Why your period triggers migraine
In the days before your period, estrogen drops sharply. This drop is a powerful migraine trigger for many people. Menstrual migraines typically strike from 2 days before to 3 days into your period.
What they feel like
Often more severe, longer-lasting, and harder to treat than other migraines: throbbing pain (often one-sided), nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. Some people get aura (visual disturbances); those who do should avoid estrogen-containing birth control.
Prevention - using your cycle
Because the timing is predictable, you can act early. Options: NSAIDs or triptans started 1-2 days before the expected migraine, magnesium daily, staying hydrated, steady sleep and meals, and managing other triggers. Tracking your cycle makes the timing reliable.
Treatment
Acute treatment includes NSAIDs, triptans, and anti-nausea medication. For frequent menstrual migraines, a doctor may suggest preventive strategies, including hormonal approaches that smooth the estrogen drop.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for migraines that disrupt life, don't respond to usual treatment, or change in pattern. Seek urgent care for a sudden 'worst-ever' headache, headache with weakness/numbness/speech or vision changes, fever and stiff neck - these need immediate assessment.