Hormonal headaches are quite prevalent among women, stemming from hormonal imbalances that occur at specific stages and times in a woman’s life. The “Dailek Al Sehi” platform connected with Dr. Hani Al-Abdali, Assistant Professor, Consultant, and Head of the Neurology Department, to discuss the causes of headaches associated with hormonal fluctuations, their symptoms, and preventive measures.
Causes of Hormonal Headache
Initially, Dr. Al-Abdali emphasized that “hormonal headache is a health symptom that should be monitored, particularly among women who are more susceptible to this type of headache due to hormonal disturbances at different life stages.” He noted that “hormonal headache is often linked to the menstrual cycle, as most studies indicate.” He stated, “Studies confirm that hormonal headache attacks tend to be more intense and severe as the menstrual period approaches, typically occurring two to three days before the onset of menstruation or during the first days of the cycle. Researchers have revealed that at least five million women suffer from hormonal headaches each month. More than half of women with migraines observe a correlation between their headaches and their menstrual cycle, where this type of headache, known as menstrual migraine, tends to be particularly severe at this time.”
Dr. Al-Abdali added, “A prominent cause of hormonal migraine is the drop in estrogen levels during menstruation, as well as in early pregnancy stages, due to an influx of hormones into the body. Additionally, the use of birth control pills, patches containing two hormones, estrogen and progesterone, affects hormone levels, especially after age 40. One of the key reasons for this headache is menopause, as the headache increases with the approach of this period because the menstrual cycle becomes more frequent on one hand and disrupts the natural hormonal cycle in women on the other.”
Symptoms
Dr. Al-Abdali outlined the primary symptoms of hormonal headaches, noting that they manifest as intense headaches affecting a part or sometimes the entire head, particularly the front. They also include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to sound and light, and occasionally eye pain, with possible blurriness and haziness in vision.
Treatment
Regarding treatment for hormonal headaches, the Head of the Neurology Department at Saud Medical Center stated: “We always advise patients to consult a specialized neurologist if they experience recurring, severe hormonal headache attacks that could impact their life. In such cases, the doctor conducts a comprehensive medical examination and then prescribes hormone replacement therapy, such as pills and patches, to prevent migraines at various life stages. This treatment is effective and aids in restoring balance and stability to the hormones in the body. Painkillers are also prescribed, and women are advised to stop taking birth control pills to avoid hormonal headaches. Often, estrogen is used to treat hormonal headaches, especially before the menstrual cycle or during the first days. The doctor may also prescribe anti-migraine medications, which are taken before the menstrual period and do not contain hormones but help to prevent headaches, including triptan tablets.”
Prevention of Hormonal Headaches
Dr. Al-Abdali revealed methods to prevent the condition, stating: “Key medical advice for preventing hormonal headaches and alleviating symptoms includes avoiding fatigue, exhaustion, and stress, and the need to engage in regular physical exercise, especially in the morning. We also recommend splitting main meals into small, light meals that can be consumed throughout the day, avoiding eating two hours before going to sleep, and ensuring the necessity of having breakfast to avoid hormonal headaches and their symptoms. We also emphasize the need for adequate sleep to ensure muscle relaxation and maintain calmness of the head and restore balance.”
He added, “If the menstrual cycle is regular, the doctor might recommend preventive medication, especially if suffering from migraines, starting a few days before the menstrual cycle and continuing for up to two weeks. In some cases, daily medication might be necessary.” He pointed out that “keeping a headache diary to track the menstrual cycle, diet, sleep hours, and exercise helps identify headache triggers and work to avoid them. If taking hormonal medications, particularly birth control pills, consult a doctor to switch to a regimen with fewer treatment days or none at all.”
