A period headache is a migraine that happens before or during your menstrual cycle. The symptoms are worse than a traditional headache, with throbbing or pulsing head pain, light sensitivity and nausea. Treatment options are available to manage and prevent these headaches.
Period headaches are a common type of migraine that happens around the time of your menstrual cycle. Hormonal changes cause these migraine headaches.
A period headache is usually one-sided. It may get worse with movement, light, smells or sounds. Your symptoms can last for a few hours, but they’ll likely last days.
You might hear your healthcare provider refer to a period headache as:
Period headaches relate to changes in estrogen levels. Levels of estrogen drop immediately before the start of your menstrual flow (menses).
Premenstrual migraines regularly occur during or after the time when the hormones, estrogen and progesterone, drop to their lowest levels. Significant changes to your hormones can influence headaches.
You might notice that period headaches are more severe than other headaches you experience. Many people report head pain that is pulsing or throbbing.
About 12% of Americans experience migraines. At least 60% of people who have a period and experience migraines report migraines happening around the time of their menstrual cycle.
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The symptoms of a menstrual migraine include:
Head pain associated with a period headache usually affects one side of your head. It’s common to feel pain around your forehead, but it can also happen in other locations or move from one spot to another area. These headaches are slightly different for each person.
Menstrual migraines can start up to two days before your period and last for three days during your period.
A change in your hormone levels causes period headaches.
Estrogen is one of two main sex hormones. Your levels of estrogen change. They’re at the highest amount in the middle of your menstrual cycle and the lowest amount when you’re on your period. The drastic change in your hormones makes headaches more likely to happen because estrogen increases your pain sensitivity.
Hormonal fluctuations, most often estrogen, trigger period headaches. You might notice more frequent or severe migraines when taking certain medications that affect your hormones like:
If you notice migraine headaches getting worse after starting one of these medications, talk to your healthcare provider. They might recommend a different medication that contains a lower dose of estrogen or switch you from an interrupted dosing regimen to a continuous one.
If you have a period, you’re at risk for menstrual headaches. If you get migraines outside of your menstrual cycle or you have a genetic predisposition (family history) of migraines, you’re also at a higher risk.
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Period headaches can interrupt your routine. You might not feel well enough to participate in your regular activities or function at 100% when you’re in pain. Unlike a traditional migraine, you can predict when these headaches will occur, but you might notice planning your life around these interruptions. A healthcare provider can help you manage period headaches so they don’t take over.
A healthcare provider will diagnose a period headache after an exam and testing to rule out conditions with similar symptoms. During the exam, your provider will want to learn more about your migraine-related symptoms. They may ask you the following questions:
Your healthcare provider may also order blood tests and imaging tests (such as a CT scan or MRI) to make sure there aren’t any other causes of your headache.
It’s helpful to both you and your healthcare provider if you keep a migraine journal. This is a record of your headache symptoms. Take note of what symptoms you get, how long your symptoms last and what makes your menstrual migraine better or worse.
If you get regular headaches during your period, start by speaking with a primary care physician. They may refer you to a headache specialist.
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Medications are usually the treatment of choice for menstrual migraines. Some of the most common medications a healthcare provider may recommend include:
The first line of treatment for severe menstrual migraines usually involves the following medications:
Other medications may include:
Your provider might recommend taking supplements like:
A healthcare provider may try one or a combination of different medications to see what works best to treat period headaches. These medications work best when you take them on a schedule. Your provider can help you identify the right time to take these medications to prevent or manage symptoms.
There are certain things you can do to manage period headaches naturally. This may take some trial and error to figure out what makes your hormone headaches better or worse. For example, if light causes pain and you feel overheated, stay in a cool, dark room.
Additional tips include:
A healthcare provider can help you manage and prevent period headaches. While you can’t prevent all headaches, your provider may prescribe preventive medications that you take daily. You may need to increase the dosage as you get closer to your period. Talk to your provider about preventive options for menstrual migraines and they can advise on a treatment schedule that’s right for you.
You may have menstrual migraines until you’re in menopause. Treatment aims to prevent or reduce how often you have headaches while you have a period.
With treatment, many people have a positive outlook for period headaches. There are several types of treatment options available, so a treatment regimen might take a few cycles to get right.
Some medications work best when you take them on a schedule. You may find it easier to manage if you keep a calendar of your cycles, take oral contraceptive medications or use an app on your smartphone to help you track your periods. A healthcare provider will work with you to find the right treatment option for your situation.
Schedule a visit with a healthcare provider if:
Call 911 (or your local emergency services number) or go immediately to an emergency room if:
Being on your period comes with many symptoms, like cramps, bloating and mood changes. A migraine can make that time of the month even worse. Fortunately, menstrual migraines aren’t something you just have to “live with” every cycle. A healthcare provider can help you manage these headaches. Medications can reduce how often and how severe these headaches are. Preventive options are also available.
Last reviewed on 03/19/2024.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy