Preventive treatment

If you have several debilitating headaches a month, your doctor might recommend preventive treatment with NSAIDs or triptans.

If your menstrual cycle is regular, it can be most effective to take preventive headache medication a few days before your period and continue it through up to two weeks after the start of your period.

If you have migraines throughout your menstrual cycle or you have irregular periods, your doctor might recommend that you take preventive medications daily.

Daily medications might include beta blockers, anticonvulsants, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants or magnesium. Your doctor might also consider monthly injections of a calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibody to help prevent your headaches, especially if other medications aren't effective. Doctors will likely review other medical conditions you have to determine which medications might be most appropriate for you.

Making lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress, not skipping meals and exercising regularly, also might help reduce the frequency, length and severity of migraines.