Perimenopause & Migraine

Tips for Relief

As a migraine sufferer, I've been through it all, just as I'm sure you have. Sometimes, medication takes a while to work, or it doesn't kick in at all.

Elimination of Migraine Triggers

This is the most important first step to take. Often, headaches are caused by external triggers that, once reduced or eliminated, can provide you with immense relief. This list contains common triggers for migraine. However, you may not be bothered by some of these items, but others not on the list may give you a whopping headache. For instance, I've gotten a migraine after sitting next to someone with strong perfume.

• Anxiety and insomnia
  
• Becoming overtired
  
• Missed meals/letting your blood sugar fluctuate
  
• Bright lights and/or loud noise
  
• MSG
  
• Chocolate
  
• Red wine and other alcohol
  
• Foods with nitrates (bacon, deli food)
  
• Moldy cheeses
  
• Birth control pills
  
• Asthma medication
  
• Certain heart and stomach drugs

When looking for these triggers, you want to think back over the past few hours before the a headache started to figure out what may have triggered the headache. If you find a consistent source, you can then eliminate it. For instance, vinegar definitely triggers migraines in me, as does lanolin in hand cream!

While there is a vast array of medications to prevent or relieve migraines, there are some women who would prefer trying more natural methods at first.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Studies have shown that 400 mg daily may reduce migraine symptoms. A three month study conducted in 1994, by American and Belgian researchers, found that 50% of the 49 patients who had migraines found a 50% improvement with the vitamin, three months after the study. However, only 15% of the participants who received a placebo continued to experience any improvement.

Magnesium

The National Center for Biotechnology Information published the results of a 1994 pilot study in which 43 migraine patients were given 600 mg of magnesium. Their conclusion was that "the working hypothesis to the effect that magnesium may be useful in the prevention of migraine attacks has been confirmed by the pilot study."

The Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center has a document on Magnesium, in which they state that "studies show that about half of migraine headache sufferers have a low amount of ionized magnesium in the blood, which suggests a low magnesium status. And magnesium supplementation reduces the number and duration of migraines, including menstrual migraines, in some people. The findings suggest that too little magnesium can worsen the suffering from migraine headaches."

Caffeine

This is a very controversial topic. Caffeine and withdrawal from caffeine can certainly cause headaches (or rebound headaches). But a small amount of caffeine can actually halt a migraine for some people.

Feverfew

There is a lot of anecdotal evidence that Feverfew can reduce or prevent migraines. However, studies are inconclusive about this. On the other hand, some people swear by this herb. You can find feverfew at any health food store. Please be sure to buy from a reputable manufacturer, as the viability and potency vary greatly. 
Note: In 2002, a study was conducted in Germany on 147 patients for 12 weeks. The Feverfew "failed to show a significant migraine prophylactic effect in general." The recommendation was for a more in-depth study.

Herbal Formulas

Health food stores have a variety of herbal supplements containing a combination of the herbs listed above. Again, use these supplements with caution.

Natural Progesterone

Natural progesterone cream has been documented as a panacea for perimenopausal women with a myriad of symptoms, such as menstrual migraine. The recommendation is 2 percent progesterone cream. You can find high quality cream at the health food store. The initial recommendation is 1/4-1/2 tsp on your skin daily for two weeks prior to your period. If you do not get regular periods, then use the cream on the first day of the month for the amount of time recommended by your doctor.

Dr. Helene B. Leonetti, author of Menopause: A Spiritual Renaissance, and an expert in this arena, says, "You should get the highest quality progesterone cream and start very, very slowly. Perhaps just use a minute amount on your arm or breast to start, and build up slowly over time. Many of my patients have been helped tremendously by a combination of progesterone cream and other products."

However, use caution. I was one of the few women who's symptoms worsened with progesterone cream. Even using a minute amount, after one month of use, I was worse. It is suggested that three months of use for the amount suggested each month is recommended to get over this hump. But for me, it was too uncomfortable.

Again, it's best not to mess with any hormonal treatment without the advice of a qualified health care practitioner.

Perimenopause & Migraine

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