Help! What works best for a headache?

[Cynthiaramsey]

Started my period yesterday and today I have a banging headache. It’s always the way. I used to just get cramps but now I get headaches as well and they’re hell! Nothing I try will shift them. Today I have tried paracetamol and ibuprofen, and even cocodamol (I didn’t take everything at the same time). I’ve just woke up from a nap and even that hasn’t shifted it. I can’t even get up because when I take my head off the pillow it hurts more.

Has anyone found anything that is effective for bad headaches? Usually they last from day 2 of my period to day 4 or 5 but it’s worse this month and I can’t cope with another few days of this 😔

If ibuprofen and cocodamol (taken together which is safe to do so very short term) isn’t shifting it then there isn’t a stronger OTC combination for general pain relief. You can get naproxen(same family as ibuprofen but stronger) OTC for period pain but it’s pricy and I’d wager if nothing has made a dent in it naproxen won’t either.

A reoccurring headache of this severity absolutely warrants seeing a GP.

Ice ice baby!

www.healthline.com/health/ice-packs-for-headache

I only get them a few days a month when I start my period so I’m guessing it’s hormones that are causing it. I also get very intense period cramps but I have endometriosis so that’s to be expected. The cramps actually ease up though whereas the headache doesn’t 😢

It's probably migraine brought on by hormones. Try dispersible aspirin and cola or other fizzy drink. The fizz helps get the aspirin into your system and the sugar can help. Also have an espresso - caffeine can help.

Go and see your GP though. Cocodamol never worked for me, sumatriptan has been life changing.

If it's hormonal migraine, then triptans are the only things that ever really work for me. They're available OTC.

Peppermint oil, white tiger balm, or 4head stick on the temples all help and work in similar ways.

Amazing, thanks everyone!

I get hormonal headaches but mine do respond to big standard paracetamol as long as I take it at the first twinges. And I like 4Head sticks or the migraine sticky head sheets whilst the painkillers are taking effect. Headache before period like clockwork

Can of coke and paracetamol

Full fat coke? My boyfriend is on his way home and I will ask him to get me a can

I've sometimes found sudafed helps. Less so now. Was given Naproxen. TBH it made me drowsy and I slept. The sleep probably helped more. They last about 2.5 days now. Its so annoying. Usually stress and poor sleep contribute. May try these triptans too.

All the above plus a bag of ready salted crisps!

In case pp doesn't reply, yes, full fat

I get exactly this myself. Different things seem to work different months, but I do agree full fat coke helps. Avoiding artificial sweetener helps too.
Nurofen migraine, the strong OTC ones take the edge off. Solpadeine headache paracetamol with caffeine, the fizzy ones you dissolve in water are good too.

You could try a small amount of alcohol (a glass of wine or G&T) - that often works when all else fails.

Or you can try sumatriptan - you need a prescription though.

An ice pack/cool pack could help, use a bag of frozen peas if you don't have one.

You could also try a warm bath to relax your muscles.

I'm sorry you're suffering, definitely go to your GP, this is a lot to cope with every month and there are various treatments out there.

If you don't have coke I find a coffee helpful

Or you can try sumatriptan - you need a prescription though.

I think they changed the rules so that you can get it OTC now.

Zolmatriptan is certainly available to buy in Boots.

all those recommending co-codamol should bear in mind that opiate based pain killers are not really appropriate for headaches (they can cause them or make them worse).

try paracetamol, fresh air, rest, and hydrate.

Even if it’s only a couple of days a month that’s 24 days a year when you are suffering and sometimes unable to function.

I recommended a GP appointment because they might see fit to prescribe you something suitable for migraines like a triptan. You can buy them OTC but the rules do state you cannot buy them unless you’ve been diagnosed with migraines. They’re also bloody expensive for a pack of 2.

The 4 head sticks really help- I don’t know if the cold/tingly sensation just distracts from pain, or if there is something in it.
I also use a heat pack on my neck- seems to relieve some of the tension.
I use these alongside every pain killer I can get my hands on, and still really struggle a couple of days a month.

i do agree with seeing the GP... more than likely they will prescribe Amitriptyline.. just a low dose, 10mg. its really good for managing hormone related migraines.

triptans sound a little bit OTT.. and they only work if you take them at the right time, take them too early or too late and you might as well throw them at the wall.

(and yes before anyone jumps on me i am a chronic migraine sufferer)

I get horrible hormonal headaches and usually a full fat coke, a couple of paracetamol and a snooze sort me out!

I use migralieve with stick on Kool n Soothe patches on my head.

I can't take ibuprofen but was told to take 3 high strength asprin by my doctor. It's worth taking to someone about combinations and strengths that might work for you.

Coffee helps me but it can make things worse. I hope you find the right combination.

3 soluble aspirin & 2 soluble paracetamol in a glass of coke. That’s what the National Migraine Centre recommended to me. I do have Triptans on prescription but very often the aspirin and paracetamol combo works.

aspirin and some caffeine. Followed by a pint of water and something heavy in carbs - toast, salted crisps

Just water. Lots of it. Not too much, obviously