People who get headaches at the same time each month could need to see a GP, the NHS has explained. While anyone with health concerns should always see a GP, the health authority publishes advice that could help people who don’t realise their symptoms could be a sign of an underlying condition. According to the latest guidance on the NHS website, some people with periods may experience menstrual migraines that coincide with the start of their period. The NHS explains: “Menstrual migraines are very painful
headaches that happen around the time of your period. “They usually happen around two days before your period starts, or during the first three days of your period. They’re linked to changing levels of hormones and can be more painful than other types of migraine. Most women who get menstrual migraines also get migraines at other times.” The NHS says people who experience menstrual migraines should ‘see a GP’ as there are medicines that could help. The health service also directs people to The Migraine
Trust for more information. The Migraine Trust says that menstrual migraine is very common. The charity explains: “Menstrual migraine attacks tend to be longer and more severe compared with migraine attacks at other times. As well as head pain, you may be more likely to feel or be sick, and to have sensitivity to light or sounds. “Menstrual migraine attacks are more likely to be without aura, even if you get migraine with aura at other times of the month. Migraine attacks linked to periods
may also be more difficult to treat.” The charity says attacks usually occur from around two days before the start of a period through the third day of a period. However, the duration can vary. While these migraine attacks may be more difficult to treat, your doctor might recommend acute medicines to treat an attack and preventative medicines to reduce the frequency. In some cases, a doctor may recommend contraception or hormone supplements to help alleviate symptoms. The guidance continues: “Migraine attacks tend to result
from a combination of several different triggers. It’s not always possible to identify exactly what these are. But not drinking enough, disturbed sleep and irregular or missed meals are common triggers. “These may all increase your risk of a migraine attack, even in menstrual migraine. If you have migraine linked to your periods, it’s worthwhile taking extra care to manage other migraine triggers around this time.”
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