Menstrual and Premenstrual Migraines

For clues as to what may be causing premenstrual migraines, we have to look at what is happening hormonally at that time. On Day 21 of your cycle, progesterone is hitting a peak and estrogen levels are starting to rise a little to come to a second peak around day 23-24. By about day 25, assuming you are not pregnant or on the birth control pill, both levels are starting to fall which is the cue to your body to release the uterine lining and have a period. The peak of progesterone around day 21 is thought to be protective against migraines. The drop in estrogen is also thought to be associated with migraines. In the women that I have worked with who had premenstrual migraines, what has worked beautifully is an approach that optimizes progesterone production and balances estrogen.

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