Ladies who get bad headaches, migraines, and/or cramps before their period

For me it's too much estrogen normally that dips then, and the big drop causes the migraines. I take Prometrium progesterone to help it, and drinking a lot of soy those days before can help some, too.

I can't workout with a migraine, so that's out lots of times. But I used to do kicks in the women's locker room jacuzzi. It was really big and quiet, lol. A quiet walk works, too, if the sun isn't too bright and with cramps you can walk with (I take Rx painkillers for mine).

I had a pms headache while working out today. It went away about 5 minutes post workout. But if it was a REAL migraine, I would skip it.

I've had hormonal migraines for years. Last month, I had a strange experience. My car mechanic had an acupuncturist/Chinese medicine practitioner giving free shoulder massages while I was waiting for my car (they have something every week for "ladies day"). While waiting, my monthly migraine hit. I decided to get the massage in the hopes that it would make things bearable until I could get home to a dark room and some painkillers. I told the woman I'd just been struck with a migraine.

She asked which side it was on (the left), then grabbed the top of my left ear and started massaging/rubbing/pulling it really hard. In a few minutes, my headache and blurred vision were completely gone and did not return. I'm almost looking forward to this months' migraine so I can see if that works again or if it was just some strange fluke. You might want to try it and see what happens.

I get horrible migraines like a week before my period and they last until my period is done. usually if I take advil at the very first sign of it I can keep it dulled for the most part so that its not unbearable. my doctor put me on a birth control where I only get three periods a year. it didn't stop my migraines from coming but now I only get them three times a year so its way better

I agree with ddavenport63 about the magnesium supplement. I also take 5HTP as well which helps with serotonin production. Those coupled with the progesterone mini-pill have kept me sane.

Once you get into a routine, you'll hopefully be allowing yourself rest days. For me it's usually a case of swapping my rest days around if something comes up that prevents a workout (health or otherwise).

I don't get headaches or migraines, but do get terrible cramps which can start up to 4 days before my period. Several doctors have told me to take 800mg ibuprofen every 6 hours starting 2 days before my period and continuing for the first 3 days once it starts. Due to fears for my liver, I don't actually take that much in advance, but do take 600-800 as needed when suffering cramps. I often skip exercise since I not only feel awful, but the extra movement upsets my stomach. The exception I have found is swimming. The cold water actually provides a lot of relief.

I'm going through this right now. I was so pumped for my workouts this week and bam, migraine. Anyway, I'd get to your doctor to see what treatment is available for you.

Also, I agree with everyone else, a couple missed workouts per month won't harm your efforts too much. Get the rest you need when you need it.

Hope you get it figured out soon!

I get headaches the week before my period, now that I've started eating more protein before my period I don't have that problem anymore.