Many people notice a link between migraine headaches and the changes in hormone levels their bodies go through, especially around puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. While there are many potential causes of these headaches, changes in hormones make headaches worse. Here is more information on how hormones, like estrogen, can affect headache patterns:
Linking Estrogen and Migraine
Fluctuating hormones can cause or exacerbate a migraine. Estrogen is a hormone that helps regulate several processes in the body, including brain function. When estrogen levels rise and fall, these shifts can affect chemicals in the brain such as serotonin. These changes can sometimes set off a migraine, especially in people who are sensitive to hormone changes.
This may explain why more women than men get episodes after puberty, and why these patterns often change throughout a woman’s life. It’s not just the amount of estrogen that matters; how much it fluctuates makes a difference. Sharp drops in estrogen often bring on attacks.
Understanding Hormonal Changes
Different stages of life bring their own hormonal changes, which can influence migraines in unique ways:
- Menstruation: Just before a period starts, estrogen levels naturally fall. Many women notice that migraines show up around this time, often in the two days before a period and in the first few days after it begins.
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, estrogen levels climb and stay high. Many women experience fewer episodes in the later stages of pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters. When the baby arrives and estrogen drops quickly, migraines can return.
- Perimenopause and Menopause: The years leading up to menopause, called perimenopause, bring hormone levels that rise and fall unpredictably. This can cause them to become more frequent or feel different. After menopause, some women notice that their episodes happen less often or even go away completely.
Exploring Menstrual Migraines
A menstrual migraine is a headache that regularly occurs in connection with your period. There are two main types. Some women have “pure menstrual migraines,” which happen only during the days just before menstruation through a few days afterward. Others have “menstrually-related migraines,” which tend to happen during that same window but can also occur at other times of the month.
If you think your migraines might be linked to your cycle, keeping a simple headache diary can help. By writing down when episodes occur and tracking your period for a few months, you may start to see a pattern. This record can make it easier to discuss symptoms and cycles with a healthcare provider and may help identify hormonal triggers.
Find a Neurologist
Hormone changes, especially those involving estrogen, play a significant role in migraine activity for many people. The drop in estrogen that comes with certain stages of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause can influence when they happen and how intense they feel. By tracking symptoms and cycles, you can spot patterns and work toward better managing triggers related to hormonal changes. If you experience hormonal headaches, consult with a medical professional to get treatment.