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A New Kind of Cramp: Migraines Linked to Menstrual Cycles

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(NewsUSA) - They're debilitating, excruciating and incredibly painful. Migraines -; a condition that may be linked to family history and that affects approximately 28 million Americans, of which 21 million are women -; can be triggered by a host of factors such as stress, eyestrain, noise and even menstrual cycles.

Researchers estimate approximately 60 percent of women who suffer from migraines are actually victims of menstrual migraines.

The exact cause of menstrual migraines is uncertain, but evidence suggests a link between hormonal fluctuations around a woman's period and migraine headaches. It is specifically the drop in estrogen, which normally occurs at the onset of your period, that may be the culprit.

If the monthly potential for a migraine isn't bad news enough, these menstrual migraines are often more severe, last longer and are likely to be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. In fact, 84 percent of women who suffer from menstrual migraines reported restrictions in everyday activities.

So, if you've got a headache just thinking about it, here are some ways to manage your migraines:

* Avoid triggers. Stress, alcohol, certain types of foods, too much caffeine, lighting, changes in weather and food additives such as MSG and aspartame can all lead to a migraines.

* Track them. With the discomfort that accompanies your period, realizing you're having migraines on a regular monthly basis is not easy. That's why it's helpful to keep a record.

"Many women don't realize the connection between their menstrual cycle and migraines. The good news is we are now researching options to prevent menstrual migraines from occurring, because, unlike regular migraines, they are predictable and potentially preventable, " said Stephen Silberstein, M.D., professor of neurology at the Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University and director of the Jefferson Headache Center.

* Talk to your doctor. If you think you many be experiencing menstrual migraines, discuss it with your doctor. Depending on your history and symptoms, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or prescription triptans for treatment.

Recording when your migraines occur in relation to your cycle will help the discussion with your doctor. Try using the downloadable menstrual migraine tracker, which is available at http://www.menstrualmigraine.org as well as more information, tools and important questions to ask your physician about menstrual migraines.

If you think you have menstrual migraines, have a discussion with your health care professional. Remember, only a health care professional can diagnose menstrual migraines.