In the 'Symptoms - Metabolic' section of our in-depth questionnaire we ask the following question about menstruation-related headaches:
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Do you regularly have headaches that occur in association with your menstrual cycle?
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Your answer |
...indicates |
...and suggests |
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"Not Applicable / don't know" |
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"No" |
No menstruation-related headaches |
A symptom |
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"Only before menstruation begins" |
Premenstrual headaches |
A symptom |
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"Only during menstruation" |
Menstrual headaches |
A symptom |
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"Both before and during menstruation" |
Menstrual headaches |
A symptom |
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Your answer will affect the likelihoods of the conditions below.
Any answers in green reduce the likelihood of the condition.
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| Answers |
Condition |
Comment |
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Migraine/Tension Headaches |
Up to 25% of women have migraine during their reproductive years, with an average prevalence of 16% (11% without aura and 5% with aura). In 60-70% of cases in women, the headaches are related to the menstrual cycle. Attacks that occur exclusively with menses, called "true menstrual migraine", affect about 14% of sufferers. Some researchers have suggested that migraines occurring on a regular basis between days -2 and +3 of the menstrual cycle be considered menstrual migraines; premenstrual migraines occurring between days -7 to -3. |
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5 |
Premenstrual Syndrome PMS C (Craving) |
(Women only) |
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GLOSSARY
Menstruation (Menses, Menstrual, Menstrual Cycle, Menstrual Cycles, Menstrual Flow, Menstrual Phase, Monthly Cycle)
The periodic discharge of blood, tissue fluid and mucus from the endometrium (lining of the uterus) that usually lasts from 3 - 5 days. It is caused by a sudden reduction in estrogens and progesterone.
Migraine (Migraine Headache, Migraine Headaches, Migraines)
Not just a headache, but a disorder affecting the whole body, characterized by clearly defined attacks lasting from about 4 to 72 hours, separated by headache-free periods; progresses through five distinct phases. Prodrome: experienced by about 50% of migraineurs and starting up to 24 hours before the headache - changes in mood, sensory perception, food craving, excessive yawning, or speech or memory problems. Aura: experienced by about 15% and starting within an hour before the headache - disruption of vision (flashing lights, shimmering zigzag lines, blind spot) or sensation (numbness or 'pins and needles' around the lips or hand), or difficulty speaking. Headache: usually pulsating and occurring on one side of the head, it may occur on both sides of the head and alternate from side to side. Muscles in the neck and scalp may be tender; there may be nausea and the desire not to eat, move, see or hear. Resolution: the headache disappears and the body returns to normal. Resolution may occur over several hours during sleep or rest; an intense emotional experience or vomiting may also end the headache. Postdrome: After the headache stops, the sufferer feels drained, fatigued and tired. Muscles ache, emotions are volatile and thinking is slow.
Last updated: May 10, 2007
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