If your monthly period means a pounding headache, you may be tempted to blame it on PMS. But recent research published in the journal Headache found that a nutritional deficiency in the mineral magnesium, which aids in bone development and regulating body temperature, might be the cause of migraines that occur in menstruating women.

Researchers from the State University of New York evaluated 270 women who visited a headache center for treatment. Sixty-one of those women experienced migraines while menstruating. Because previous research has suggested that a deficiency in magnesium might cause menstrual migraines, the researchers measured the magnesium and calcium levels of the women who experienced menstrual migraine.

Forty-five percent of the women with migraines during menstruation had a magnesium deficiency. In comparison, only about 15% of the women had magnesium deficiency when they had a migraine that didn't occur during menstruation.

This research suggests that a magnesium deficiency may be connected to the development of migraines during menstruation. The recommended daily intakes (RDAs) for magnesium are 420 milligrams a day for adult males 31 years and older and 320 milligrams for adult females 31 years and older who are not pregnant or lactating. Looking to include more magnesium in your diet? Legumes, whole grain cereals, nuts, dark greens and chocolate are good sources of magnesium. A serving of shredded wheat cereal, for example, would provide about 20% of your daily magnesium needs, whereas a baked potato with skin provides about 14% of your daily magnesium needs.

Sources:  Mauskop A, Altura BT, Altura BM. Serum ionized magnesium levels and serum ionized calcium/ionized magnesium ratios in women with menstrual migraine. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain 42 (4), 242-8.