Migraine and Periods
Migraine Ireland
Pure Menstrual Migraine is diagnosed when attacks occur exclusively around the time of menstruation in at least two out of three menstrual cycles and at no other times during the cycle.
Using this definition, about 10% of female migraineurs have pure menstrual migraine.
Menstrual attacks tend to be less severe but longer than non-menstrual attacks
Pure Menstrual Migraine is diagnosed when attacks occur exclusively around the time of menstruation in at least two out of three menstrual cycles and at no other times during the cycle.
Using this definition, about 10% of female migraineurs have pure menstrual migraine.
Menstrual attacks tend to be less severe but longer than non-menstrual attacks
information and patient advocacy
Just over half of women living with migraine notice that having a period triggers a migraine attack.
The “menstrual cycle” , is the monthly cycle women have through their, from puberty to menopause.
It is usually 28 days, but it can be different for each woman.
The cycle is controlled by female sex hormones called oestrogen and progesterone.
At the start of the cycle, the level of the hormones grows to prepare for ovulation ( when an egg is released to the womb from the ovaries) and implantation (when an egg is fertilised by sperm and connects to the wall of the womb)
If the egg is not fertilised and does not connect to the wall of the womb, then the lining of the womb comes away through the vagina as blood, this is known as a period.
The period starts when the hormones oestrogen and progesterone levels begin to fall.
This fall in levels of the hormone oestrogen is thought to be the trigger for migraine attacks in some women.
Studies are ongoing to fully understand the link between periods and migraine attacks. Other hormones are thought to play a part too.
The attacks can be severe, debilitating and can be difficult to manage and treat.
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What to do
It can be difficult to treat migraine that is linked to your period and hormones. Attacks can be severe and debilitating and have a negative impact on your quality of life. Things can be further complicated by other factors, such as irregular period patterns and more.
It is really important to make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible to have an assessment and begin a management plan, and a strategy to treat your attacks.
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Understanding your cycle
Whether you have any other complications to your cycle is also very important.
Learn more about periods and cycles here :
Periods and fertility in the menstrual cycle – NHS
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The Migraine Diary
Keeping a diary can be very helpful to help you gather an understanding of your cycle pattern and your attacks.
It can also be helpful to understand any other triggers you may have and allow you to make decisions with this information, such as getting regular sleep.Migraine diaries are available free of charge from migraine Ireland, simply email info@migraine.ie with your postal address.
Have a look at these sections of this site for more information.
Common Triggers
Living with Migraine