Woman experiencing a headache. Picture: iStock
Hormonal headaches are a unique category of headaches closely tied to the fluctuations in hormonal levels within the body.
These headaches often affect individuals during specific phases of their menstrual cycle or hormonal changes, and understanding their connection can provide valuable insights into managing and preventing them.
Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, dives into the realm of hormonal headaches, examining their distinctive characteristics compared to other headache causes, and provides guidance on effectively dealing with these types of headaches.
“In our fast-paced, demanding world, headaches have become a common companion. But not all headaches are created equal. Some are triggered by stress or tension, others by dehydration or lack of sleep.
“However, a particular category of headaches are related to hormonal fluctuations, aptly termed hormonal headaches,” said Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
Hormonal headaches are initiated by shifts in hormone levels, specifically estrogen and progesterone, primarily in women.
Natural hormonal changes happen at various points in a woman’s menstrual cycle, throughout pregnancy, after childbirth, during menopause, or when utilising hormonal birth control methods. It’s during these specific periods women might encounter hormonal headaches.
Menstrual migranes
These migraines commonly take place within a woman’s menstrual cycle. They usually occur in the days before, during, or shortly after menstruation, aligning with a decrease in estrogen levels.
Menstrual migraines tend to be more intense and protracted compared to other migraines, and they might not react as effectively to non-prescription medications.
Pregnancy headaches
Throughout pregnancy, women undergo significant hormonal shifts that can result in different forms of headaches.
Heightened blood volume and improved circulation could instigate frequent tension-related headaches in the initial trimester.
Conversely, in the second and third trimesters, migraines tend to lessen because of stable hormone levels.
Menopausal headaches
Menopause, a phase marked by notable hormonal shifts as menstruation stops, can cause a rise in headaches or migraines.
Hormone levels fluctuate, particularly with reductions in estrogen, which can result in the occurrence of these headaches.
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Hormonal headaches can show up in diverse manners. The indications can vary among people and rely on the kind and phase of the hormone cycle. Nevertheless, Affinity Health points out typical cues and symptoms to be vigilant about:
Head Pain: The ache often occurs on just one side and pulses, though occasionally it might affect both sides. The intensity can range from mild to intense and might increase with physical exertion.
Timing: Usually, the headache happens in the days before, during, or following menstruation. This timing can aid in differentiating hormonal headaches from other varieties.
Duration: Hormonal headaches, especially menstrual migraines, might have a longer duration compared to standard migraines. They could endure for multiple hours to a couple of days.
Associated symptoms: Hormonal headaches might bring along queasiness, throwing up, and sensitivity to light and sound. Additionally, some women encounter an aura, which involves visual disruptions such as flickering lights, wavy lines, or even momentary loss of eyesight.
Other symptoms: In times of hormonal variation, women could also go through extra indications such as feeling bloated, having sensitive breasts, mood shifts, and heightened irritability.
Knowing these signs can help you catch and manage hormonal headaches early. But remember, headaches can also be a sign of more serious problems.
If your headaches are really bad, happen a lot, and come with other worrying things (like suddenly starting, acting different, having a fever, a stiff neck, or changes in how you see), or if they are not like your usual headaches, you should see a doctor right away.
According to Affinity Health, Although hormonal headaches are more common in women due to the way female hormones cycle, men can also have headaches because of hormonal shifts, although this does not happen as often.
Testosterone, which is the main male hormone, can affect headaches and migraines. For instance, research has found men who get cluster headaches, a very painful kind of headache, might experience their headache patterns along with changes in testosterone levels throughout the year.
Additionally, any situation or treatment that causes big changes in male hormones can lead to headaches. For example, men who are getting hormone therapy for prostate cancer, which lowers testosterone a lot, often talk about having headaches.
“While the connection between hormones and headaches is less studied in men than in women, it’s clear hormones can influence headache patterns in both genders.
“It’s always important for any person suffering from regular or severe headaches to seek medical advice, as proper diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve quality of life,” stated Hewlett.
Although they are prevalent, hormonal headaches form a distinct kind of headaches mostly impact women because of their connection to hormone changes, yet they can influence men as well.
Grasping the essence of hormonal headaches, what causes them, and successful ways to handle them can empower those experiencing them to manage their symptoms and enhance their well-being.
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