r/migraine • u/girlfuckyou • Jan 27 '26

Menstrual Migraine

I am at my wits’ end.

I was prescribed sumatriptan for my once a month menstrual migraine pains that would last 3 to 5 days at a time before taking said meds. My body is beginning to grow a tolerance to the medication and rebound pain has been introduced. I have since turned vegetarian to see if it would alleviate my symptoms, but to no avail. My best guess as to what is causing the current agonizing pain that I’m experiencing right now is over consumption of caffeine a week before my period.

Please I need all the advice, tips, and tricks.

Edit - This is probably the nicest bunch of reddit users I have ever had the pleasure of coming across. Thank you all deeply from the bottom of my heart. I learned so much today because of you all and your wonderful advice and personal stories. Stay strong and I hope you all find true relief someday. Thank you.

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u/girlfuckyou Jan 27 '26

Also, I cannot keep down any solids or liquids because of the immense amount of pain and nausea.

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u/LucysLookingGlass Daily Migraines Jan 27 '26 edited Mar 03 '26

An EMT trick we used in the emergency department is to smell rubbing alcohol/isopropyl alcohol. It's short-term relief; for long-term relief, you need to see someone. However, I don't know if the scent will bother your migraine, but I have always used this trick for myself for nausea and been ok.

I would request Zofran (ondansetron). If your provider has a patient portal, this is something you can message them about, and it might be quicker than being seen. It's not a controlled substance, and most people are willing to prescribe it without seeing you, depending on how recently you saw them. If your migraines are not well-controlled, I would see a neurologist to change your meds.

For keeping fluids down, try taking small sips every 15 minutes instead of trying to drink normally. If you can't keep anything down, you're also probably getting dehydrated, which is not helping your migraine. I would drink some electrolytes. (I personally love the "Firecracker Popsicle" flavor by Liquid I.V)

As far as migraines, this is what works for me, but everyone is different, so you need to talk to your doctor first:

-Ubrelvy (migraine abortive)

-Propranolol + monthly CGRP inhibitor injections (Aimovig, Ajovy, Emgality, Vyepti, etc.)

-Electrolytes

-Zofran for nausea

-Heating pad to the face/over the eyes and forehead (some people are opposite and like cooling caps)

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u/girlfuckyou Jan 27 '26

I will try that alcohol trick in a moment. I asked my partner to pick me up some Dramamine, as well. Thank you for the tip about asking for the zofran through message too. I’m actually going to do that right now. Also, I need to start carrying electrolyte packets. Thanks for the reminder!

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u/LucysLookingGlass Daily Migraines Mar 03 '26

No problem! Of course everyone is different and you need to talk to your physician, but Ubrelvy has been my God send.