There's nothing like a migraine to ruin your days.
However, if you're finding your migraines are convenient excuses to avoid sex with your partner, then don't bother reading this article.
If you really do belong to the group who's having horrible migraines and you want to get rid of them, here are a few factors to consider.
Many women complain of an increase in headaches and migraines as they approach their menopausal years.
I never used to have problems (only very occasionally) but now the headaches are coming on like clockwork a few days before menstruation.
In order to turn a bad situation into a good one, I seized the opportunity to do the necessary research for my website so we can all benefit.
Know your Triggers You are unique and so are your migraines.
Your particular triggers are not the same as someone else's.
Here's a list of possible triggers that you'll want to avoid if they're causing your migraines.
• Stress.
Sometimes the headache doesn't come on when we are experiencing the stress, but rather after the stress is resolved and we are starting to relax.
Bummer.
• Red wine.
Organic white wine may be better for some people.
Avoid sulphites and preservatives.
• Aged Cheese.
Switch to young cheese.
• MSG.
Avoid.
Read your labels.
• Chemicals in our food and drinks.
• Too much sleep.
(yeah-right, who has time for that? And if you do, consider yourself lucky and pop a pill, will ya.
) • Too little sleep.
That's more realistic.
•Bright lights.
Wear sunglasses.
• Too much caffeine.
Switch to decaf, or better yet, switch to herbal teas.
• Clenching/grindng your teeth.
You may not know you're doing this.
Ask your dentist, he/she may recommend a mouth guard for sleeping.
• Overloaded senses.
Many migraine sufferers are susceptible to strong smells.
Avoid fragrant cosmetics, sunblock, insect repellants, and people.
• Obesity.
Several studies have linked obesity to migraines.
Eat right and stay active.
• Contraceptive pills.
If this is the cause, talk with your doctor about changing the type of pill.
Alternative Options Avoiding your triggers should always be the first step.
Alternative options should be the second step, and medications, if all else fails, should be the third step in your fight against migraines.
• Get a massage.
If the massage is too aggressive, you might experience a migraine flare-up.
Make sure your massage therapist is trained properly in migraine-relief.
• Correct any vitamin deficiencies with a healthful diet and possibly vitamin supplements if necessary.
• Go to a chiropractor.
• Try acupuncture.
• Try Yoga.
• Tai chi.
• Try botox injections into the areas where you get the migraine pain.
You might experience a beneficial side-effect as a bonus.
All of the above methods are to be performed throughout the month, and not just when your migraine is flaring up.
Take a pill • Sometimes there's just no other option than to take a pill.
You have to go to work after all, or you have to care for your loved ones, or get to that Bridge Game.
• Take the right medications at the right time.
Get a prescription from your doctor and then take the pill as soon as the pain starts.
Your doctor has several options ((Triptans, anti-depressants, anti-inflammatories, Beta-Blockers and anti-seizure meds) to discuss with you.
• If your migraine is premenstrual and you've tried to avoid your triggers and you've tried the alternative options listed, then take one or two anti-inflammatory pills each day for a few days before your period starts.
You will want to discuss this plan with your family physician because taking too many pills on a regular basis, even if they're over-the-counter, will cause rebound headaches.
• If you want to take an over-the-counter pill then take it as soon as the pain starts and lie down for a while, if you can, until it starts working.
This is not recommended if you are working and you have a moody perimenopausal boss.