30/04/2026
Why do women get menstrual migraines?
A migraine is a recurrent headache that lasts from four to 72 hours with moderate-to-severe intense pain, and nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound, or even neck pain.
Menstrual migraines usually occur two to three days before the first day of the woman’s menstrual period. They occur exclusively during menstruation.
Sandy Lentz, CRNP for obstetrics and gynecology at UPMC Magee-Womens at UPMC Muncy, shares, “The drop in estrogen that brings on a woman's period is what causes menstrual migraines. Some women are more sensitive to the drop in estrogen, which makes them more vulnerable, while others are not. Therefore, some women may get a migraine every time they have their period, while some may only get it occasionally or not at all. They usually get better during pregnancy and after menopause,” she explains.
Each woman is different, but migraines can cause:
• Headache pain.
• Symptoms of depression or anxiety.
• Increased levels of stress, anger, and apprehension
• Sleep issues
• Inability to concentrate
• Decrease in enjoyment of hobbies and leisure activities.
• Visual changes
• Difficulties with completing housework
Sandy says, “There are medications we can use to mitigate menstrual migraines.” Women can also manage migraines with healthy lifestyle changes; resting in a quiet, dark room; putting a cold or warm pack on their head; and drinking plenty of water. A doctor may also suggest hormonal shots or birth control pills to help keep hormones steady.
