If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from migraines, you know how debilitating these headaches can be. But what if there was a way to reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of your attacks? Enter preventative migraine treatments – a game-changer for many people with this condition.
Preventative treatments are designed to work in tandem with acute treatments, which help alleviate symptoms during an attack. Think of it like having a double-barreled approach: you’re not just treating the symptom, but also addressing the underlying causes of your migraines.
So, who might benefit from preventative treatment? The American Headache Society recommends considering prevention if you experience at least four migraine attacks per month – a threshold that many people can relate to. But even if you don’t meet this criteria, there are other signs that it might be time to explore preventative options:
* You’re tired of feeling like migraines are controlling your life
- You’re not getting the relief you need from acute treatments alone
- You want to reduce the impact of migraines on your daily activities and overall well-being
One type of preventative treatment that’s gaining traction is hormonal therapy for menstrual migraine sufferers. As anyone who’s experienced these attacks can attest, they can be particularly debilitating due to their association with hormonal fluctuations. By using treatments like estradiol patches or birth control pills, some women have found relief from the frequency and severity of their menstrual migraines.
Of course, not everyone will benefit from hormone-based treatments – which is why it’s essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the best approach for you. There are many types of preventative migraine treatments available, including:
* Migraine-specific medications that target calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antibodies
- Nonspecific treatments that were initially developed for other health conditions but have been found to be effective in preventing migraines
And then there are non-medicinal options to consider, such as lifestyle changes and alternative therapies.
When deciding which treatment is right for you, your healthcare provider will take several factors into account, including:
* Your medical history
- Any medications or supplements you’re currently taking
- Your lifestyle and daily habits
Ultimately, the goal of preventative migraine treatments is to improve your quality of life. If a treatment reduces the frequency, severity, and duration of your attacks – and allows you to feel more in control – it’s considered a success.
So don’t be afraid to explore preventative options with your healthcare provider. With the right approach, you can take charge of your migraines and start living the life you deserve.
