The PMS Headache Survival Guide
Headaches are a nuisance in general and especially when they occur during your menstrual phase.
The Premenstrual phase, formally called the Luteal phase, brings a collection of symptoms.
Women face these symptoms during their reproductive age.
Headaches are one of the commonly reported symptoms by menstruating women, and they are known as Menstrual-related Headaches (MRH).
Some women have menstrual migraines, which is more than a bad headache. It is also known as hormone headaches.
Menstrual migraine affects 60% of women worldwide.
It can be highly irritating and may cause difficulties in your daily life activities.
But some tips and tricks may help reduce the PMS symptom of headaches or migraines.
In this article, we will discuss PMS headaches in detail and some important ways to get rid of them or at least reduce their severity.
What is a PMS headache
Usually, a PMS headache is not severe and may go away in some days after the start of your menstrual period.
However, it is not everyone’s case. About 5-8% of women suffer from severe Premenstrual Syndrome symptoms, including headaches.
Severe headaches can be related to migraine headaches. It is reported more frequently in women than men.
A study was conducted on 144 women having Premenstrual Syndrome.
Among them, 100 women reported the symptom of headaches. It was one of the commonly reported symptoms, with a prevalence of 57.8%.
Symptoms of PMS headaches or migraine
You may notice the following symptoms in and along headache or migraine before periods:
- Unilateral headache, from a dull to a severe one
- Feeling very warm or cold
- Sensitivity to light, noise, and smells
- Tender scalp
- Loss of appetite
- Dizziness and blurred vision
- Pale skin color
- Feeling tired
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Fever
How long does a PMS headache last
Your menstrual-related headaches should align with the late Luteal and early Follicular stages of the menstrual cycle.
This means that your headache may start between two days before the onset of menses to the third day of menstrual bleeding.
But, remember, this period is not the same for every woman. It may vary for different women.
Cause of PMS headache
The exact cause of headaches during periods is yet to be determined. But it is claimed to be related to the hormonal changes or imbalances that occur during your menstrual cycle.
“People sometimes don’t realize that our hormones are linked to brain chemicals and to our mental state. Any sudden change in hormones can mean changes in mood or anxiety levels or experiencing more symptoms like headaches.”
–James R. Woods, MD, obstetrics and gynecology, University of Rochester
The hormones Estrogen and Progesterone play critical roles in the menstrual cycle. Hormones also may affect headache-related chemicals in your brain.
Having steady Estrogen levels can improve headaches. But drops or changes in its levels can make headaches worse.
The Estrogen levels drop after ovulation, which is the beginning of the Luteal phase in which the PMS symptoms begin.
It also decreases at the end of the menstrual cycle. It is the time when the PMS symptom of headache might go away.
Thus, the change or drop in the Estrogen level is related to headaches or migraine.
Risk factors
You may be at a higher risk of headaches or migraine during the Premenstrual phase because of the following factors:
- Dehydration: It is caused by not drinking enough fluid or losing more fluid than you take in. It may cause headaches that can range from mild to severe.
- Family history: Some studies claim that migraine may have a genetic basis, but it is not fully understood.
- Lack of sleep: You may have also noticed that you sometimes get a mild headache when you haven’t slept properly. Lack of sleep may trigger headaches or migraine in some people.
- Stress: Tension headaches may occur as a result of stress. It happens when neck and scalp muscles become tense or contract
- Certain foods: Some foods may also trigger headaches, like meat, pickle, chocolate, etc.
Treatment options
There are many treatments available for headaches or migraine. Here’s a list of them:
Migraine medication
Your doctor might recommend you migraine or headache medications around the time of your menstrual period.
You may be advised to take Triptans. It is mainly given for acute migraine.
Contraceptive pills
Birth control pills contain Estrogen and Progesterone.
You might be recommended these pills to balance the levels of Estrogen.
It can fulfill the low levels of Estrogen at the end of the Luteal phase and the beginning of the Follicular phase.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
All headaches, including migraines, become more prevalent during PMS as women approach Menopause.
If you suffer from migraines, using Estrogen patches or a gel instead of pills is best.
They maintain hormone levels more steadily and are less likely to cause headaches.
Home remedies
Many home remedies can help you get some relief from headaches or migraines, such as:
- Scalp massages
- Sleep
- Exercise
- Cold compresses
- Drinking plenty of water
- Low lights
- Essential oils
- Vitamin supplements
Takeaway
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) results in several symptoms in females. One of the common symptoms is headaches.
These are also known as hormone headaches or menstrual migraine.
You may have a mild to severe headache two days before and three days after the start of your menstrual bleeding.
Common signs of menstrual migraine are unilateral headaches along with other symptoms.
The root cause of PMS headaches is not known yet. But many studies have claimed that it is a cause of hormonal changes.
Many treatment options include migraine medication, continuous contraceptive pills, etc.
You may also use some home remedies to get some relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a PMS headache feel like?
Premenstrual Syndrome symptoms of a headache might range from mild to severe. Other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, photophobia, etc can accompany it. However, different women may feel a PMS headache differently.
What causes PMS headaches?
Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS headache may be due to hormonal changes or imbalances. The Estrogen level drops some days before your menstrual period. This change can lead to headaches in women during the Premenstrual phase.
How do you get rid of PMS headaches?
There are many ways in which you can reduce PMS-induced headaches. You can get treatments like Hormonal Replacement Therapy, medications, etc. For easy remedies, you can do scalp massages, exercise, cold compresses, etc. Also, drinking plenty of water is highly recommended.
How long do PMS headaches last?
PMS headaches or menstrual migraines commonly start at the end of the Luteal phase and last for some days of the Follicular phase. Simply put, it begins two days before the start of a period and lasts through the third day of menses.
