What to do if you have a headache during menstruation
Menstrual headaches are one of the common symptoms that many women experience during menstruation and may be related to factors such as fluctuations in hormone levels, vasoconstriction, or stress. This article will combine the hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days to provide you with structured data and suggestions to help relieve menstrual headaches.
1. Common causes of menstrual headaches

| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Hormone fluctuations | Estrogen and progesterone levels drop during menstruation, which may cause headaches |
| vasoconstriction | Increased secretion of prostaglandins, leading to abnormal vasoconstriction and dilation |
| iron deficiency anemia | Menstrual blood loss may lead to iron loss and headaches |
| stress and fatigue | The body’s resistance decreases during menstruation, and symptoms are easily aggravated by stress or fatigue. |
2. Methods to relieve menstrual headaches
| method | Specific measures |
|---|---|
| drug treatment | Over-the-counter pain relievers (such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen) can relieve pain |
| Hot or cold compress | Depending on personal preference, hot compresses on the neck or cold compresses on the forehead may be effective |
| Adjust diet | Increase intake of magnesium, vitamin B2 and omega-3 fatty acids |
| Regular schedule | Ensure adequate sleep and avoid staying up late and being overtired |
| moderate exercise | Low-intensity exercise such as yoga and walking can help relieve symptoms |
3. Dietary suggestions
| Recommended food | avoid food |
|---|---|
| Dark leafy green vegetables (rich in magnesium) | High-salt foods (may aggravate edema) |
| Nuts and seeds (such as almonds, sunflower seeds) | Caffeine drinks (may cause vasoconstriction) |
| Fish rich in omega 3 (such as salmon) | Alcoholic drinks (may worsen headaches) |
| Whole grain foods (stabilizes blood sugar) | Processed foods (containing additives that may worsen symptoms) |
4. When Do You Need Medical Treatment?
While most menstrual headaches can be relieved with self-care, timely medical attention is recommended in the following situations:
| Symptoms | Possible reasons |
|---|---|
| Headache that is severe and long lasting | Possible migraines or other neurological problems |
| accompanied by blurred vision or nausea and vomiting | Possible severe migraines or eye problems |
| Increased frequency or worsening of headaches | Professional diagnosis and treatment options may be required |
| Frequent headaches outside menstruation | May be related to other health problems |
5. Tips to prevent menstrual headaches
1.Keep track of menstrual cycles and symptoms:Use an app or diary to record your menstrual period and headaches to help identify patterns.
2.Supplement nutrition in advance:Start increasing your intake of magnesium and B vitamins one week before your period.
3.Managing stress:Learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, etc.
4.Stay hydrated:Drinking enough water can help maintain body fluid balance and reduce the occurrence of headaches.
5.Consult a doctor:If symptoms severely interfere with your life, hormone therapy or other medical options may be considered.
Although menstrual headaches are common, most women can effectively relieve their symptoms through proper self-management and preventive measures. If the headache persists or worsens, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to rule out other potential health problems.
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