Know Your Body

Science-backed articles about women's health, fertility, sex, periods, and more.

Image showing the location of an ovarian cyst

Women's health Can Ovarian Cysts Cause Infertility?An ovarian cyst is a growth that occurs inside the womb. However, sometimes the womb’s lining can grow on the outside, and cysts develop. These cysts can cause pain and may also lead to serious health concerns. But not all cysts are harmful and are simply part of the process. For example, some cysts develop during menstruation, and these are known as “functional cysts.” There are various types of ovarian cysts that we will discuss within this article. What Is The Main Cause Of An Ovarian Cyst? The leading cause of an ovarian cyst is the development of the egg. Ovarian cyst rupture is a rare occurrence and sometimes only happens during strenuous exercise or sexual intercourse. The follicular cysts occur when the follicle doesn't rupture to release the egg, but instead, it forms the cysts. When a matured egg is released, it forms a water-filled sac called a corpus luteum that shrinks and makes the hormones for the development of the next egg. Corpus luteum cysts form when the corpus luteum sac doesn’t shrink but instead creates the cyst. What Foods Cause Ovarian Cysts? According to studies, there may be a link between dairy fat and ovarian function in women of reproductive age. The conclusion was that ovarian cysts were higher in women who consumed more dairy fat. Who Is at Risk of Ovarian Cysts? Women who are in productive, fertile years can develop ovarian cysts. Women may also experience endometriosis. Endometriosis is when the tissue lining grows on the outside of the uterus, it could also grow on the fallopian tubes and the ovaries. Can Stress Cause Ovarian Cysts? Studies suggest emotional stress can contribute to the development of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS happens because of the hormonal imbalance women experience when they are stressed. There are many treatment options, including homeopathy solutions. Many women are not keen on taking more drugs and risk more side effects when experiencing hormonal imbalance and other issues causing the cysts. Instead, the natural route is what many people opt for and are looking to access. Can Ovarian Cysts Be Harmless? Most ovarian cysts are harmless and won’t affect fertility. But there are the ones that do, as mentioned earlier. We’ve already mentioned three types of ovarian cysts: functional, follicle, and corpus luteum cysts. Other ovarian cysts include: Dermoid cysts - Unlike fluid-filled cysts, dermoid contain solid features like hair, teeth, skin, and nails. Cystadenomas - Cystadenomas are growths that come from the ovaries' surface and usually need treatment. Cystadenomas don’t cause INfertility. Can Ovarian Cysts Be Left Untreated? When ovarian cysts are benign or harmless, they can be left untreated. If they pose a health risk, then they should be removed. Symptoms of ovarian cysts include pain during intercourse, pelvic pain, constipation, frequent urination, bloating, and swollen belly. When Should You Be Concerned About Ovarian Cysts? Can ovarian cysts cause miscarriage? In the case of POCS, when the body doesn’t have a hormonal balance, it could risk a miscarriage. However, there are treatment options for this, including ovarian cyst removal and fertility treatment. You should also be concerned if you are experiencing the following, as these are signs of infection: pelvic pain fevernauseavomiting When ruptured ovarian cyst symptoms occur, it may require medical assistance. To name a few, some symptoms of a ruptured cyst include: foul-smelling vaginal dischargepain during sexfeeling faintnausea and vomitingbleedingfatigue Can Ovarian Cysts Soley Cause Infertility? Most cysts cannot cause infertility. However, on the rare occasion that a cyst gets infected, it can cause infertility. But most of the time, the cysts are combined with another issue that leads to being infertile. What Are the Chances of Being Infertile After an Ovarian Cyst? Cysts are not all bad news. The majority of cysts are just the regular part of menstruation and fertility. Most women experience ovarian cysts in their lifetime. You may be infertile if you develop one of these two cysts: Polycystic ovarian cysts occur inside the ovaries and as a result of higher androgen hormone levelsEndometriomas (as a result of endometriosis) Can a Ruptured Ovarian Cyst Cause Infertility? To some extent, a ruptured ovarian cyst could cause infertility, depending on the impact it has. For example, did it become infected? Is it twisted or posing other complications? Ovarian cysts pregnancy symptoms may result in high blood pressure, especially in the case of PCOS. Cysts during pregnancy may also cause gestational diabetes. Can Ovarian Cysts Indicate Infertility? The presence of ovarian cysts doesn’t mean infertility. Some other underlying factors to be aware of that could lead to infertility include: A blocked fallopian tube, or tubes.Celiac diseaseIrregular menstruationPelvic inflammatory diseasePast “tubal” pregnancy How To Get Pregnant With Ovarian Cysts Best Birth Control for Ovarian Cysts Birth control that combines progesterone and estrogen works effectively to help reduce the development and symptoms of ovarian cysts. Other birth control that works well include injection, patch, and IUD. Seeing as not all cysts are a risk to fertility, you could probably get pregnant as usual. If there are infertility problems, then infertility treatments are an option too.

