Can magnesium help women who suffer from menstrual headaches? Dr. Vincenzo Tullo, neurologist specialist and headache clinic manager at Humanitas, answered this question at the Wellness Objective microphones on Radio 24.
Dr. Tullo explained that magnesium is a valuable aid for those suffering from menstrual headaches, a headache that for many women is extremely violent, disabling and not very responsive to drugs.
This mineral performs various functions within our body; for example, it improves the transmission of nerve impulses to the brain, muscle contraction and even mood. It also acts on headache attacks, making them less frequent, less violent and less disabling.
How do I take Magnesium?
It is advisable to take magnesium pidolate for a period between the week before the cycle and the end of your period: this should help to prevent the so-called catamenial migraine or precisely cycle headaches.
“In addition to magnesium, an analgesic from the triptan family can also be used a few days before menstruation and for 4-5 consecutive days to prevent headaches. However, if the headache is very strong it is advisable to take a symptomatic therapy, i.e. one that treats the attack that already started, with paracetamol, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, naproxen, nimesulide and triptans that act on serotonin.
However, if the headache is also disabling, it is advisable to go to a headache center for a neurological examination to assess other possible therapeutic strategies,” added Dr. Tullo.
