# Menstrual migraines > Why headaches love your period, and how to fight back. Category: Period care · 5 min read · Written by the Splash team · Sources checked October 2026 URL: https://splash.care/learn/period-care/migraines ## Quick answer - Menstrual migraines happen from about 2 days before to day 3 of a period, and can be more severe. - A diary for at least 3 months helps you and your doctor plan treatment. - Migraine with aura matters when choosing hormones: tell your doctor before using the combined pill, patch or ring. - A sudden, severe headache is an emergency. Migraine attacks that happen just before or during your period are called menstrual migraines. The NHS says they are often longer and more severe than attacks at other times. The Migraine Trust explains that a drop in [Oestrogen](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/oestrogen) in the days before your period is a common trigger. ## How common, and what makes it "menstrual"? The Migraine Trust says as many as two-thirds of women with migraine may have attacks linked to their periods. In menstrual migraine the attacks come from about 2 days before your period to day 3, in at least 2 out of 3 periods. Most people with menstrual migraine also have attacks at other times. Fewer than 1 in 100 women with migraine only get them with their period. Menstrual attacks are more likely to be without aura, and can be harder to treat. ## Spotting a pattern There is no test, so a diary is the best tool. The Migraine Trust suggests recording migraines and period days for at least 3 months. Log headaches in Splash alongside your period: if they keep landing in the same few days, you can plan ahead with your [doctor](https://splash.care/learn/conditions/talk-to-your-doctor). ## Treatment options a GP might discuss - Standard migraine treatments: painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, taken as soon as the headache starts, plus anti-sickness medicine or triptans. - For painful periods too: stronger anti-inflammatories like naproxen or mefenamic acid. - A short course of a triptan taken on the days you expect an attack (often called mini-prevention). - Preventive medicines, if attacks are frequent. - Hormonal options, such as taking the combined pill without a break. This is not suitable if you have migraine with aura (see below). > Try not to take painkillers on more than 2 days a week, says the NHS. Taking them too often can cause more headaches (medication overuse headache). Tell your GP if you find you are doing this. ## What is aura? [Aura](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/aura) is a warning sign before a migraine, such as zigzag lines, flashing lights, pins and needles, or trouble speaking. The NHS says aura should not last longer than an hour. > If you have migraine with aura, tell your doctor or nurse before starting or continuing the combined pill, patch or ring. The NHS lists migraine with aura as a reason the combined pill may not be suitable, because of a higher risk of stroke. If you get aura for the first time while taking the combined pill, tell a doctor. A progestogen-only pill can be an option. ## Other common triggers - [Stress](https://splash.care/learn/cycle-basics/stress-travel-illness) and tiredness. - Skipping meals or not eating regularly. - Too much [caffeine](https://splash.care/learn/nutrition/caffeine-alcohol). - Not enough [exercise](https://splash.care/learn/period-care/exercise-on-period). - Not drinking enough, or disturbed [sleep](https://splash.care/learn/movement-sleep/sleep-cycle). - Anxiety and low mood. > **Splash says:** regular meals, water and sleep in the days before your period can help reduce some triggers. Sleeping in a dark room can help during an attack. **Myth:** Menstrual migraine is just a bad headache. **Fact:** Migraine is a neurological condition with its own symptoms (nausea, sensitivity to light and sound). Treatments exist, and period-linked migraine is worth raising with a GP. ### When to see a doctor See a GP if you regularly get migraines around your period, have more than one attack a week, or they are severe or getting worse. Get urgent advice (urgent GP or NHS 111) if an attack lasts more than 72 hours or aura lasts over an hour. Call 999 for a sudden, extremely painful headache, trouble speaking or remembering, vision loss, drowsiness or confusion, a seizure, weakness on one side of the body or face, a very high temperature with signs of meningitis, or after a head injury. ## Sources 1. [NHS: Migraine](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/migraine/) 2. [The Migraine Trust: Menstrual migraine](https://migrainetrust.org/understand-migraine/types-of-migraine/menstrual-migraine/) 3. [NHS: Who can take the combined pill](https://www.nhs.uk/contraception/methods-of-contraception/combined-pill/who-can-take-it/) This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US).