The Monthly Headache - and how to kill it
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!