Headaches during menstruation: causes and how to treat them

Headache is a complaint that is often felt by women during menstruation or menstruation, in addition to back pain and flatulence. It's just that, headaches don't always appear right when you're having your period. Headaches can appear before or after menstruation. So, what are the causes of headaches that appear during menstruation and how can you easily deal with them?

Causes of headaches during menstruation

The causes of headaches in general are many. However, headaches that occur during menstruation are generally caused by hormonal changes in the body.

Approaching and during menstruation, the levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone in the body keep changing. Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, the hormones estrogen and progesterone have a key role in regulating the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

The hormone estrogen is a hormone that usually increases when you are menstruating to help release eggs. Meanwhile, the increased progesterone hormone can help in thickening the lining of the uterus to prepare the fetus for pregnancy.

After ovulation and no pregnancy occurs, these hormones will fall back down to their lowest point. That's when you may experience a headache. Not only that. Hormonal changes during menstruation are also related to the levels of chemical compounds in your brain that can trigger headaches.

Distinguishing ordinary headaches and migraines during menstruation

Hormonal changes and brain chemical levels during menstruation commonly cause this type of migraine headache. Women do have a higher tendency to experience migraines than men.

Although at first glance it looks similar, it doesn't mean that headaches and migraines during menstruation are not different. The thing that distinguishes the two types of headaches is especially the pain that occurs.

1. Headache during menstruation

Common headaches caused by hormonal changes during menstruation are usually mild to moderate. The pain that appears usually gives a sensation as if the head has been pulled until it feels replied.

If you have this headache, it may be very disturbing and make you feel uncomfortable. However, the pain is not too severe or bothers you during your daily activities.

2. Migraine during menstruation

You are more likely to experience migraines than regular headaches during menstruation. Even if you are used to having migraine attacks, you will be prone to migraines during menstruation.

Migraine headaches are usually divided into two, migraine with aura or without aura. However, migraines that occur during menstruation are usually migraines without aura.

Migraines that occur during menstruation usually cause a throbbing feeling that is very painful. This pain may start on one side of your head and move to the other side.

Not only that. The cause of this menstrual headache can also make it difficult for you to open your eyes and think. It is not uncommon for migraines during menstruation to make women unable to carry out daily activities as usual.

Symptoms of headaches during menstruation

To identify the type of headache you experience during menstruation, you may have to identify the symptoms that may arise. From these symptoms, it will be easier for you to determine the type of headache and how to treat it.

Headache symptoms that may arise due to hormonal changes include:

very tired
pain in joints and muscles aching
constipation or diarrhea
mood swings
hungry easily

However, not only headaches, the above symptoms can also appear when you have a migraine. Meanwhile, other symptoms that may arise due to migraines are:

nausea
gag
more sensitive to sound
more sensitive to too bright light

How to deal with headaches during menstruation?

Headaches caused by hormonal changes are usually difficult to avoid. However, you can still try to solve it in the following ways:

1. Using pain relievers

Headaches during menstruation can be treated by taking pain relievers. Some of the types of drugs you can use include ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin.

These pain relievers usually work by stopping the production of prostaglandin hormones in the body. This hormone is what causes you to feel pain in your body, including your head.

In addition, you can also use acetaminophen, which is an analgesic drug that works in the body by interacting with prostaglandin hormones. The interactions that occur help change your body's response to pain.

However, you should always consult with your doctor about the use of drugs. The reason is, not all women have the exact same condition.

That way, the doctor can help weigh the risks and benefits of using the drug for you.

2. Taking prescription drugs from a doctor

To treat migraine headaches, you can also use triptan drugs, one of which is sumatriptan.

This drug will usually be prescribed by a doctor to treat migraine headaches that are severe enough and cannot be treated with over-the-counter drugs.

Sumpatriptan works to constrict the blood vessels in the head that are dilated due to migraines. Then, this drug will also block the pain signals from reaching the brain, so that the migraine headaches will subside. But keep in mind that you should only use this medication if it is prescribed by a doctor.

3. Doing care at home

Meanwhile, there are also home treatments for simple menstrual headaches. Some of these ways you can do independently, such as:

Place a bag of ice cubes wrapped in a towel on the area of your head that hurts.
Practice relaxation to reduce stress.
Acupuncture therapy that can help relax you and relieve headaches.
Make a personal note about headaches. Note the times when your menstrual headaches start to help your doctor find a pattern and treatment.