'Painful headaches' at same time of month could signal 'very common' condition

Women who suffer headaches at the same point every month may need to consult their GP, according to NHS guidance. While anyone with health concerns should always seek medical advice, the health authority publishes information that could assist those who are unaware that their symptoms might indicate an underlying condition. As per the latest NHS guidance, some women with periods may experience menstrual migraines that coincide with the start of their period. The NHS website says: "Menstrual migraines are very painful headaches that happen around the time of your period. "They usually happen around two days before your period starts, or during the first three days of your period. They're linked to changing levels of hormones and can be more painful than other types of migraine. Most women who get menstrual migraines also get migraines at other times." According to the NHS, women who experience menstrual migraines should 'see a GP' as there are medicines that could help. The health service also directs people to The Migraine Trust for more information. The charity reports that menstrual migraine is very common. The Migraine Trust says: "Menstrual migraine attacks tend to be longer and more severe compared with migraine attacks at other times. As well as head pain, you may be more likely to feel or be sick, and to have sensitivity to light or sounds. "Menstrual migraine attacks are more likely to be without aura, even if you get migraine with aura at other times of the month. Migraine attacks linked to periods may also be more difficult to treat." The charity says attacks usually occur from around two days before the start of a period through the third day of a period. However, the duration can vary, reports the Mirror . Your doctor might recommend acute medicines to treat an attack and preventative medicines to reduce the frequency. In some cases, a doctor may recommend contraception or hormone supplements to help alleviate symptoms. Painkillers could also help. The Migraine Trust explains: "You can use standard painkillers to help with menstrual migraine. These include paracetamol and ibuprofen. If you get painful periods too, you may find stronger non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help. "These include naproxen and mefenamic acid. Ask your pharmacist for more information. You will need a prescription from a doctor for mefenamic acid."