffer any headaches or cramps or bloating, and have light menstrual flow and only last for 3 days, well will ye get on and tell us what is it that ye do different and they come in all different shape and sizes and backgrounds.

Answer 5

A Migraine that happens in a pattern - regularly before the beginning of menstruation, is called a Menstrual Migraine. Usually these are a result of a drop in estrogen after ovulation and just before menstruation, and are often treated by manipulating the woman's cycle to either eliminate menstruation, or pre-treating for a Migraine attack before the expected attack occurs.

Answer 6

A migraine can be triggered by the hormonal changes that take place prior to the start of the menstrual cycle.

Answer 7

It is one of the many pains you get when you get your period. It is completely normal. If you want to take some tylenol.

Answer 8

well its hormones

Answer 9

Perhaps due to the hormonal variation.