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Overview
Menstrual migraines affect a large population of women in the United States. These intense headaches are associated with their menstrual cycle and appear every month a few days before their cycle starts. The headaches later disappear, only to return again. There are a number of other symptoms associated with this type of condition.
Frequency
Women who suffer from menstrual migraines will notice that the headaches return with a frequency every month. As the estrogen levels drop, it sets off a migraine headache. A woman who gets a mild headache every few months is suffering from the regular symptoms of PMS. The only way the headaches can be considered a menstrual migraine is if they return every month for a period of six consecutive months.
Menstrual Cycles
Menstrual migraines are tied directly to a woman's menstrual cycle, meaning that the woman will begin suffering from headaches that appear around her period. These headaches begin appearing on the second day before the menstrual cycle starts. They can last for the rest of the woman's period, but in most cases the headaches come and go during that time period. Once the cycle stops, the woman's headache typically dissipates until the next time her cycle starts.
Pain Symptoms
The symptom most often associated with menstrual migraines are the headaches themselves. This usually is manifested as a dull pain that settles near the temple, usually at one side. In some cases it may be more of a throbbing pain and settle on both sides of the temple. The woman also feels pain in her neck and may have trouble holding her head steady. There are also cases where women suffer from pain localized around their scalp.
Vision Symptoms
There are vision symptoms associated with menstrual migraine headaches. Many women have problems with their vision in the days before the migraine begins, and those symptoms worsen when the migraine settles in. These women often suffer from blurry vision, where they have difficulty seeing things right in front of their face. Other women see flashes of light that seem to emanate from behind their eyes. In some cases these flashing lights appear to move in front of their eyelids or pulsate.
Unusual Symptoms
The unusual symptoms of menstrual migraines have some similarities to effects of a cold or flu. The woman may feel nauseous and even experience some vomiting or diarrhea. She also may have a clogged up nose and feel lightheaded or dizzy. In some cases the woman runs a high fever or breaks out in a cold sweat. Some women also feel tired and lethargic or feel extremely cold and not be able to get warm. They may also have problems being around bright lights or loud noises.
