Three day headache at start of time of the month, nearly every month.

[Tortoise]

It used to happen less often but now seems to be every month. Day before start of period I get a bad headache which lasts 3 days and no tablets seem to relieve the pain. Upset dc this morning because I said we couldn't go to the cinema as on day 3 and I've had enough. Was awake at 4am in pain.
Is there anything that can be done about it?
Worth seeing the Dr before next period?

At least it should go by later today!

[viewfromawindow]

I get this as well. Never used to.... just as I have got older it has got worse. My actual periods are fine 3 days and really light but the headache (which I don't get EVERY month) are unbelieveably bad. None of my usual over the counter pain relief seems to touch them. I went to the doctor and he was fantastic about it and has perscribed me some much more powerful painkillers that I keep just for this situation. They do sometimes make me feel a little sick but frankly that is bearable! Don't suffer in silence. Ring for an appointment at the quack.

[Tortoise]

Sounds like me then, definitely worse than used to be. I have a coil in so don't always get a period but still get the headache!
Will make drs appointment then, although can't stand feeling sick either!

[chocoroo]

I had this a few years ago and was diagnosed with menstrual migraines. The Dr gave me migraine tablets (they were melt type things). However, I also stopped taking the pill and they cleared up.

[Zoonose]

I have just been reading about this in detail as I am now suffering with digestive problems around ovulation and then headaches following that. Getting pretty fed up with it, and panicking that the changes are perimenopause (am 34 and want a 3rd dc - these changes have come about only since birth of DC2). I used to get terrible headaches on the pill free week when I was on the pill. It is I believe to do with oestrogen sensitivity, a reaction to a drop in oestrogen levels. I am just starting to gather info as to what to do but there is very good anecdotal evidence that changing diet helps (cutting out caffeine, refined sugar, white flour, quite probably wheat - to promote production of the right prostaglandins, which affect symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle, I believe) and also that some supplementation with vitamins can help. Sorry I can't give you better information as I've just started researching myself with a view to changing my diet. I hope you find an answer too - though if you are on the pill coming off will probably help.

[Tortoise]

Thanks for replies.
Not on pill, have a contraceptive coil. Used to get the headaches before that though.
Will do some research too I think. Thanks.

[Tortoise]

Headache finally easing but feel sort of shaky and a bit light headed. This doesn't normally happen.

[viewfromawindow]

I don't always feel sick and I'm sure the doc would change the type of pain killer if it got worse. I'm just so glad to not be in pain. Hope it goes ok and let us know what the doc says.

[Tortoise]

Thanks. Feeling so much better today. Will make appointment next week.

[AngelDog]

My mum had this from when my younger brother was born to when she hit the menopause years later. No painkillers ever seemed to touch it.