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If you experience frequent headaches before or during your period, you are not alone. About 60% of women who have a history of migraines outside the menstrual cycle also experience migraines during menstruation. These headaches can be triggered by several factors, and one of them is the hormonal changes that occur during menstruation
Headaches during menstruation can appear at any time, but usually two days before menstruation to three days after menstruation ends. In terms of age, headaches during menstruation can be felt by women from adolescence, during their productive age, until before menopause.
Causes of Headaches during Menstruation
For more details, here are the causes of headaches during menstruation and their explanations:
hormone changes
The hormonal changes that occur during menstruation can trigger headaches. Decreased levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone before menstruation can affect chemicals in the brain. As a result, some women may experience headaches during menstruation.
Low iron levels
The amount of blood that comes out during menstruation can trigger headaches. This is because when you lose a lot of blood, your body is prone to iron deficiency. Well, low levels of iron is what triggers the emergence of headaches during menstruation.
How to Overcome Headaches during Menstruation
To relieve headaches during menstruation, there are several steps you can take, namely:
1. Put a cold compress on the head
To help relieve headaches during menstruation, you can compress the painful neck or head area with a cold compress.
2. Limit consumption of certain foods and drinks
To prevent and reduce headaches, you are advised to limit the consumption of caffeine, alcohol, and foods that contain MSG. In addition, foods that are high in tyramine, such as avocados, bananas, smoked fish, chocolate, and dried fruit, should also be avoided because they can trigger headaches.
3. Reduce s alt consumption
Reducing s alt consumption can also be done to help relieve and prevent headaches during menstruation. This is because excessive s alt consumption can increase blood pressure and trigger headaches.
4. Manage stress well
In order for headaches during menstruation to subside, try to manage stress well. There are various ways to do this, from actively exercising, doing meditation, breathing fresh air, to doing fun activities.
5. Avoid strong smells
To help deal with headaches during menstruation, avoid exposure to strong-scented ingredients, such as perfume, air pollution, cleaning products, and food flavors made from chemicals.
6. Take magnesium supplements
Magnesium supplements can be taken to reduce headaches during menstruation. However, you need to consult a doctor first before taking this supplement.
7. Do regular exercise
Exercising regularly can help reduce the risk of headaches during menstruation. Before exercising, don't forget to drink enough water, eat high protein foods, and warm up.
8. Take painkillers
Taking painkillers can also be a way to reduce headaches during menstruation. But before consuming it, you need to consult a doctor.
You are also advised to take notes whenever a headache occurs during menstruation. In addition to helping you understand the pattern of headaches, these notes can also be taken with you during an examination to the doctor to help the doctor find the right treatment.
If the headache during menstruation does not decrease or even gets heavier, you should consult a doctor for proper treatment.
