Menopause migraines can be managed by taking migraine medication, avoiding known causes of migraines, and occasionally by taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Migraines occur commonly during menopause, but unfortunately what works for one person may not work for another, so it may be necessary for you to not only try a number of different migraine treatments, but also to determine what triggers your migraines. Preventing them by avoiding known causes, such as certain foods or caffeine, can be one of the best ways to manage menopause migraines.
Foods that contain MSG, for example, are a trigger of menopause migraines for many people; in addition, caffeine can sometimes cause a migraine as well. On the other hand, some people find that caffeine can actually help a migraine, because it can help to shrink expanded blood vessels in the brain, so this is a good example of each person needing to find a different method of treatment. Hormonal changes are some of the most common causes of menopause migraines as well, which is why doctors may occasionally offer hormone replacement therapy or herbal supplements as a way to manage both migraines and other unpleasant symptoms of menopause.
Once a migraine does occur, there are many medications available to manage migraines, both over the counter, and with a prescription from a doctor. If migraines are occurring frequently, it may be a good idea to ask a doctor for a prescription so you can stop the migraine as soon as you feel it beginning. Other ways to manage menopause migraines include laying down and resting in a dark room, placing a cool compress on the forehead, and as mentioned above, drinking something that contains caffeine. This is because migraines tend to cause sensitivity to light and sound, which can lead to nausea and increased pain.
Some people find that practicing relaxation techniques on a daily basis can help them to manage menopause migraines and to prevent them from occurring. These might include yoga or meditation, for example. Certain breathing techniques or biofeedback may be used as well to manage menopause migraines in a natural way. These practices can help to manage other symptoms of menopause as well, such as mood swings. Once you have a migraine, it is best to rest as much as you can, and even sleep if possible; physical activity is not advisable with a migraine, because it can make the migraine worse and lead to vomiting.