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. This headache can be triggered by some 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 since 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:
Hormonal changes
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. In effect, 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, the body is prone to iron deficiency. nowLow 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 apply cold compresses to the sore neck or head area.
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 containing tyramine foods high in foods, such as avocados, bananas, smoked fish, chocolate, and dried fruit, should also be avoided because they can trigger headaches.
3. Reduce salt consumption
Reducing salt consumption can also be done to help relieve and prevent headaches during menstruation. This is because excessive salt 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, ranging from being active in sports, doing meditation, breathing fresh air, to doing fun activities.
5. Hinduri scent which strong
To help deal with headaches during menstruation, avoid exposure to strong-scented ingredients, such as perfume, air pollution, cleaning products, or 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 medicine pain relief
Taking pain relievers can also be one 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 doctors find the right treatment.
If the headache during menstruation does not decrease or even gets heavier, you should see a doctor for proper treatment.