Period pain Best Foods for Pain Relief From Menstrual Cramps Any woman who has experienced menstrual migraines, cramps, and bloating knows how painful and inconvenient they can be. It’s no wonder so many of us look up ways on how to reduce menstrual pain instantly. There are different types of period pain, such as: Muscle and joint painsHeadaches/migraines BloatingBreast tendernessConstipationCrampsBloatingFatigue These symptoms, such as pelvic pain during period cycles, can be debilitating and completely ruin a day, so getting rid of them is often the only way to return to a normal and productive schedule. Fortunately, mother nature provides us with many natural ways to deal with painful cramps, upper abdominal pain during menstrual cycles, and the other discomforts we have to deal with once a month. What Causes Menstrual Pain? There is more than one reason for stomach pain during periods when (and sometimes before) our menstrual cycle begins. Uterine Contractions Caused by Prostaglandins The main reason for cramps is the uterus that contracts to help expel its lining. There are hormone-like substances that are called prostaglandins that cause uterine muscle contractions. If you have high levels of prostaglandins, you’ll experience more painful cramps. Some Have Cervical Stenosis Some women are unfortunate enough that they have cervical stenosis, in which case their cervix opening is so small it impedes menstrual flow. This results in pain due to the pressure within the uterus. The Growth of Adenomyosis Another reason for intense menstrual pain can be adenomyosis. When that is the case, the tissue lining the uterus grows into its muscular walls. Is Period Pain Good or Bad? Medically speaking, period pain is neither good nor bad. It is something natural that happens to healthy women during their menstrual cycle. However, if you are experiencing severe period symptoms, you should visit your doctor for a check-up to make sure nothing is wrong with your body. Does Drinking Water Help Relieve Period Pain? Water is a great way to relieve cramps and reduce bloating. Drinking hot water can also help increase your blood flow, which helps to relax your muscles and reduce cramps. Herbal teas are a great source of water that have additional benefits, such as dealing with insomnia and relieving stress. What Foods Are High in Water Content? If you want to know how to reduce menstrual pain instantly, there isn't a quick cure, but natural treatments work almost as fast as painkillers. Water is one such cure. Several fruits and veggies are high in water content and can help you reduce your cramps. Here are a few examples of good fruits and vegetables to consider to reduce period pain at home: PeachesLettuceOrangesMelons (cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon)CucumbersPineapple What Foods Should You Eat to Reduce Period Pain? Foods that help with cramps are a great way to reduce period pain at home without visiting a pharmacy or doctor. In addition to the fruits and vegetables mentioned above, there are other foods you can work into your diet to deal with menstrual pain. Eat High Fiber Foods Foods that are high in fiber do offer pain relief for women dealing with menstrual cramps, headaches, and related symptoms. Fiber is fantastic, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Here are some examples of high-fiber foods: Chia seedsRaspberries (also antispasmodic)Black BeansAvocadoApplesOats Consume Calcium-Rich Food Calcium can alleviate several PMS symptoms such as fatigue, moodiness, and cramps. Calcium-rich foods include: KaleYogurtMilkCheeseDill Munch Boron-Containing Food Boron is another natural source for combating menstrual pain and is a mineral that aids the body in absorbing calcium. It also helps to reduce the length and intensity of period pain. Foods that are a source of boron are: Peanut ButterPrunesBananasAvocadosChickpeas Add Herbs and Spices There are many spices and herbs that can help you reduce the pain associated with menstruation. Utilize the following: GingerFennelSafflowerBasil Cinnamon What Foods Should You Avoid on Your Period? Just as there are foods great for dealing with unbearable period pain, there are foods that can make the pain worse. You're better off consuming these foods in moderation or not at all. Avoid the following, if possible: SaltSugarCoffeeAlcoholOverly Spicy FoodsRed Meat If you add the ‘good foods’ mentioned here and do your best to cut out the ‘bad foods,’ you may experience a much more tolerable menstrual cycle.

