This is why you get a headache on your period – and how to deal

So, periods stink: You’ve got PMS, agonising cramps and body aches, bloating, cravings, and, of course, bleeding. Can it get worse? Well, you may also deal with a lovely aching, throbbing headache before or during your period. UGH.

Yep, it’s not just you – the period headache is real. “Indeed, many women do suffer from the fancy diagnosis of ‘premenstrual migraines,’” says Dr Mary Jane Minkin, an ob-gyn and clinical professor of obstetrics, gynaecology and reproductive sciences.

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“It is very difficult to tell if a migraine is hormonally related or not just from the symptoms, but it’s the timing that’s the usual clue,” Dr Minkin says. “Many women get these headaches the day before or so and the first day of their period.”

Some good news? By day two or three of menstruation, period headaches usually fade, Dr Minkin says. But until then (and for next month!), it helps to know how to tell if it’s period-related head pain you’re dealing with – and how to ease your discomfort.

Here, everything you need to know about premenstrual headaches from a couple of period pros.

Why do some women get period headaches?

Blame oestrogen, says Dr Sheeva Talebian, a reproductive endocrinologist. “Most menstrual-related headaches are due to the rapid drop in oestrogen right before the onset of your period,” she says.

A mini menstruation lesson: When you ovulate (as in, an egg is released from your ovary), your oestrogen peaks and your ovary makes progesterone. For a while, your womanly hormones stay up.

But if you’re not pumping pregnancy hormones a week or so later, your body halts oestrogen and progesterone production, triggering your period, Dr Talebian explains.

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That sudden drop in oestrogen (a.k.a. “oestrogen withdrawal”) tweaks chemicals in your brain that affect how you experience pain, and up goes your sensitivity, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health (OWH) explains.

Add to that constricted blood vessels, which happens to some women when they’re low in oestrogen, et voilà: the dreaded period headache.

Other potential factors that can play into period headaches? Dehydration, blood loss (especially if you’re anaemic) and poor sleep, Dr Talebian notes. Already prone to migraines?

Then there’s a 60% chance you’ll suffer from menstrual migraines as well, per the National Headache Foundation (NHF). And if you’re on birth control, that can bring on more headaches when you switch to your sugar pills and your oestrogen levels tank (yay, hormones!).

Does this feel like your typical headache or… ?

They may present a little differently than a typical headache or migraine. Menstrual headaches can range from mild to severe when it comes to pain, says Dr Talebian, and they tend to start on one side of your head before spreading (docs aren’t sure why this is, she says).

Classic migraine symptoms could strike, too; for instance, you might feel super-sensitive to light and sick to your stomach.

Okay, gimme the fix: how do I get rid of mine?

The first step is prevention. Stay hydrated, get some rest and make sure you’re logging enough hours of sleep. If you know a headache tends to come with your period, try using a period tracker and then start taking over-the-counter pain meds like aspirin, ibuprofen (like Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) a few days before, Dr Talebian suggests.

These meds will help fight the inflammation causing that pounding in your head. Take ‘em as needed with food (to avoid upsetting your stomach and developing ulcers) and follow the recommended dosage on the back of the box.

If you’re on the Pill, you may be able to prevent your headaches by simply taking pills through your period and skipping the sugar pills to keep oestrogen levels up. But always consult with your doctor first before making any changes to your medication regimen.

Got pain or killer nausea on top of a headache? It’s best to see your MD. You may need prescription meds to treat more severe migraine symptoms.

^{This article was originally published on www.womenshealthsa.co.za}

^{Image credit: iStock}