Hello Jane: You may be suffering from catamenial migraine. It means the menses (and hormonal changes) are triggers for your pain. I suggest consulting with a neurologist for a complete assessment. You may need some medication for the acute attack. Pain killers as ibuprofen, naproxen or mefenamic acid, started days before your period and continued 3 to 5 days after it has started, could help you being with less pain; also Triptans as zolmitriptan, eletriptan or alomtriptan would help you to reduce the complaints. Prophylactic medication as amitryptiline, propranolol, magnesium, riboflavin or topiramate, are be another option for long-term treatment. Non pharmacologic therapies include: good sleep (6 - 8 h/day), some exercise, avoiding cured meat, smoked fish, alcohol, and monosodium glutamate; stay well hydrated, avoid heat and direct sunlight to the head. I hope you get better, if you have any doubt before your appointment, please let me know.