Teen girl suffering period pain from menstrual cramps

Period pain How to Help Your Teen With Severe Menstrual Pains Menstrual cramps are normal in all women, but some may have severe symptoms that are abnormal and may require treatment. Severe period pain in teenage girls is not uncommon due to changing hormone levels brought on by the transition to womanhood. What Are the Symptoms of Menstrual Cramps? Dysmenorrhea, also known as period pain or menstrual pain, is signified by lower abdominal pain that can extend to the lower back and thighs. The pain can vary from a dull, continuous ache to a constant throbbing, a cramping pain, or a more intense pain and causes extreme discomfort. Menstrual cramps can start one to three days before the onset of a period. They usually peak after 24 hours and subside within two to three days. Which Teens Are at Risk for Menstrual Cramps? No one is immune from period pains; some young women just happen to experience them more severely than others. Teens are at risk for menstrual cramps if they are newly pubescent and have not started having regular periods yet. Teenagers who get their period at an early age will also be more likely to experience menstrual cramps. Young women who have long or heavy periods may have more painful period pains than their peers. Often, a family history of menstrual cramps means that your daughter is more likely to get them. What Relieves Menstrual Cramps in Teens? You can't entirely rid of period cramps. However, if your teen is struggling with menstrual cramps, there are several things you can do to help ease her painful periods. Utilize Medications Non-prescription pain relievers, including ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, taken at the prescribed dosage at the onset of period pains will help ease her pain. Prescription anti-inflammatory drugs will also help, but due to their side effects, they should only be taken when the pain is really bad. Use Contraceptives Some contracepts have been proven to minimize or relieve the pain associated with heavy periods. Birth control Taking 'the pill,' an oral birth control medication, helps relieve menstrual cramps. Birth control works by reducing the number of prostaglandins in your teen's body—the chemicals responsible for making the uterus contract. Fewer contractions mean less pain. The pill can sometimes decrease the amount of blood flow which will also reduce discomfort. The contraceptive pill can similarly reduce the symptoms of PMS. IUD An IUD, or intrauterine device, can reduce menstrual cramps and make your teenage daughter's period lighter. Because it affects hormone production, it works the same way as the contraceptive pill. Try Natural Remedies Heating Pads Using a heated pad or wrapping a warm wrap around your daughter’s abdomen can help relax her uterine muscles—the ones responsible for the period cramps. Just be careful not to apply too much heat, as this can lead to increased bleeding, which in turn will lead to more painful cramping. Correct Diet Choices Believe it or not, some foods can make your daughter’s period pains worse, and some can make her period less painful. Here's what you can do: Drink more water.Consume Salmon and other Omega-3s.Eat leafy greens like kale and spinach.Add in fruit like bananas, pineapples, and kiwi.Use Eggs.Eat Peanut butterDrink Chamomile tea.Increase magnesium-rich foods like oats and dark chocolate. What Foods Shouldn’t She Eat? Your daughter doesn’t have to cut these foods out of her diet altogether because most of them are quite healthy, but around menstruation, she could try and avoid the following: Beetroot ChocolateHoney Coffee Dairy products Could Your Child Need Surgery for Menstrual Pain? In some extreme cases, very painful menstrual cramps can be a result of endometriosis. A qualified medical professional will be the only person that can diagnose this condition. In itself, endometriosis responds well to hormone contraceptives, as we discussed earlier. Very rarely is surgery necessary for this condition in teens and young women.

