The Monthly Headache - and how to kill it

by James Cottrill

For those who didn't know already, it's becoming more and more clear that headaches and hormones are linked. Of course, there are countless sufferers who could have told you that already. But what can be done about them? Are some treatments more effective than others?

If you're a woman getting a monthly headache, there's a strong chance it's migraine. The trend seems to be that changes in estrogen and progesterone levels trigger migraine attacks. It's believed that there's a link between estrogen and serotonin, a chemical which seems to be closely related to migraine. When the estrogen in your body drops, so does the serotonin. Migraine seems to most often occur when that drop occurs. This is why many girls get their first migraine attack during adolescence.

This also explains the changes that occur during pregnancy and menopause. Depending on the person, migraine attacks may begin or stop as estrogen levels change during different phases of life. It's common for migraine attacks to diminish with age.

Lynn Griffiths from Griffith University in Australia has been doing research on migraine from a genetic standpoint. It's well known that there's a genetic link when it comes to migraine. Griffiths believes that there's a complex interaction going on, and her team of researchers have confirmed that two hormone related genes - the ones with the oestrogen and progesterone receptors - are involved.

Dr Christina Peterson, author of The Women's Migraine Survival Guide, writes that you can tell hormonal shifts may be a factor in your headaches "if your headaches occur just before your period or during menstruation; this is the case for 60 percent of women with migraines". These are commonly called Menstrually Related Migraines (MRM).

So how can you fight these kinds of headaches? The best thing to do is to go to a doctor you trust and get her advice. Make sure she listens to what you have to say, and understands your medical history. Discuss the possibility of menstrually related migraine.

Your doctor may prescribe an anti-inflammatory drug, such as Nalfon (fenoprofen calcium), Relafen (nabumetone), or Naprosym (naproxen). Many women have also found triptan class drugs to be lifesavers when it comes to MRM. These are drugs specifically designed for migraine, and they're taken right away when the attack starts.

Some triptans that have been particularly effective are Eletriptan (Relpax) and Frovatriptan (Frova). If one triptan doesn't work for you, keep trying. It may be that where one has failed another will be a complete success.

There are several other things you can try if these aren't fully effective, such as a drug containing an ergotamine agent, and estrogen therapy. There are many other migraine treatments available that may kill your attack before it starts.

A migraine, and a MRM, is not just a bad headache. Some migraine attacks don't involve headache at all. This is why you need to find treatment that's right for you, and not necessarily a common painkiller (although that may help some). You don't have to put up with the monthly migraine - fight back!


About the Author
James Cottrill is a headache sufferer and health writer at www.Relieve-Migraine-Headache.com. He lives with his wife and two children in the shadow of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. For more on hormone related headaches and migraine, visit http://www.Relieve-Migraine-Headache.com/hormonal-headache.html