Every month, women have to endure several difficult days, accompanied by various unpleasant symptoms. In addition, the so-called PMS occurs before each menstruation. Some girls wonder: why does the headache before menstruation? What caused this reaction of the body? We will tell about this and many other things further.
ICP
A few days before the onset of menstruation, they got their name - premenstrual syndrome. It is characterized by increased nervous irritability and excitability. The cause is progesterone accumulated in the middle of the cycle. Its level drops sharply during the period of PMS, which is why a headache and nausea occur before menstruation . In this situation, girls need to refrain from strong physical exertion. In addition, salty foods can also cause headaches . It retains fluid in the body. For this reason, pressure rises. Against the background of hormonal shaking, this can cause unbearable pain.
It is also better to have painkillers with you that are right for you and time-tested.
Symptoms
Knowing the information about why the head hurts before menstruation, it is necessary to remember about other concomitant symptoms of premenstrual syndrome :
- Breast engorgement. The level of hormones changes, breasts increase. Some women complain of the inability to touch the nipples due to severe pain.
- Pulls the lower back and lower abdomen. A similar symptom occurs in the first weeks of pregnancy.
- Change of mood. Any trifle can easily infuriate, and the most harmless film can be touched to the core.
- Change in appetite. Some begin to absorb everything, while others, on the contrary, complain about the reluctance to eat.
- Insomnia. Increased irritability can deprive for several days of sleep. In this case, it is better to take some sedative in advance.
- Weakness and feeling tired.
- Many complain of an upset bowel. This is also a consequence of changes in hormonal levels.
- Migraine.
All these symptoms are temporary and go away immediately with menstruation. They are not related to your immunity or a nervous system disorder.
Causes
Now it’s worth mentioning why the headache hurts before menstruation and during. There can be many reasons, but all of them are associated primarily with a hormonal surge. The body throughout the month was preparing for pregnancy. For the bearing of the future fetus, he accumulated progesterone. However, fertilization did not occur, and the body is simply obliged to return everything to its former state. Therefore, before menstruation, the level of progesterone drops sharply. A woman, in turn, feels how her body begins to behave unpredictably. A headache is one of the most unpleasant consequences of this.
The level of another hormone - estrogen - also changes during the period of PMS. Because of it, swelling, heaviness in the muscles can be felt. This is due to fluid retention, which, increasing blood pressure, causes pain in the head.
It is possible that another reason is the use of oral contraceptives. While the female body gets used to the monthly suppression of ovulation, there is a restructuring of the reproductive function. This may be the answer to the question of why the headache hurts before menstruation.
The next reason is the emotional overload of a woman. If the fair sex in this period is in a state of depression, then a headache is almost inevitable. Stress created by stress can extend the period of PMS and even cause a delay. It is recommended to take sedatives in this situation.
Headache before menstruation. What to do?
If this happens systematically over time, then the doctor will easily answer this question. It is better to consult a therapist or neurologist. He will prescribe the necessary treatment. When pains are periodic, you can use analgesics. True, abusing them is highly discouraged. They only briefly mask discomfort. After all, here it is not a question of the inflammatory process, but of hormones. And they, as you know, are not treated with any analgesics. You may need to take some special medications that balance your hormonal levels.
The doctor will advise you to rest as much as possible during this period. But this does not mean that you should take time off from work and spend the whole day in bed watching TV. Rest involves leisurely walks at least an hour a day and a sound, healthy sleep.
Folk methods
Now you know why your head hurts before your period. The main task now is to get rid of it. In addition to drug treatment, there are alternative methods. Of course, their effectiveness has not been proven, but at the moment when there is no more strength to endure pain, all means will do.
To begin with, it is worth noting that it will not be amiss to go in for sports. It tones the body, helps to tolerate stressful situations easier. Excellent in this matter helps the pool. Get a subscription and before menstruation, attend water aerobics or just swim for fun. Water relieves muscle tension, improves your mood. This will help relieve headaches.
From folk methods, you can try aromatherapy. Lavender and eucalyptus oils relieve pain for a short time. You can attach a cold towel to your forehead and temples. It also alleviates these symptoms.
Compliance with the diet is mandatory during this period. Try not to use anything salty, smoked and fried, so as not to increase the pressure. It is also recommended to drink fresh potato juice daily. He certainly will not bring harm, and, perhaps, will help solve this problem.
Migraine
This is the most severe form of headache. Migraine is treated only by doctors, it is almost impossible to get rid of it yourself. This is a strong, paroxysmal pain. Women suffer from it not only during menstruation, but also in other situations. Do not delay the treatment of this insidious disease. Consult a doctor who will explain why your head hurts before your period, how to help with a migraine that has begun. To begin with, they will tell you about its main features:
- The pain is unbearable, difficult to tolerate.
- The attack can last several hours.
- No pain medication helps.
- Nausea or vomiting almost always accompanies migraines.
- Localization of pain in a separate part of the head, and not the whole.
- Irritation from bright light.
If you notice these signs, do not self-medicate. It can be made worse. Consult a neurologist immediately.
Prevention
The main thing to understand: the pain is caused by a hormonal difference. To alleviate the symptoms, it is necessary to approach this matter seriously and in advance. Knowing why your head hurts before your period, you can independently prevent this. But still there are a few universal recommendations that will suit everyone.
If you observe them, then a headache can be completely avoided:
- Give up addiction. These include tobacco smoking and, of course, the use of alcohol. They can trigger pain.
- Observe the same daily routine. You need to get enough sleep, especially before your period.
- Take a walk in the fresh air. Better go to a park where there is no gassed air.
- In no case do not let the treatment of migraine take its course. If you notice that the pain continues not only before and during menstruation, this is an occasion to run to the doctor.
Conclusion
In this article, we studied why the head hurts before menstruation. The reasons and treatment are now known to you. Our advice is for guidance only. If you manage to get rid of pain without the help of a doctor, be on the lookout anyway. They can come back again. Love yourself and be treated on time!