Birth control Birth Control: Does it Really Help with PMS and PMDD Symptoms Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a group of physical and behavioral symptoms that occur in a cyclic pattern during the second half of the menstrual cycle. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is the more severe form of PMS. At first glance, PMS and PMDD may seem to be the same because they have many of the same symptoms but PMDD is different in that the symptoms are many degrees more extreme. Studies have shown various hormonal contraceptives have the ability to diminish PMDD symptoms, as well as provide some PMS relief. Can PMS and PMDD Be Treated With Birth Control? PMS There's no way to know for sure if treating PMS with birth control pills will work for you. But hormonal birth control is considered to be more likely to help PMS symptoms than to worsen them. Mood symptoms (irritability, moodiness, anxiety) in people with PMS are thought to be caused by changes in hormone levels. Studies have shown that the steady release of hormones by birth control pills can lessen the emotional symptoms of PMS in some women. Someone taking a hormonal medication that keeps estrogen and progesterone levels stable is far less likely to experience the natural yet massive hormone shifts that cause PMS. PMDD PMDD is a negative response to the normal fluctuations in female reproductive hormone levels. There are instances where an individual with PMDD is also suffering from a hormone imbalance, but for most, hormone imbalance is not the cause of PMDD symptoms. Oral contraceptives may reduce PMDD symptoms by controlling or stopping your periods, but the evidence for the pill as a treatment for PMDD is mixed. Some people find it helps to reduce their symptoms, but others find it makes the symptoms worse. Evidence suggests that triphasic (Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Tri Sprintec) or biphasic pills (Mircette, Azurette) may be more likely to affect mood symptoms than monophasic pills (Ortho-Cyclen, Sprintec). This is due to the hormonal fluctuations that occur with the tri- and biphasic preparations. Which Birth Control Pill Is Best for PMS and PMDD? Studies show that the benefits of hormonal birth control on mood in PMS or PMDD are complex and may vary considerably from one person to another. However, there is only one birth control pill that has been FDA approved to treat both, and that is Yaz. It has been proven to work better than placebos in improving symptoms such as negative moods, increased appetite, insomnia, etc. Can Birth Control Help With Period Symptoms? Because the pill delivers everything in steady doses, it can even out your hormone levels and make them more predictable. In summary, taking the birth control pill can get rid of many unpleasant period symptoms.

Women's health The Four Phases of the Normal Menstrual Cycle Most women's bodies will go through a number of changes between the years of puberty and menopause to get ready for a possible pregnancy. Once sexually mature, the monthly recurrence of hormonal changes is known as an estrous cycle, more commonly called the menstrual cycle. Each cycle is divided into 4 stages, the average 'normal' duration of each cycle is 28 days. Below we will discuss each phase and its conditions. The Menses Phase (Menstruation) The 'Menses' menstrual phase is the first stage of the menstrual cycle. This is what we officially call "getting your period." During each menstrual cycle, an egg develops and is released from the ovaries. During this time the lining of the uterus, also known as the endometrium, builds up. If a pregnancy doesn’t happen, the uterine lining will shed, and this is what we call 'menstruation'. On average, a woman's menstrual phase lasts for about 3 to 7 days. But it is not uncommon for some women to have longer periods. During this time it is common to use things like tampons, pads, or menstrual cups to catch or absorb the menstrual fluid. However, when choosing which to use we need to consider the possible side effects of each. For example, wearing a tampon for prolonged periods at a time (more than 8 hours) may cause infections or toxic shock syndrome (TSS). The Follicular Phase The follicular phase actually begins on the first day of your period, so there is some overlap with the menstrual phase. During this phase, your pituitary gland will release the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This hormone stimulates your ovaries to produce around 5 to 20 small sacs called follicles. Each follicle contains an immature egg and only the healthiest egg will eventually mature. The maturing follicle sets off a surge in oestrogen that thickens the lining of your uterus. The average follicular phase can last about 16 to 27 days, depending on your cycle. Although you are not technically ovulating during the follicular stage, it is still possible to get pregnant. Ovulation Ovulation is the phase of menstruation when the ovaries release a mature egg. The egg will travel down the fallopian tube to the uterus awaiting to be fertilized by sperm. Rising oestrogen levels during the follicular phase will trigger the pituitary gland to release the 'luteinizing hormone' (LH) and begin the ovulation process. The ovulation phase is the optimal time during your menstrual cycle to get pregnant. Ovulation will happen around day 14 if you have a 28-day cycle. Essentially ovulation happens right in the middle of your menstrual cycle and only lasts about 24 hours. After a day, the egg will die or dissolve if it isn’t fertilized. Luteal Phase The luteal phase occurs after ovulation and before your period starts. After the follicle releases its egg, it changes into something called the 'corpus luteum'. This structure releases progesterone and some oestrogen. This rise in hormones will keep the uterine lining thick and ready for a fertilized egg to implant. If pregnancy occurs, the body will produce 'human chorionic gonadotropin', which helps maintain the corpus luteum and in turn, keeps the uterine lining thick. If no pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum will shrink away and be reabsorbed. This process leads to decreased levels of oestrogen and progesterone and causes the onset of your period. At this point, you will start to feel the traditional symptoms of PMS. The luteal phase, on average, is about 12 to 14 days long. Conclusion It’s important to get familiar with your cycle, you can use an app or a journal to keep track. Make sure to document the duration times and symptoms of each phase. Be sure to report any alarming changes to your doctor. Remember, every woman's cycle is different, what is 'normal' for some may not be 'normal' for you.

