How can I prevent migraines?

Question

I get migraines at least once a month, they are linked to my hormone levels changing. Does anyone else have this problem and have they managed to prevent their migraines?

Answer 1

I can't say for sure if this will help with hormonal migraines, but I have had migraines since I was a child and in my 30's I learned 2 things....1. I had a jaw shape that caused my jaw, at rest, to be crooked, for lack of a better word, and it was contributing to the migraines...its not hormonal, but it took 25+ years for someone to catch it! Second, someone told me that a lot of migraine sufferers have a lack of magnesium in their diets. A common source would be fish. I started taking 500mg of magnesium daily and within 6 months, my migraines had decreased about 70%, and considering I got 2-4 a week, that was pretty amazing. Again, it wasn't hormonal but it was definitely an improvement--and it can't hurt.
I've also heard Topamax, which you take daily, will help prevent migraines, although I haven't tried it, yet!
Good Luck!!

Answer 2

There are certain foods that will trigger a migraine. Wine, aged cheeses etc you should do a search as there are more foods. Scents can also trigger a migraine. Sounds and light are also problems. I know if I walk into a store and the perfume sniper gets me I will suffer later. If they are hormone related your doctor may suggest a prophylactic medication that you take daily to prevent the headaches. For me getting rid of my first husband helped, but I wouldn't suggest such a severe remedy without knowing you. I found that after the headache hit a hot vinegar and water on a cloth to the forehead, a dark, quiet room really helped. Yes I said vinegar and water on a wash clothe. ring it out good and replace it once it gets cold. Sounds like an old wife's tale but this old wife can tell you that it is very soothing. I have taken Zomig, Maxalt 10, and other medications with good results.

Answer 3

Drink Coffee.... or something with caffeine. I suffered from Migraines out of no where for like a year.... then they just stopped... it was weird... but caffeine helped a lot... and a whole lot of Excedrin Migraine... I would take it when I woke up.... then in the Afternoon, and at night... but it didn't prevent all of them... I still had a few really really killer ones.

Answer 4

My sister has this problem. She is unable to take birth control pills because with her migraine medecine it can cause a stroke.

She had an iud inserted and she didn't have any migraines until she had to removed in order to have kids. Now she gets them weekly.

If you have a neruologist Id talk about that with him/her. Maybe you are able to take birth control and that will help. Or talk to you gyno.

Answer 5

This is a very common complaint. Menstrual/PMS migraines are primarily caused by estrogen, the female sex hormone that specifically regulates the menstrual cycle fluctuations throughout the cycle. When the levels of estrogen and progesterone change, women will be more vulnerable to headaches.
Herbal supplements are excellent for this. This site has good info

Answer 6

Drink lots of water. I was also prescribed travel sickness pills by my doctor when the lights and heating at work were giving me migraines, and they worked.

Answer 7

This may sound crazy but I have started visiting a chiropractor and my headaches have pretty much stopped. I've been going about 2 months now and have had about 1 headache. It has worked better than anything else for me

Answer 8

I also have migraines. my doctor told me that i should eat at regular inetrvals and not stress out too much.

Answer 9

There are migraine pads for your forehead which are available from chemists, my daughter swears by them and also watch what you eat cheese and chocolate can bring them on.

Answer 10

The herb feverfew is said to be able to prevent migraines.