Menstrual migraines.

Continued. Before you read this article, please read the first part, Hormones and migraines.

Menstrual migraines also can be stopped by prescription drugs. Here is the list of these medications:

Depakote - anticonvulsants, like valproate

Cafergot, Migranal, Bellergal-S - drugs, containing ergotamine

propranolol - beta-blocker drugs

verapamil - calcium channel blockers

Like NSAIDs medications these prescription drugs should be started three days before the beginning of menstrual cycle and continued until the period ends.

When different types of treatment have been used without any results, drugs (like Lupron), that change hormone level are used.

Sometimes menstrual migraines can be caused by fluid retention, which is associated with a menstrual cycle. In that cases diuretics are used for menstrual migraines treatment. Decreasing salt-intake in the beginning of woman's period also can help.

For those who have to use post-menopausal estrogen supplements should keep taking them on a regular basis, but only small doses. They have to be taken every day. Keeping constant level of estrogen doses migraines can be prevented. The level of estrogen can be regulated by Estraderm - estrogen patch.

Pregnancy migraines treatment.

No drug therapy for migraines is recommended during pregnancy. Migraine treatment medications can have negative effect on a germ, that's why they are forbidden during pregnancy. Only some types of medications that relief pain can be taken, such as Tylenol. Before taking any drugs pregnant women should consult with her doctor.