Trying to conceive Pregnancy Test: The Best Time to Take It and How It Works So, you have arrived at the situation where you need to take a pregnancy test? The decision of when and how to take a pregnancy test can be a major source of anxiety for most people. Maybe the anxiety is because they want to be pregnant, or perhaps it’s because they don’t want to be. In any case, there are optimal methods and times for you to take a pregnancy test most accurately. When Should You Take a Pregnancy Test? You're Experiencing Pregnancy Symptoms You should get a pregnancy test mainly if you are experiencing early pregnancy symptoms or have recently had unprotected sex. These symptoms can include: Missed periodIncreased need to urinateSwollen and tender breastsFatigueNausea, more commonly referred to as morning sicknessBloatingAversion to certain smells or food Wait One Week After Missed Period We know, the wait is hard! However, for the most accurate results, you should wait to take a pregnancy test at least a week after your missed period. If you don't want to wait until you've missed your period, you should wait for at least one to two weeks after you had sex. If you are pregnant, your body needs time to develop a detectable concentration of hCG, 'human chorionic gonadotropin' is the pregnancy hormone detected by most pregnancy tests. Results have shown to be more accurate if you do the test first thing in the morning when your urine is most concentrated. If you take a pregnancy test before you have missed your period, you increase your chances of getting a false negative result. The same goes for taking the test too early; the earlier after a missed period that you take a home pregnancy test, the harder it is for the test to detect hCG. How to Use a Pregnancy Test Should You Take a Pregnancy Test in the Morning or Evening? Remember, the morning tends to be the best time to take home pregnancy tests. This is because the hCG levels in urine are concentrated after a night without much drinking or peeing. If you're still very early in your pregnancy and hCG levels are only starting to rise, it may not be detectable in the nighttime hours. How Do You Take a Pregnancy Test? To properly take a pregnancy test at home is easy. Make sure to read the instructions thoroughly for whichever brand of test you choose. You can also decide whether you want to dip or pee on a pregnancy test. The general method of using a pregnancy test goes as follows: How to pee on a pregnancy test: Simply pee on the tip, make sure to hold the tip in the urine stream for 5 to 10 seconds. Replace the cap and wait to read the results. This typically takes 5 to 15 minutes. It is crucial to make sure that you’re completely saturating the absorbent tip or strip of the pregnancy test to increase your chances of getting an accurate result. How to dip the pregnancy test: Pee in a cup/containerDip the absorbent end down in the cup for the recommended 10 - 15 seconds. Replace the cap and wait to see the results. Again, it takes around 5 to 15 minutes. A common misunderstanding is that the longer you leave a test in urine, the more accurate the results will be. This is not so. Overexposure to the urine can damage the accuracy of the results. While you do want to ensure that the test is fully saturated, it’s important to follow the time guidelines set by your test. How Do You Read a Pregnancy Test? Reading the result is simple. The pregnancy test result may show up as a line, a color, or a symbol such as a "+" or "-" sign. Digital tests show the words "pregnant" or "not pregnant." Double-check the instructions on your test for what symbol represents which result. If you get a positive result, you’re pregnant, and it will be true no matter how faint the line, color, or sign is. Your next step would be to call your doctor to talk about what comes next. If you get a negative result, you’re probably not pregnant. Getting a false-negative pregnancy test is extremely rare. Getting a false-positive is also rare, but it does happen on certain occasions. A False Positive Result A false-positive result means you're not pregnant, but the test says you are. You could have a false-positive result if: You have blood or protein in your pee. Use certain drugs, such as tranquilizers, anticonvulsants, hypnotics, and fertility drugs.The pregnancy test was past its expiration dateTaking the pregnancy test the wrong way. A False Negative Result If you get a negative result where you expect it to be positive, try retesting within about a week to double-check. Some home pregnancy tests suggest doing this no matter what your first results are. Are Pregnancy Tests Always Accurate? The pregnancy tests you get at the drugstore work 99 out of 100 times. They're just as accurate as a urine pregnancy test that you'd get at a doctor's office. If you read the instructions carefully, most tests promise 99% accuracy on the day of your missed period—but not for early results. The accuracy of a test can also depend on several variables, such as the time of day when you take the test, the timing of your ovulation, and how closely you follow the directions.

