PMS headaches and sinus problems

The exact cause of PMS, headaches and depression are unknown. In fact, it is not known why some women have severe symptoms, some have mild ones, while others have none. It is generally believed that PMS, migraine and depression stem from neurochemical changes within the brain. Hormonal factors, such as estrogen levels, had not been appreciated until recent studies.

The female hormone estrogen starts to rise after menstruation and peaks around mid-cycle (ovulation). It then rapidly drops only to slowly rise and then fall again in the time before menstruation. Estrogen hold fluid and with increasing estrogen comes fluid retention: many women report weight gains of five pounds premenstrually. Estrogen has a central neurologic effect: it can contribute to increase brain activity and even seizures. Estrogen can also contribute to retention of salt and a drop in blood sugar. PMS patients and migraineurs benefit from both salt and sugar restriction and a mild diuretic.

PMS and Migraine Diet
Depending on the patient’s individual symptoms and their severity, the doctor may recommend how one may take an active role in the management of PMS and premenstrual migraine by following these guidelines:

*Eat six small meals at regular three-hour intervals, high in complex carbohydrates and low in simple sugars. This helps to maintain a stead blood glucose level and avoid energy highs and lows.

*Substantially reduce and eliminate use of caffeine, alcohol, salt, fats, and simple sugars to reduce bloating, fatigue, tension and depression.

*Daily supplemental vitamins and minerals may be administered to relieve some PMS symptoms. A multivitamin with B6(100 mcg), B complex, magnesium (300mg), Vitamin E (400 IU) and vitamin C (1000 mg) may be recommended to alleviate irritability, fluid retention, joint aches, breast tenderness, anxiety, depression and fatigue. Be sure to check with your doctor before taking any medication for PMS.

*Exercise is helpful for PMS because it reduces stress and tension, acts as a mood elevator, provides a sense of well-being and improves blood circulation by increasing natural production of beta-endorphins. It is recommended, if your physician so advises, to exercise at least three times weekly for 20-30 minutes. Aerobics, walking, jogging, bicycling and swimming are a few of the suggested ways to exercise.

I hoped this helped!

I have suffered from headaches ever since I started my periods over 30 years ago and still suffer now. The only time I didn't get them was when I had my children hence I believe they are strongly linked to my periods. My headaches start either the day before I have a period or the same day. I get pressure behind the eye which can extend to my ear and throat. On a daily scale it can swap sides and is totally debilitating. This week I have had the headache for four days and am not expecting it to go away until at least the weekend. I feel sick and totally useless and all I can do is rest and ocassionally use the internet. If I bend down to pick sometihng up the pain increases so much it is unbearable. To be honest I can't wait for the menopause then hopefully my headaches will cease for good. Will try the evening primrose oil next month and see if it makes any improvement.

I am so glad i stumbled on this site. I have been suffering with my '3 day' headaches for years. When it's really bad they can last up to 10 days like this time - hence me doing a bit of research. I get sinus pains, nausea, drainage down my throat etc. My doc says it is migraine to do with my periods, i spoke to my gynae doc and he says its a sinus problem so suggested i seek ENT advice. Based on that i told my doc that i had a sinus infection and he gave me amoxicilin but the pain continued and the headache and sinus prob didn't go away. It has been over 10 days now. I can't believe so many have been suffering the same. I have tried every kind of pain relief but nothing seems to work. however I have just found out that if i take two asprin and two ibrufen type tablets at the same time it actually does relieve the pain. Hope this offers some relief to some of you.

I do not feel alone anymore:) Thank God! I have been having the same problems for years Thanks for all the posts, now I can ease my mind.

Now I know I'm not crazy, what do we do about it????

after I delivered my last child 8 years ago I had stroke & sezuries the dr's never could figure out why. I was on blood thinner for years after I stop them I started to develop these symtoms that arrive about a week befor my period and last 3 days. I started started doing some research and wondered if I had a sinus thrombosiss. I wish someone had an answer, but at least now I now I am not crazy and I'm not alone.

Hi,

After thinking I was all alone on this one, I suffer really badly as well, and have to on occasions take days off work.
-The only relief I have found is really watching what you eat, Yoga, and diet
-supplements, primrose oil, star flower,B6, Calcium, magnesium
-Using antibiotics once your attack starts together with decongestants,
-Syndol tablets provide great relief, but can make you really drowsy.

When im in good shape, I find I can eliminate all the symptoms apart from a bit of bloating, so im gonna move right back to a healthy life style.

Ps. Despite all of that, I love being a woman... please don't give up! xxx

I too have been consistently suffering with sinus problems around menstrual cycle time. After reading this info. I at least know I'm not the only one. ...What do we do about it? I eat great, exercise regularly, try and keep stress to a minimum...so why do I feel so sick every month?


Best wishes to everyone!
CS

I TOO, have been suffering with sinus problems/infections..headaches, sore throat just before or during my period.....having one right now...it's lasted for 7 days...the longest I can remember......horrible.

It has taken me a long time (years) to connect the two..but the most work I have ever missed over the last 10 years has been due to a "sinus infection".............and the more I looked back...I was usually on my period........with an INSANE SWEET TOOTH....I used to laugh at myself because for someone being so sick.......I sure wanted everything in the store when I went to pick up my anti-biotics...usually a coke and CHOCOLATE galore......

My GP last week said she THINKS it MIGHT be related to my GERD & Acid Reflux........and that during our period when the hormones are changing it allows more acid into the esophogus at night when we are sleeping...affecting the sinuses........i have had a history of heartburn and stomach problems....so we'll see IF this is the reason...she put me on 40mg of Prilosec am and pm....I am going to try to eliminate my caffeine intake (coffee)...I haven't had ANY this past week bc I've been so sick.

Will keep everyone posted. I do feel that it's either related to stomach acid getting into the sinuses, or hormones..or maybe both..........it's just VERY FRUSTRATING.........I am at my wits end......bc it happens almost every month!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just don't know how much longer I can deal with it....

WOW...I can't believe others have the same headache problems I do. I get the hunger feeling that can't be fulfilled, neck pain, pressure behind one eye or the other. Horrible sinus-like pressure. It's killing me because i feel like I'm wasting my life. Luckily mine usually only last 24 hrs and sometimes 48 hrs. I get them first day of my period and sometimes mid-cycle, ovulation time. It's got to be hormonal!! I've got a 4 yr old and a husband that I'd rather be spending my time with!! With this many people with same problems there has to be an answer and fix. It's got to be hormonal....what else could it be? Answers....please!!!