What is a migraine?
A migraine is a common, recurrent, disabling headache disorder that can last from 4 to 72 hours. There are a number of characteristics that are typical of a migraine. These characteristics include moderate-to-severe pain on one side of the head that may throb. Exertion during routine physical activities — such as walking or climbing stairs — can make it worse. Migraines are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Some migraines may come with visual disturbances known as aura. Menstrual Migraine is typically without aura. Characteristics of an aura may include flickering lights, spots, or lines that appear before the eyes, or loss of vision in some cases. Aura symptoms are temporary and reversible and may occur before a migraine. Many people lie down in a darkened room to help alleviate their migraine. While migraines are not life threatening, they can cause major disruptions to your personal and professional life.
What causes a migraine?
Migraines are caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain that causes the blood vessels in your head to expand, resulting in pain. Some common triggers that can help bring on a migraine include alcohol (especially beer and red wine), too much caffeine, stress, bright light/sun glare, eyestrain, changes in the weather, foods such as chocolate, aged cheese, nuts, cured meats, onions, and food additives such as MSG, aspartame, and nitrates. In addition to these triggers, changes in hormone levels may play a role in migraine attacks associated with a woman's period, often referred to as Menstrual Migraine.
What is menstrual migraine?
There are actually two types of menstrual migraines — Menstrually Related Migraine (MRM) and Pure Menstrual Migraine (PMM). A Menstrually Related Migraine is a headache of moderate-to-severe pain intensity that happens during a certain window of time around the period and at other times of the month as well. A Pure Menstrual Migraine is similar in every respect, but occurs only during the time around your period.
What causes menstrual migraine?
The exact causes of menstrual migraine are uncertain, but there seems to be a connection between changes in hormone levels around menstruation and migraine. Studies have suggested that it may have something to do with changes in hormone levels, which normally occur right before the period starts. In those women who are likely to suffer from migraine, this can act as a hormonal trigger.
How common is menstrual migraine?
Approximately 21 million women in the United States suffer from migraines, and up to 60% of them suffer from menstrual migraine.
Are there distinguishing features between menstrual migraines and migraines that occur at other times?
Menstrual migraines have been reported to occur with greater severity, persist longer—up to 72 hours, be more resistant to treatment, and be more likely to be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.