What new treatments help prevent frequent migraines in women?

Question

Hello doctor,

My migraines are really affecting my week again. I had two severe ones this weekend, with throbbing pain behind my eyes, nausea, and light sensitivity. I took my usual Triptan, but it did not work as fast as before.

I have been tracking triggers, and it seems like skipping meals or stress makes it worse. I am trying to stay hydrated and sleep better, but honestly, it is exhausting.

Are there new treatments I can try? I saw online about Botox and some nasal sprays. I am afraid of overusing painkillers too. Can hormonal changes make it worse? I notice it happens right before my period every time.

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

I am really sorry that these migraines are taking over your week and draining your energy. The throbbing pain behind the eyes, nausea, and light sensitivity are classic migraine features, and when Triptans stop working as fast as before, it means you may need an adjustment in treatment or a better prevention plan.

You are already doing the right things, such as tracking triggers, staying hydrated, and trying to sleep well. Skipping meals and stress are very common triggers, so your observations make sense.

There are newer treatment options you can discuss with your doctor. They are as follows:

There are CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) receptor blockers and monoclonal antibody injections that help reduce migraine frequency.
Some people also benefit from Gepants, which are migraine tablets that help without causing medication overuse headaches.
Nasal Triptan sprays or newer nasal migraine drugs can give faster relief when tablets are slow.
Botox (OnabotulinumtoxinA) injections every twelve weeks are also approved for chronic migraine and can help people who have frequent attacks.

It is good that you are careful about painkillers because using them too often can cause rebound headaches. If you are getting migraines before your period every month, hormonal changes can definitely be a trigger.

Some women benefit from taking preventive medicine only during the days around their period or adjusting birth control methods to avoid estrogen fluctuation.

You do not have to keep suffering like this. With preventive treatment, many people reduce their migraine frequency by half or more.

I hope that this answers your query.

Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.