MeNotMigraines.com
 
Do migraines mean you're missing out
on the moments that matter?

Me Not Migraines

  •  
    Missing your favourite band?
    Missing time with friends?
    Missing making memories?

    Migraines can make you miss out on more than you realise sometimes.

    Understanding the causes and triggers of your migraines could help you recognise what to avoid and help you enjoy more of the moments that matter.

    READ MORE
  •  
    Missing your favourite laugh?
    Missing family time?
    Missing making memories?

    If you're missing out on those important moments because of your migraines, you can explore your treatment options with your doctor.

    FIND OUT MORE
  •  
    Missing meetings?
    Missing days at work?
    Missing your chance to progress?

    Migraines shouldn't stop you from achieving your full potential, yet for many women, they do.

    Share experiences and read other women's stories to support and inspire.

    READ MORE
  •  
    Document your migraine

    Our migraine calendar is designed to help you understand your migraine better and prepare you for your next appointment with your doctor. The documentation of your pain, your symptoms and medication can help you and your doctor to find the right treatment for you.

    READ MORE
 
 
 
 
 
  • What is causing your migraines?

    It's not clear exactly what causes migraines, but we do know that certain types of things can trigger attacks.1

    Triggers can vary a lot from person to person, but usually fall into one of the categories shown.1 Keeping track of things like what you've eaten or how you were feeling when a migraine hits can help you identify your particular triggers.

    Click on a category to find out more.

    • Hormonal
      changes
    • Emotional
      triggers
    • Physical
      triggers
    • Dietary
      triggers
    • Environmental
      triggers
    • Medication
  • Hormonal changes

    Some women experience migraines around the time of their period, possibly because of changes in the levels of hormones, such as oestrogen, around this time.2

    These types of migraines usually occur between two days before the start of your period to three days after.3 Some women only experience migraines around this time, which is known as a pure menstrual migraine.2 However, the majority of women who experience migraines at certain points in their menstrual cycle also have migraines at other times, a version referred to as a menstrual-related migraine.2

    Many women find that their migraines improve after the menopause, although this itself can be a trigger for some women or worsen existing migraines.2

  • Emotional triggers

    Emotional triggers, such as stress, tend to be one of the more prevalent causes of migraines.
    Changes in emotion ranging from stress at work, stress of a relationship or even the stress of juggling
    everyday responsibilities can trigger migraines. Emotional triggers may also include:1

    • Anxiety
    • Tension
    • Shock
    • Depression
    • Excitement
  • Physical triggers

    Small changes, such as ensuring a good night’s sleep or improving your posture, may help prevent the onset of migraines. Listed below is a sample of physical triggers which may be associated with migraines:1

    • Tiredness
    • Poor quality sleep
    • Shift work
    • Poor posture
    • Neck or shoulder tension
    • Jet lag

    • Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)
    • Strenuous exercise, if you're not used to it
  • Dietary triggers

    Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet may not only help keep migraines at bay, but also supports a healthier lifestyle. Keeping a food diary may help with recognising which foods are triggers. Other dietary triggers may include:1

    • Missed, delayed or irregular meals
    • Dehydration
    • Alcohol
    • Food containing tyramine
    • Caffeinated products

    • Specific foods such as chocolate, citrus fruit and cheese
  • Environmental triggers

    Changes in the environment are often linked with migraines. Being aware of strong smells or changes in brightness may be the difference between having a migraine or not. It’s worth noting some of the most common environmental triggers:1

    • Bright lights
    • Flickering screens
    • Smoking or smoky rooms
    • Loud noises

    • Changes in climate
    • Strong smells
    • Stuffy atmosphere
  • Medication

    In some circumstances, both prescribed and over the counter medication may be triggering the migraine.
    Below are the three most common medications that have been linked with migraines:1,2,4

    • Sleeping tablets
    • The combined contraceptive pill

    • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
  • Are you missing out on
    the right treatment for you?
    If you feel that you are not responding to your current migraine treatment,
    or your attacks are worsening, it's worth speaking to your doctor if:8
    • You are suffering with regular migraines despite trying to avoid triggers
    • Your migraines often occur when out and about or busy at work8
    • Your migraines cause you to feel sick or vomit2
    • Your current treatment takes a long time to take effect2
    • You struggle with taking tablets when suffering with a migraine2
  • You are suffering with regular migraines despite trying to avoid triggers
    If you know what triggers your migraines and are still experiencing regular migraines despite avoiding them, it may be worth talking to your doctor about alternative treatments. It’s a good idea to still keep a track of your emotional state, any foods you’ve eaten, or any possible environmental triggers that occur around your migraines, so that you have them to hand for discussion in case there may be something you’ve missed.9
  • Your migraines often occur when out and about or busy at work
    If you often suffer from migraines when away from home or the at office you might benefit from formulations such as orodispersible tablets or nasal sprays, which can be taken quickly without the need for a glass of water or any additional means of administration.2 Such formulations may offer a convenient alternative option to tablets when you need something you can take quickly and easily.2
  • Your migraines cause you to feel sick or vomit
    Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of migraines and can make it difficult for you to take tablets or for swallowed tablets to take full effect.7 If this is the case you may need an alternative treatment or formulation option to ensure you still get effective symptom relief.
  • Your current treatment takes a long time to take effect
    Triptans and other migraine treatments are available in a number of formulations, and some of these take effect quicker than others.4 If you find that your current treatment does not act quickly enough to control your migraine symptoms, or if you find that your symptoms are harder to manage with tablets, you may want to speak to your doctor about alternatives.
  • You struggle with taking tablets when suffering with a migraine
    If you struggle with taking tablets, whether that’s because of side effects or simply difficulties swallowing them, you might benefit from alternatives such as nasal sprays or orodispersible tablets which dissolve on the tongue. Triptans, the most commonly prescribed migraine treatments, are available in a number of different formulations so you should be able to find one which works for you.4

Me Not Migraines

Talking to your doctor
about your migraines
It can be hard to get across how badly migraines affect you and your life. Below are some tips for communicating your problems with migraines to your doctor.9
Making yourself heard
  • Go prepared, have a list of questions you want to ask your doctor. Click the button below for a full list.

Me Not Migraines

Additional support
There may be many local support groups in your area. We have selected a few groups which have very useful information and advice. If you'd like your organisation to appear on our page, please contact us.

Grünenthal are not responsible for any of the content published on third party sites.

References

  1. Silberstein SD. Headache 1995; 35(7): 387-96.
  2. Gladstone JP and Dodick DW. Practical Neurology 2004; 4: 6-19.
  3. NHS UK. Migraine causes. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/migraine/causes. Last accessed July 2019.
  4. Kelman L. Cephalagia 2007; 27(5): 394-402
  5. Sacco S, et al. J Headache Pain 2018; 19: 76.
  6. NHS UK. Hormone headaches. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hormone-headaches. Last accessed September 2018.
  7. Steiner T et al. J Headache Pain 2007; 8: 53.
  8. The Migraine Trust. Visiting your GP. Available from: https://www.migrainetrust.org/living-with-migraine/seeking-medical-advice/visiting-your-gp. Last accessed September 2018.
  9. The Migraine Trust. Keeping a migraine diary. Available from: https://www.migrainetrust.org/living-with-migraine/coping-managing/keeping-a-migraine-diary. Last accessed September 2018.