Menopause Headache

Menopause Headaches and Migraines: Causes and Relief

Menopause headaches are headaches or migraines that start or get worse during perimenopause and menopause. They are linked to estrogen going up and down. Many women find headaches get worse in perimenopause. For some, migraines get better after menopause, when hormone levels settle. Simple steps and treatment can help.

Please note: This page shares general health information in simple words. It is not medical advice. Every body is different, so talk to a doctor or gynaecologist before you try any treatment.

Key Facts About Menopause Headaches

Headaches and migraines can get worse in perimenopause.
Swings in estrogen levels are a common trigger.
For some women, migraines improve after menopause.
Poor sleep, stress, skipped meals and too little water can make headaches worse.
A headache diary can help you find your triggers.
Some headaches need urgent medical help.

What Are Menopause Headaches?

There are two main types of headache women notice around menopause.

Tension headache. A dull, tight pain, like a band around your head.
Migraine. A strong, throbbing pain, often on one side of the head. It may come with feeling sick, and finding light or noise hard to bear. Some people see flashing lights before it starts. This is called an aura.

Some women had migraines around their periods when they were younger. These can get worse in perimenopause.

Why Does Menopause Cause Headaches?

Big swings in estrogen can trigger headaches and migraines. In perimenopause, estrogen goes up and down a lot from month to month. This is why headaches often get worse at this time.

After menopause, estrogen stays low and steady. This is why some women find their migraines get better. But not everyone does, especially if hormones were not the main trigger.

Other things can also trigger headaches:

Poor sleep
Stress
Skipping meals
Not drinking enough water
Alcohol
Too much screen time or poor posture
Eye strain. Many people need reading glasses in their 40s.
Taking painkillers too often

How Can You Ease Menopause Headaches?

These steps can help:

Drink enough water through the day.
Eat regular meals. Do not skip breakfast.
Keep a regular sleep routine.
Manage stress. Try slow breathing, yoga or a short walk.
Cut down on alcohol.
Take screen breaks and check your posture.
Get your eyes tested if you have not had a check recently.
Keep a headache diary. Write down when headaches happen, what you ate and drank, how you slept and where you are in your cycle. This can show your triggers.

Simple painkillers may help some headaches. Do not take painkillers on more than a few days a week. Taking them too often can cause more headaches. Ask a pharmacist or doctor which is right for you.

Can HRT Help or Cause Headaches?

HRT can affect headaches in different ways. For some women, it helps by keeping hormone levels steadier. For others, headaches can get worse at first.

If you have migraines, a doctor may suggest HRT as a patch, gel or spray instead of a tablet. These give steadier hormone levels. Having migraine does not always mean you cannot take HRT. Talk to your doctor. Read more about hormone replacement therapy.

Sirona Cooling Mist

Some women like a cool feeling on the skin when they feel hot and unwell. Sirona Cooling Mist is a hormone-free spray with peppermint (menthol) and eucalyptus oil. It is made for hot flashes. It is not a headache treatment. Keep it away from your eyes, and do not use it in place of medical care.

When Should You Get Urgent Help?

Call 112 or go to the emergency department right away if a headache:

Comes on suddenly and is extremely painful
Comes with weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg
Comes with confusion, trouble speaking or trouble walking
Comes with loss of vision
Comes with a fit (seizure)
Comes with a very high temperature and a stiff neck
Comes after a head injury

See a doctor soon if:

Headaches are getting worse or more frequent.
You have headaches with eye problems or vomiting.
The pain gets worse when you cough or bend over.
Your jaw hurts when you eat or your scalp feels tender.
You need painkillers on many days.

Related Terms

Shop menopause care: Sirona Menopause Collection

Sources

NHS. Headaches. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/headaches/
NHS. Symptoms of menopause and perimenopause. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause/symptoms/
NHS. Migraine. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/migraine/
NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. HRT and migraines (clinical guidance). https://remedy.bnssg.icb.nhs.uk/adults/menopause/hrt-and-migraines
Sirona Cooling Mist product page. https://thesirona.com/products/cooling-mist

Disclaimer: This page is for general information only. It is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified doctor. It was written by the Sirona Content Team using the trusted medical sources listed above. Always talk to your doctor or gynaecologist about your symptoms and before starting any medicine, supplement or product. If you have heavy bleeding, chest pain, trouble breathing or severe pain, get medical help right away.