Migraines are common in Canada, and many people who experience them use a migraine calendar to track their episodes. In many cases, migraine attacks are linked to hormonal cycles and become what is known as menstrual migraines. These migraines affect many women and can significantly impact quality of life. To better understand these migraines and identify triggers, using a migraine calendar is a simple yet valuable tool.
What is a migraine?
A migraine is a very strong type of headache characterized by intense pain, often located on one side of the head. It may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and marked sensitivity to light (photophobia) or sound (phonophobia). Attacks can last from a few hours to several days and vary in frequency from one person to another. Some migraines are preceded or accompanied by an aura, which refers to visual, sensory or speech disturbances that signal or accompany the pain.
What is a menstrual migraine?
A menstrual migraine typically occurs in the days leading up to a period or at the beginning of menstruation. It is associated with hormonal fluctuations, especially the drop in estrogen. The symptoms resemble those of other types of migraine: intense headaches, often on one side, accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.
Migraine calendar: why track migraines?
Keeping a migraine calendar helps track the frequency, duration and intensity of migraine attacks. For menstrual migraines, this calendar should ideally include information about the menstrual cycle: period start dates, cycle length and associated symptoms (premenstrual syndrome, pelvic pain and so on). This makes it easier to identify a link between the menstrual cycle and migraine episodes.
A migraine calendar that follows the menstrual cycle helps to:
Better understand the connection between attacks and hormonal variations.
Identify predictable patterns in the timing of migraines.
Facilitate discussion with healthcare professionals to consider preventive approaches or adapted treatments.
Contribute, in the context of clinical research, to the rigorous documentation of menstrual migraine characteristics.
Migraine calendar: how to use it?
A migraine calendar can be in paper form, digital (dedicated apps) or integrated within a personal planner. Important details to note include:
The start and end date and time of the migraine.
The intensity (mild, moderate, severe).
Associated symptoms.
Medications taken and their effectiveness.
Menstrual cycle dates and other hormonal events (ovulation if known, premenstrual symptoms).
By keeping consistent records of migraine dates and the menstrual cycle, a woman may begin to see a connection between the two. Some women will experience migraines in the 10 days before their period, during menstruation or after. Having a regular menstrual cycle is essential to determine whether migraines are truly menstrual migraines.
Clinical research: migraines and the menstrual cycle
Clinical research on migraines, including menstrual migraine, often relies on data collected by participants through their migraine calendar. This information helps evaluate new therapeutic approaches and deepen the understanding of the mechanisms behind these hormonal migraines.
At the Centre de recherche Saint-Louis, our team of neurologists and nursing staff regularly conducts clinical research related to migraine and the menstrual cycle. Visit our ongoing studies to learn more.