Menstrual migraines can be challenging, and though it can be hard to muddle through the misinformation, debunking the myths will empower you to take control of your health. Understanding the true nature of menstrual migraine and exploring the range of treatment options available can help you find the relief you need.
Myth 1: Menstrual migraines are just bad headaches.
One of the most common misconceptions is that a menstrual migraine is just a severe headache. While headaches can be a symptom, menstrual migraines are much more complex. They can include throbbing pain, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. These symptoms can be debilitating and affect daily activities, making it clear that menstrual migraines are much more than just a headache.
Myth 2: Only women who have regular periods get menstrual migraines.
Some believe that only women with regular menstrual cycles struggle with menstrual migraine, but that’s not true. While hormonal fluctuations linked to the menstrual cycle can trigger migraines, women with irregular periods can also experience them. In fact, menstrual migraines can occur at any time during a woman’s reproductive years, regardless of the regularity of her periods.
Myth 3: You should just push through the pain.
There’s a misconception that women should just tough it out and push through the pain of menstrual migraines because it’ll just pass. However, trying to “power through” can actually make things worse. It’s important to listen to your body and rest when you need to. Effective migraine management often involves a combination of treatments and self-care strategies tailored to your specific needs.
Myth 4: Menstrual migraine is the same for everyone.
Every woman’s experience with menstrual migraine is unique. Symptoms, triggers, and effective treatments can vary widely from person to person. It’s essential to find what works best for you. If you struggle with menstrual migraine, it can make a world of difference to work with your health care provider on developing a personalized migraine management plan.
Myth 5: Menstrual migraines are caused solely by hormones.
While hormonal changes are a significant trigger, they are not the sole cause of menstrual migraine. Other factors, such as stress, diet, sleep patterns, and environmental changes, can also play a role. Understanding that it’s a combination of factors can help you manage and reduce the frequency and severity of your migraines.
Myth 6: Menstrual migraines are inevitable and cannot be prevented.
Many women think that menstrual migraines are an unavoidable part of their menstrual cycle. However, there are several strategies that can help keep attacks at bay. Tracking your menstrual cycle and identifying patterns can help you anticipate migraines and take preventive measures. Lifestyle changes, such as sticking to a regular sleep schedule, staying hydrated, and managing stress, can also make a significant difference.
Myth 7: Over-the-counter pain relievers are the only treatment.
Over-the-counter pain relievers can certainly help alleviate symptoms. However, they are not the only option, and they may not be the best solution for everyone. Prescription medications, hormonal treatments, and lifestyle changes can also be effective in managing menstrual migraine. Additionally, there are innovative treatments like gammaCore™ non-invasive vagus nerve stimulator (nVNS), a portable, handheld device that’s clinically proven to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines, including menstrual migraine, by targeting the vagus nerve, which plays a key role in pain regulation. Use gammaCore nVNS as needed (up to 24 times daily) to manage pain. Each treatment consists of 2 two-minute stimulations on the same side of the neck.
In addition to treating migraines, gammaCore can also be used to prevent them. Use the device twice daily (once in the morning and again at night) to avoid painful attacks from striking.
To see if gammaCore is right for you, visit our clinic finder to locate a health care provider near you, or contact our dedicated Customer Experience team at 888-903-2673 or customerservice@electrocore.com.
