How are headaches related to menstruation?

menstrual migraine There are a lot of them in people who usually suffer from this type of headache. However, in some cases they also occur in patients who do not usually suffer from migraines. Logically this makes one think that he has hormonal explanation. Migraines are actually much more common in women, so sex hormones may have a lot to say about it.

Menstrual migraines usually occur two days before the start of menstruation and before the third day of it. This does not mean that they have that duration, but that they could start on any of these days. Sometimes this happens every month, sometimes only from time to time. Sometimes several occur in one cycle, while in milder cases at most one develops. But in all cases there is a common factor: drop in estrogen levels.

The phases of the menstrual cycle are marked by changes in the levels of hormones such as estrogen, especially estradiol They also intervene, first of all, progesterone, LH and FSH. Produced primarily in the ovaries, estrogens play a fundamental role in the development of sexual characteristics known as females. However, it also interferes with processes associated with other non-sexual or reproductive systems, such as the nervous system. Considering that estrogen levels are known to drop just before menstruation and in the early days, it seems that they are the clear culprit in the onset of menstrual migraines. But let’s see what the reasons are.

Estradiol and the nervous system: what is the connection?

It is known that estrogens, especially estradiol, also act on the nervous system. In fact, the developing brain already has high levels of estradiol receptors, so it is thought to have many functions. neuronal. These range from the development of neurons to arousal that makes it easier for them to send messages to each other. It also interferes with synaptic plasticity, which shapes our nervous system through learning, and even acts as a neuroprotectant.

With all this, it is believed that fluctuations in its level may be associated with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, depression and, of course, migraines.. Since estrogen levels suddenly drop at precisely the points in the menstrual cycle when headaches occur most often, it is more than clear that this is the reason why menstrual migraines occur. We already know the reason. But let’s focus on the important things. Is there anything that can be done to prevent them or make them less painful?

Prevention and treatment of menstrual migraine

First of all, if menstrual migraines are very bothersome, you should consult a doctor. There are basically two options to choose from. Well make a plan anti-inflammatory agent precisely on those days when headaches usually begin, as a prophylaxis or prescribed contraceptives.

The latter should not be prescribed unless there are sufficient grounds for it. In fact, in the case of migraines caused by menstruation, it has been observed that the condition improves in some patients and worsens in others. Therefore, if they are taken for these cases, you should always have them with you. medical monitoring.

Ultimately, there is an explanation for menstrual migraines. Essentially they are telling us that everything is going well. Hormonal levels are where they should be. But our brains don’t handle it as well as they should. Therefore, sometimes it is necessary to resort to drug treatment. If this is your case and the headaches are recurring and very annoying every month, consult a doctor.