Do you ever notice that right before your period, the headaches hit harder? You’re not imagining it. Premenstrual and menstrual migraines are real—and for many women, they can feel like clockwork. Just when you’re already navigating mood shifts, cramps, and fatigue, along comes a migraine that can throw off your whole week.
The good news? Research suggests acupuncture may help bring relief. And here at Be Well Encinitas, we love blending modern evidence with holistic care to support you in feeling your best. 💛
What Are Menstrual Migraines? 🤔
- They often happen right before or during your period (thanks, hormones 🙃).
- They can be more intense and longer-lasting than typical migraines.
- Usual medications don’t always provide enough relief—or come with side effects.
That’s where acupuncture shines as a gentle, natural option to explore. 🌿
✨ What the Science Says
A recent systematic review and meta-analysis (Wu et al., 2025) looked at 39 clinical trials with over 2,500 participants. The results? Pretty promising:
✔️ Lower pain scores (measured by VAS scale)
✔️ Fewer migraine attacks
✔️ Shorter duration of migraines
✔️ Better quality of life scores (less disruption to daily living)
✔️ Boost in serotonin (a brain chemical tied to mood & pain regulation)
✔️ Generally safe, with minimal side effects
You can read the full article on PubMed here:
“Determining the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for menstrual migraine”
While researchers still want bigger, more rigorous studies, this review points to acupuncture as a safe and supportive therapy for menstrual migraines. 🙌
