Why You Get Migraines Before Your Period (and What to Do About It)
You’re a few days out from your period. You’ve eaten well, hydrated, kept your stress somewhat in check—and boom: the migraine hits.
If this is you, you’re not alone. And it’s not random.
Hormonal migraines are incredibly common, especially in the days leading up to your period and shortly after ovulation. And they’re not just caused by stress or dehydration—they’re caused by real, trackable changes in your hormones and inflammatory pathways.
Let’s break down what’s actually happening—and what you can do to support your body.
Estrogen Drops = Migraine Trigger
The most well-known hormonal migraine trigger is the estrogen drop that happens right before your period starts. Estrogen plays a role in regulating serotonin, blood vessels, and inflammatory mediators—so when it drops suddenly, some women are more sensitive to the shift.
For many, this estrogen crash causes the blood vessels in the brain to dilate (vasodilation), inflammation to rise, and a migraine to set in. This is especially common if your progesterone is low, meaning there’s no hormonal "cushion" to soften the estrogen drop.
You may also notice migraines show up shortly after ovulation, when estrogen dips and your body begins its hormonal shift into the luteal phase—a time when increased sensitivity to stress, blood sugar fluctuations, and inflammation can heighten migraine risk.
Histamine + Estrogen = A Fiery Combo
Here’s where it gets more interesting: estrogen and histamine are closely connected. Estrogen stimulates mast cells (which release histamine) and downregulates DAO, the enzyme that clears histamine from your system.
Histamine plays a big role in inflammation and vasodilation—two key ingredients in migraine formation. So, when estrogen rises (like around ovulation or during its slight elevation in the mid-luteal phase), histamine can spike, especially if it’s not being cleared efficiently.
If you’re someone who also deals with:
Bloating
Itchy skin or rashes
Post-meal fatigue
Anxiety or racing heart
...your migraines might be histamine-related, too.
The Role of Detox + Genetics (Like MTHFR)
Your body detoxifies estrogen and histamine through your liver, gut, and methylation pathways. If any of these are sluggish, that estrogen and histamine can recirculate—and the buildup can trigger symptoms like migraines.
Some women are more sensitive due to genetic factors, like having an MTHFR gene mutation. This can impair methylation, which is essential for breaking down estrogen and clearing histamine efficiently.
This doesn’t mean you’re doomed—it just means your body may need more support with:
B vitamins (especially B6, B12, folate in their active forms)
Choline
Daily elimination (yes, pooping counts!)
Liver support (cruciferous veggies, beets, dandelion, milk thistle)
Why Migraines Love the Luteal Phase
The luteal phase—aka the 10–14 days after ovulation—is a common time for migraines to flare.
Here’s why:
Estrogen dips after ovulation
Progesterone rises, but often not enough to create the appropriate estrogen-to-progesterone ratio needed for hormonal stability in the luteal phase
Insulin sensitivity decreases, which can make blood sugar more volatile
Cortisol sensitivity increases, so stress has a bigger impact
All of this creates the perfect storm for:
Headaches or migraines
Poor sleep
Mood swings
Cravings and energy crashes
What You Can Do to Support Your Body
There are natural, root-cause strategies that can reduce or even eliminate cycle-related migraines:
Track your cycle – Know when you’re most vulnerable so you can support accordingly
Stabilize blood sugar – Especially in your luteal phase (protein, fat, fiber at every meal)
Support estrogen detox – Cruciferous veggies, fiber, regular bowel movements, liver support
Consider natural antihistamines – Like quercetin, vitamin C, or a DAO enzyme
Magnesium glycinate or threonate – Calms the nervous system and reduces vasodilation
Prioritize rest and nervous system care – Especially in late luteal
Your Body Isn’t Failing You—It’s Communicating
If you’re experiencing migraines at the same time in your cycle each month, it’s not random. It’s a pattern. And with a little awareness and support, you can start shifting that pattern.
Migraines are information. Your body isn’t working against you—it’s asking for help. And when you start supporting your hormones, your liver, your gut, and your nervous system… that pain doesn’t have to be your monthly normal.
Want support for your luteal phase? Download my Hormone Health Resource Bundle to get started: CLICK HERE, and share this post with a friend who’s tired of pushing through the pain.
You’re not alone—and you don’t have to just “deal with it.”