Period pain Symptoms of Menstrual Migraines and Some Natural Remedies Menstrual migraines are sparked by the changes in hormones such as progesterone and estrogen that occur during a woman’s cycle. Some women's bodies are more sensitive to fluctuating hormone levels and will experience various menstrual-related pains such as migraines. Here we will be discussing some symptoms of menstrual migraines and point out natural remedies for treatment and pain management. What Are the Symptoms of Menstrual Migraines? A menstrual migraine can start before or during a woman's period and can happen every month. Common symptoms include, but are not limited to: A dull throbbing or severe pulsing headacheSensitivity to lightNauseaFatigueDizziness If you believe you are experiencing a menstrual migraine but are unsure, it's worth keeping a diary for at least 3 menstrual cycles. This will help you discern whether your migraines are linked to your periods or not. If they are related, a diary can also help pinpoint what stage in your cycle you get a migraine. It is important to note that it is the degree of the hormone levels shift, not the change itself, that determines how severe the headaches will be. How Do You Treat Menstrual Migraines? There are many ways to treat your menstrual headaches with medications and without. The duration and treatment for menstrual migraines depend on the severity of the headache. Your symptoms may last for a few hours, but they'll likely last days. Vitamin B-2, Coenzyme Q10, and Magnesium Supplements There are other vitamins reported to treat migraine headaches. According to the Mayo Clinic, vitamins like vitamin B-2 and coenzyme Q10 may reduce the severity of migraine attacks. Further research has shown that taking daily magnesium supplements can be effective at preventing menstrual-related migraines. Magnesium oxide is most frequently used for this purpose. Home Remedies to Naturally Get Rid of Headaches Snack Frequently There are other natural ways to treat your menstrual headache without the help of hormones or supplements. Eating small and frequent snacks will keep your blood sugar levels up. Low blood sugar levels caused by missing meals or going too long without food can trigger attacks. Avoid Stress Stress has been proven to trigger migraine attacks. If this proves difficult, find ways to deal with stress, such as taking regular exercise and using relaxation strategies. Exercises like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can relax your muscles, reduce tension, and also improve headache symptoms. Less muscle tension and stress may reduce the severity of your headaches. Too little sleep is also known to make headaches worse. Try to get at least seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Preventing Hormonal Headaches Take a Steady Dose of Estrogen There are ways to prevent the attacks from happening. A noticeable dip in your estrogen levels will occur before your period, and this 'dip' is thought to trigger menstrual migraines. You can prevent this by taking a steady dose of estrogen throughout your menstrual cycle. If you're already on a hormonal birth control pill, switch to a continuous dose, there are also estrogen patches and gels you can use to stabilize estrogen levels. Utilize Iron Supplements While a decline in estrogen levels is believed to cause migraines right before or during the early days of a woman's period, Iron deficiency (anemia) has been proposed to be a potential trigger of migraines that occur during the last few days of a woman's period. Taking iron supplements may help prevent these late-onset menstrual migraines. Can Medications Make Menstrual Migraines Worse? Keeping track of the onset, duration, and severity of your migraines can help you pick a path for treatment. Research does not show that pain medication used for period cramps and other PMS symptoms will help menstrual migraines. This is because period cramps and PMS are caused by different hormones. So it is possible that taking these types of medications will have little or no effect on your menstrual migraines. Every woman is different, and each migraine can have a different root cause. You need to know your migraine to be able to choose the right medication. The right medications can help you prevent and treat your pain. But natural remedies also have amazing effects and have been shown to be effective at treating migraine headaches.