Tell us about your symptoms and treatment experience. Take our survey here.

caret icon Back to all discussions

Menstrual Cycle

Is there a correlation between the menstrual cycle and migraines? I suffered from painful irregular cycles as a teen but it got a little better after I had a baby. When I first had my migraine attack, 8 years ago, it was after an abnormally long cycle. Now, when I about to get my "monthly visitor", my migraine starts and my emergency Imitrex doesn't work. Is there a connection, or am I just reaching? The unpredictability of the migraine attacks is really hard for me. Especially because once it starts, it lasts for 72 hours.

  1. Hi deadeyes,

    Thank you for reaching out and being part of the Migraine.com discussion forum!!

    YES!! Many women have a difficult time during their cycles, which may be due to the influx of hormones. Frova, a triptan, can be used for short term prevention during this time. I've spoken with a number of women who found success with this medication. You can read more about this here; https://migraine.com/blog/short-term-option-for-migraine-prevention-frova/.

    I hope this helps. Let me know what you think.
    Nancy

    1. yes this is certainly me with the menstrual migraine. They don't only hit then but usually around my cycle and last 3 days. I joined this community to see if I could find some help or solutions that worked for other women. My doctor put me on the Pill to try to keep my estrogen from dipping as that might have been causing it but it sadly didn't change anything.

      1. Hi charprice,

        If you haven't had a chance to discuss taking Frova prophylactically for menstrual migraine, I would encourage you to.

        Here is that information to share; https://migraine.com/blog/short-term-option-for-migraine-prevention-frova/.

        Let me know if this works,
        Nancy

    Please read our rules before posting.