Why do I get migraines on my period?

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Migraines that land on your period have a specific trigger: the sharp drop in estrogen that happens just before bleeding starts. The Office on Women's Health notes the link is well established - more than half of women with migraine report attacks tied to their cycle - and menstrual migraines have a reputation: they tend to be more severe, longer, and harder to treat than attacks at other times. They typically hit from two days before to three days into the period.

Confirming the pattern is step one, and it changes treatment: track attacks and cycle dates for three months. If the link holds, the playbook includes treating attacks early with triptans - they work best taken at the first sign - and, for predictable cycles, mini-prevention: taking an NSAID or a triptan for the few high-risk days around the period, which studies show prevents many attacks. Steady estrogen - through certain birth control approaches - helps some women, though it has nuances, especially with migraine with aura, so that is a doctor conversation, not self-service.

The general migraine hygiene matters more on period weeks: regular sleep, regular meals, no skipped hydration. And severe or changing headaches in pregnancy or after 40 always deserve a fresh look.

Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text. Track and describe your attacks, and it can help you bring the pattern to a doctor.

Why do I get migraines on my period?

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