What Causes Menstrual Migraine Attacks? The Role of Hormones

Menstrual migraine attacks are often misunderstood, but research shows that hormones—especially estrogen—play a key role in triggering them. Understanding how hormonal fluctuations contribute to these migraine attacks can help women discover better strategies for prevention and management.

The Link Between Estrogen and Menstrual Migraine Attacks

Hormonal changes, particularly fluctuations in estrogen levels, are regarded as the main trigger for menstrual migraine attacks. Estrogen is a hormone that regulates various bodily functions, including the dilation and constriction of blood vessels. A rapid decline in estrogen levels before menstruation can prompt a migraine attack in women sensitive to hormonal shifts.

A notable study conducted by Dr. Brian Sommerville emphasized the significance of estrogen in menstrual migraine occurrences. The research revealed that women who received estrogen injections before their period experienced delayed migraine onset, while those who were given progesterone injections still suffered from their typical migraine attacks. This indicates that the decrease in estrogen, rather than progesterone, is the key factor in triggering menstrual migraine attacks.

Other Contributing Factors

While estrogen withdrawal is the primary culprit, other factors can also contribute to menstrual migraine attacks including:

• Prostaglandins: These hormone-like chemicals are released during menstruation and can increase inflammation and pain sensitivity.
• Serotonin Levels: Serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, can fluctuate during menstruation, potentially influencing migraine attacks.
• Sleep Disruptions: Many women experience sleep disturbances before their period, which can act as a migraine trigger.
• Stress and Cortisol Levels: Higher stress levels before menstruation can lead to increased cortisol production, another potential trigger.

Recognizing the Patterns

Recognizing your migraine patterns is crucial for identifying menstrual migraine attacks. Maintaining a headache diary can be helpful to track:

• The timing of migraine attacks in relation to your period
• Other potential triggers such as stress, diet, or sleep patterns
• The severity and duration of each migraine episode

If you observe a consistent pattern where migraine attacks regularly coincide with menstruation, it is likely that you are experiencing menstrual migraine attacks. By definition, migraine needs to occur in at least 2 out of every 3 menstrual cycles to be classified as menstrual migraine. 

Managing Hormonal Triggers

Since the drop in estrogen is a primary trigger, many treatment strategies focus on stabilizing hormone levels or minimizing their effects. In future blog posts, we will explore various natural remedies, medications, and hormonal treatments that can help lessen the frequency and severity of menstrual migraine attacks. If you frequently experience menstrual migraine attacks that disrupt your daily life, consider consulting a healthcare provider to discuss personalized treatment options. Haven Headache offers expert guidance to help you manage and prevent menstrual migraine attacks effectively.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you experience menstrual migraine attacks or other severe headaches, consult your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. To explore treatment options, think about scheduling an appointment with Haven for expert guidance and personalized care.

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