Do migraine injections affect periods or work in women?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 31-year-old woman who has suffered from severe migraines for several years. They usually occur a few days before my period and come with nausea, sensitivity to light, and throbbing pain. Painkillers do not relieve them much.

My doctor suggested monthly migraine injections, but I am worried about side effects and needles.

Are these injections safe for women my age?
Could they affect my hormones or menstrual cycle?
Can they be taken alongside other migraine medications?

I would also like to know how quickly they start working and whether they truly help prevent migraines in the long term. Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

You are describing menstrual-related migraines, which are quite common in women your age. I understand your concerns about trying a new treatment, so here is a simple explanation:

These monthly injections are usually CGRP (Calcitonin gene-related peptide) monoclonal antibodies, medicines with names like Erenumab, Fremanezumab, or Galcanezumab. They work by blocking a chemical in the brain called CGRP that is involved in causing migraine pain. By doing this, they help prevent migraine attacks before they start.

These injections are very safe for women of reproductive age. They do not affect hormones, fertility, or menstrual cycles because they act only on migraine-related nerve chemicals, not on your body’s hormonal system.

They can be used along with other migraine prevention medicines (like Propranolol or Topiramate) and pain-relief medicines taken during a migraine (like triptans or Naproxen). Your neurologist will decide the safest and most effective combination based on how you respond.

Many people notice improvement within the first month, and the benefit usually increases over time. Research shows they can reduce the number and severity of migraine attacks by 50 to 70 % in many patients.

Side effects are usually mild, such as redness or soreness where the injection is given. Rarely, people may feel constipated or fatigued (tired). Serious side effects are extremely uncommon.

These injections are safe, do not affect hormones, and are highly effective for frequent migraines, especially when oral medicines do not work well. With regular use and simple lifestyle measures (good sleep, staying hydrated, avoiding triggers), long-term migraine control is very achievable.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.