How Can I Prevent Menstrual Migraines?

Are your periods regular?

Have you tried magnesium supplements?

Are you stressed?

Have you considered birth control pills?

Do you have any food triggers?

Have you checked with a doctor?

Many times, when your hormones are not working well, it can lead to irregular periods and this can cause menstrual migraines as well. In general, there are two important hormones - progesterone and estrogen. While research is still going on about the relationship between menstrual migraine and these hormones, for now, know that fluctuations in these two can lead to changes in your menstrual cycle and migraines with it.

Research shows that women with magnesium deficiencies tend to have more frequent migraines. This is because magnesium relaxes blood vessels and prevents migraine attacks. So, if you think your diet doesn't have enough magnesium, consider taking supplements. Also, foods like bananas are steeped in magnesium, so pop a couple every day. Dark green vegetables, whole grains, seafood, and beans are also known to contain copious amounts of magnesium.

Stress is the number one cause of migraines. Medical practitioners recommend adopting a stress-free lifestyle to reduce the chances of migraines and this includes regular exercise, good sleep, meditation, yoga, and decreased alcohol consumption. Consider incorporating all of these in your lifestyle to live a healthy life and in the process, you can say goodbye to migraines as well.

Often, birth control pills are used to streamline your menstrual cycle by adjusting the hormone levels. When your hormones are in balance, the chances for a migraine goes down and this is why many doctors recommend them if you're suffering from intense bouts regularly before or during your periods. But it is important to note that birth control pills don't work for migraines that come with blurred vision, spots, or flickering lights.

Food is another leading cause of migraines as some foods with MSG or caffeine can affect some people. If you're unable to find the cause of your migraine, keep a food journal, and make a note of all the foods you eat. Over time, you'll be able to identify the food triggers for your migraine. Sometimes, skipping meals and irregular eating habits can also lead to migraines, so make sure you have an eating schedule and you stick to it.

Consider scheduling a visit with your doctor to rule out any underlying conditions. Frequent and painful migraines that can't be attributable to any particular trigger can be a sign of a deeper problem. It is good to rule that out at the earliest. Also, your doctor can give you the right medications that can enhance the quality of your life, so you don't have to suffer through this pain.

if your doctor has recommended medications, take them regularly and make sure you maintain a healthy and active lifestyle to reduce the chances of migraines. More importantly, understand the triggers and stay away from them.