Severe Headaches Around Periods Are Not Normal: Neurologist Reveals Real Reason Behind A 35 Y/O Woman's Pain

Periods are different for all women. While some may experience mild pain and discomfort during their periods, others experience extreme pain and a myriad of symptoms. Sharing an instance of the same, in a recent post, Dr Sudhir Kumar, a Hyderabad-based Neurologist shared the story of a young woman struggling with debilitating pain, with real answer for it. Anita, a 35-year-old school principal from Hyderabad, was full of energy and passion for her work. But for several months, two days a month became a nightmare. Like clockwork, right around her period, she would get terrible, throbbing headaches. These headaches were so bad they would often come with nausea and a strong dislike for light. On these days, it was hard for her to do anything, but she would still force herself to go to work with a fake smile. At home, her family saw her pain. At school, her staff noticed she was pulling away. The headaches were slowly stealing her confidence at work and her happiness at home. What Causes Headaches During Periods? Anita first went to her family doctor and then to a women's health specialist. Some medicines helped for a short time, but they didn't stop the headaches from coming back every month. She was frustrated that no one seemed to understand what she was going through. Finally, she came to see Dr Sudhir Kumar, a Hyderabad-based neurologist. In the post he explained that after listening carefully to her story the diagnosis was clear: Anita had menstrual migraines. These are headaches that are directly connected to the hormone changes that happen during a woman's menstrual cycle. With the right treatment, Anita's migraines became less frequent and easier to manage. Her energy and vibrant personality returned. The school principal who once dreaded those two days of the month was now back to her confident self. When she last visited the clinic, she told her doctor, "You gave me my life back," expressing her relief and gratitude for finally being understood and effectively treated. Why Do I Get Headaches Before Periods? According to the Migraine Trust, a menstrual migraine is a type of migraine that's specifically linked to a woman's menstrual cycle. These migraines typically occur from about two days before a period begins to the third day of the period, but the timing can vary from person to person. Menstrual migraines are very common. It's estimated that as many as two-thirds of women who experience migraines have attacks that are related to their periods. This condition can start when a woman first gets her period and can continue until menopause. How Are Menstrual Migraine Different Than Regular Migraines? Menstrual migraines often stand out from other types of migraines. They tend to be longer and more severe. Besides head pain, they're more likely to cause nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound. Also, these migraines usually happen without an aura, which is a visual disturbance or other symptom that can come before a migraine. They can also be harder to treat than migraines that occur at other times of the month. Why Do Menstrual Migraines Happen? The main reason for menstrual migraines is the link between migraines and hormones. A drop in the hormone estrogen is a well-known migraine trigger. As a woman's period approaches, her estrogen levels naturally fall, which increases the likelihood of a migraine attack. Hormone-like substances called prostaglandins also play a role. The body releases more prostaglandins during a period, which can cause period cramps and also increase the risk of a migraine. How To Recognize Menstrual Migraines? A key factor in this condition is that to identify it no specific test exists. Doctors can't run a lab test to diagnose a menstrual migraine. The Migraine Trust reveals a few key points that can help you identify whether you have menstrual migraines. Keep a diary to track symptoms The most accurate way to check for a link is to keep a detailed diary for at least three months. In it, you should record both your migraine attacks and the dates of your menstrual period. Look for a pattern Menstrual migraines are defined as attacks that happen between two days before your period and the third day of your period. This pattern must occur during at least two out of three menstrual cycles. Consult a doctor Your doctor can review your diary and confirm if you have a menstrual migraine based on the timing and your symptoms.

Severe Headaches Around Periods Are Not Normal: Neurologist Reveals Real Reason Behind A 35 Y/O Woman's Pain

Quick Stories

Pollution Could Be Slowly Eroding Your Cognitive Health: Study Shows Link Between Alzheimer's And Toxic Air Particles

Ozempic May Not Be Helpful If You Continue Emotional Eating: Study

Prediabetes: How To Spot the Silent Warning Signs Before It Turns Into Type-2 Diabetes

Health Conditions A-Z

Pollution Could Be Slowly Eroding Your Cognitive Health: Study Shows Link Between Alzheimer's And Toxic Air Particles

Severe Headaches Around Periods Are Not Normal: Neurologist Reveals Real Reason Behind A 35 Y/O Woman's Pain

MCT Oil Explained: Benefits, How To Use It, And Why It’s Gaining Popularity