Headache during Menstrual cycle
Headaches in women are more likely to occur around the time of a woman’s monthly period. This is caused by shifts in the level of a female hormone called estrogen that regulates the menstrual cycle. The headaches may be migraine-like in quality and occur before or during the menstrual cycle. A migraine is a type of headache characterized by severe throbbing pain on one side of the head accompanied by secondary symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
Diagnosis of Headache during Menstrual cycle
To diagnose the cause of your headaches, your doctor reviews in detail your medical history and performs a physical examination to rule out other causes. You will be asked to maintain a diary and note down the pattern and coincidence of the headaches with menstruation.
Treatment of Headache during Menstrual cycle
To treat your headache, your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter pain relievers or migraine medication. You may be instructed to take these medications a day or two before your menstrual cycle and continue it until the end of your cycle. If these don’t work, your doctor may prescribe drugs that alter your hormone levels. You may also be advised to follow a low salt diet.