Reasons you get migraines before your menstrual cycle (and others don't)
Migraines are more than just a headache; they are a debilitating neurological condition affecting millions of people worldwide. For some individuals, migraines become even more challenging to cope with due to their connection with the menstrual cycle.
Menstrual migraines, a specific subtype of migraines, occur in relation to the menstrual cycle. These migraines are often more intense and challenging to manage than regular migraines.
In this blog, we'll delve into the world of menstrual migraines, exploring their causes and effective management strategies.
Role of Hormones
According to a population study, there is a 71% increase in the risk of migraine during the 2 days before menstruation. There is also a higher risk of migraine symptoms lasting longer when they occur 7-3 days before menstruation. [1]
Before menstruation, the ovaries stop producing oestrogen, which results in an overall large drop in the body’s oestrogen content. This also causes our serotonin to dip.
“oestrogens, are responsible for the synthesis and secretion of neuropeptides and neurotransmitters, including serotonin. When oestrogen levels fall, production of serotonin is reduced,” [3] - Dr Calhoun in Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain.
[2]
Understanding Serotonin and Its Regulation of the Brainstem
Serotonin, often referred to as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, is not only responsible for regulating mood and emotions but also plays a crucial role in various physiological processes.
Serotonin acts as a natural pain inhibitor within the brainstem. It effectively 'closes the pain gate', allowing for better pain control.
Moreover, serotonin is involved in regulating sleep patterns, mood, appetite, and other bodily functions that intersect with migraine triggers.
Connecting the Dots: Serotonin's Impact on Menstrual Migraines
When oestrogen levels drop before menstruation, it triggers a chain reaction that involves the brainstem's serotonin pathways. This leads to increased sensitivity to pain signals, contributing to the throbbing, severe headaches associated with menstrual migraines.
So why is it that you get menstrual migraines and others don’t?
Several factors can contribute to the sensitivity of the brainstem to pain signals, which then leads to vulnerability to headaches and migraines. These factors vary among individuals.
However, Hormones are only part of the picture:
90% of women impacted by menstrual migraine also experience attacks at other points in time, meaning that it is not purely hormonal [1].
This means that there are other factors involved in the sensitisation of the brainstem, such as:
Inflammation
Inflammatory processes such as infections and autoimmune conditions such as gluten intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, and polycystic ovarian syndrome can increase the production of histamines within the blood, which sensitise nerve pathways and lead to increased sensitivity to pain signals in the brainstem.
Sleep Disturbances
Poor sleep patterns or lack of sleep can affect pain modulation. Sleep disturbances can lead to increased sensitivity of the brainstem and heightened pain perception.
Cervical Spine Dysfunction
The cervical spine, comprising the first seven vertebrae in the neck, provides structural support for the head while allowing a wide range of motion. The first three vertebrae in this region are particularly significant due to their direct interaction with the brainstem.
Dysfunctional neck structures overload the brainstem with noxious information, leading to a state of sensitisation. This heightened sensitivity contributes to the worsening of headache or migraine symptoms.
Managing Menstrual Migraines
Menstrual migraines can be uncomfortable and may even stop you from doing the things you love. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can try to reduce their frequency and severity.
Lifestyle Modifications - Lifestyle changes like regular exercise and avoiding inflammatory foods such as gluten and refined sugars can help decrease your vulnerability to migraine.
Sleep Hygiene - Prioritising adequate sleep is crucial, as disruptions in sleep patterns can affect serotonin production.
Posture - Try sitting upright with your ears aligned with the shoulder and the shoulder aligned with the hip and avoid lifting with an outstretched neck. This can reduce your risk of cervical dysfunction particularly if most of your day is spent sitting at a desk or lifting from the floor.
Conclusion
Menstrual migraines can be a challenging aspect of a woman's life, but with the right strategies, they can be effectively managed. It's essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to identify triggers, develop a management plan, and explore treatment options. By understanding the underlying causes, tracking patterns, and making necessary lifestyle adjustments, women can gain better control over their menstrual migraines and improve their quality of life.
How Our Team Can Help
Our team understands that headaches are more than just a surface annoyance; they often stem from the intricate connection between your neck and brainstem. With a deep understanding of this connection, our skilled clinicians conduct thorough assessments to uncover the root causes of your headaches.
Through targeted manual therapy techniques, we address neck dysfunction, correct imbalances, and alleviate brainstem sensitivity – all while providing immediate feedback for real-time adjustments.
Step into a future where headaches no longer dictate your schedule. Let us help you unlock a life free from the grip of headaches.
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