Hey ladies! Ever felt like your chronic migraines hit harder just before or during your period? You’re not imagining it. For many women, this time of the month can be a real headache – literally. But why does this happen, and what can you do to manage it? Let’s dive into the science and some practical tips to help you out.
Hormonal Fluctuations: The Migraine Culprit
Imagine your body as a finely tuned orchestra, playing a symphony of hormones each month. Your menstrual cycle significantly impacts migraine patterns due to the hormonal roller coaster your body goes through. About 2-3 days before menstruation, many women experience more severe symptoms. This period marks the late luteal phase of the cycle, characterized by a rapid decline in progesterone, a hormone known for its calming effects. Picture the drop in progesterone as the conductor stepping off the podium, leading to fluid retention, bloating, and other gastrointestinal issues. The link between migraines and menstruation is well established. More than half of women with migraines have acute attacks, often without aura, prior to menstruation or during ovulation. (Frontiers in Neurology).
Premenstrual Phase: The Calm Before the Storm
About 2 – 3 days before menstruation many women experience more severe symptoms. This is the late stage of the luteal phase of the cycle which sees progesterone (a calming hormone) rapidly decline from its heights during the mid luteal phase. See figure 1 below.
Figure 1. Menstrual Cycle Patterns in Healthy Women². Premenstrual phase begins from around day 23 to 24 through to the onset of menstruation as highlighted in blue.
Premenstrual phase begins from around day 23 to 24 through to the onset of menstruation, as highlighted in blue. During this phase, your body’s detoxification processes can slow down, and your colon may become sluggish, which can further exacerbate migraine symptoms. Think of this phase as the calm before the storm, where your body is bracing for impact, and your detoxification system is moving at a snail’s pace.
The Liver’s Role: Detox and Toxins
Your liver is like the body’s own detox powerhouse. Visualize it as a busy factory, converting fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble forms for elimination through stool and urine. But during the premenstrual phase, this process can get a bit sluggish. An excess of beta-glucuronidase-producing bacteria in your gut can complicate things further. These bacteria remove glucuronic acid from toxins, making them fat-soluble again and sending them back to the liver. This cycle can lead to increased inflammation, causing migraines and depressive symptoms in some individuals.
How the Liver Detoxifies: A Science Lesson
The liver uses several pathways to detoxify harmful substances:
- Glucuronidation Pathway: Converts fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble forms.
- Sulfation Pathway: Adds a sulfate group to chemicals, aiding in the elimination of residual hormones and neurotransmitters.
- Glutathione Transferase Pathway: Uses glutathione to detoxify heavy metals, solvents, and pesticides.
- Acetylation Pathway: Attaches Acetyl CoA to various environmental chemicals for detoxification.
- Amino Acid Conjugation Pathway: Promotes the elimination of solvents and food preservatives.
- Methylation Pathway: Adds a methyl group to certain hormones and toxins, rendering them water-soluble.
Practical Tips to Manage Menstrual-Related Migraines
Understanding the hormonal and detoxification factors involved in menstrual-related migraines is the first step towards managing them. Here are some tips that can help:
- Track Your Cycle: Keeping a detailed record of your menstrual cycle and migraine patterns can help you identify triggers and prepare in advance. Visualize marking each day on your calendar, noting symptoms and patterns.
- Support Detoxification: Eating a balanced diet rich in fiber can support your liver’s detoxification processes. Picture a plate full of leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and a tall glass of water, helping your body flush out toxins.
- Manage Stress: Stress can exacerbate migraine symptoms. Imagine yourself in a peaceful yoga class, meditating, or practicing deep breathing exercises, letting go of tension and calming your mind.
- Consult a Professional: If your migraines are severe, consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options. Think of your doctor as a trusted guide, helping you navigate your health journey.
Menstrual-related migraines can be particularly challenging, but understanding the underlying causes can help in managing and reducing their impact. By supporting your body’s natural detoxification processes and being mindful of hormonal changes, you can take proactive steps to alleviate these symptoms. Ready to take control of your migraines? Contact our migraine clinic today to get personalized advice and treatment options tailored just for you. Don’t let migraines dictate your life – let’s work together to find the relief you deserve! Begin your personalized protocol designed to address specific underlying migraine causes and improve your quality of life.
Disclaimer: Supplements alone may not eliminate migraines. Use specific migraine testing to identify your migraine causes with the guidance of a professional. If you notice your headaches becoming more frequent or more severe, be sure to see your doctor. Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms and recommend the most effective treatment. Also, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking supplements to be sure they don’t interact with any other medications you may be taking.
How we reviewed this article: Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version: Jul 2nd, 2024
Written By: the Soothed Migraine Specialists
Edited By: Will Simpson, BAppSc, MBA.
Medically Reviewed By: Dr Brindusa Vanta, M.D. Dr. Vanta graduated from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Romania with a medical degree in General Medicine. She has since expanded her knowledge into Clinical Nutrition, research-based Alternative Medicine and Functional Neurology (Dr. Kharrazian Institute). Brindusa understands headaches as the symptom of an underlying cause and is passionate about identifying and addressing root-cause issues. Dr Vanta lives in Oakville, Canada and publishes in-depth medical reports on her website drvanta.com.
Dr. Chloe Berland, Ph.D. Dr. Berland graduated from the University of Sorbonne Paris & Columbia University New York. She has a PhD in Neuroscience and is passionate about the pathophysiology of migraine. See Dr Berland’s published research at https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Chloe-Berland-2.
Sources: Soothed has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
Cerebrovascular Function in Hormonal Migraine: An Exploratory Study
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2021.694980/full
Menstrual cycle rhythmicity: metabolic patterns in healthy women
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-32647-0
The Bidirectional Relationship of Depression and Inflammation: Double Trouble
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32553197/