For many women, migraine is closely linked to the menstrual cycle. A menstrual migraine is one that happens around the time of your period, usually because of a drop in oestrogen. These migraines are often longer, more painful, and harder to treat than migraines at other times of the month.
When does it happen?
Menstrual migraines usually fall in a window from two days before your period starts to three days into your period. The drop in oestrogen that triggers the bleed also seems to be what triggers the migraine, for women whose brains are sensitive to it.
You might also notice a smaller wave around ovulation, roughly two weeks before your period, when oestrogen briefly dips.
Are they different from other migraines?
Yes, in a few ways:
- They often last longer, sometimes two or three days.
- They are often more severe.
- They are often less responsive to usual medicines.
- Aura is less common with menstrual migraines, even in women who normally have aura.
Two patterns
Researchers usually describe two patterns:
- Pure menstrual migraine. Migraines only happen around the period, not at other times. This is the less common pattern.
- Menstrually related migraine. Migraines happen around the period, and also at other times of the month. This is much more common.
Tracking is the only way to know which one applies to you, and that is exactly what MigraineMe is for.
Why oestrogen matters
Oestrogen has many effects in the body, including on blood vessels and on pain pathways. When oestrogen is steady, many women feel fine. When it drops sharply, as it does just before a period, it can trigger a migraine in those who are prone.
This is also why some women find:
- Pregnancy reduces their migraines (oestrogen stays high).
- The first few days after birth bring them back (oestrogen drops sharply).
- The years around menopause can be turbulent, before settling.
- Hormonal medication can either help or worsen things, depending on the type.
Tracking with MigraineMe
The app is designed to spot exactly this kind of pattern.
- Turn on period tracking if you have not already: tap the gear icon in the top-left, tap Data and Notifications, open the Menstruation section, and switch on Menstruation. Then go to the Monitor tab, tap the Menstruation card, and tap Configure Settings to enter your cycle length and last period.
- Log each migraine as it happens.
- Log the start and end of each period.
- After two or three cycles, look at the Insights view.
You should start to see whether your migraines cluster around your cycle, and if so, exactly when.
The steps above are the same on iPhone and Android.
A note about menopause
For some women, perimenopause (the years before periods stop) brings worse migraines. For others, things eventually improve once menopause is complete and hormones level out. There is no single rule. Tracking through this time is especially valuable.
In short
Menstrual migraine is migraine that comes with the drop in oestrogen around your period. It is often longer and stronger. Tracking your cycle alongside your migraines is the first step to spotting the pattern.
This is general information only.
