Articles
Headaches and hormones: What's the connection?
Every woman is unique
During menstruation
Hormonal contraception use
Content
During your period
Preventive treatment
Hormonal birth control use
During pregnancy
During perimenopause and menopause
You are unique
During menstruation
Hormonal contraception use
Content
During your period
Preventive treatment
Hormonal birth control use
During pregnancy
During perimenopause and menopause
You are unique
Content
Many things can contribute to headaches, including family history and age. But people often notice a link between headaches and hormonal changes.
The hormones estrogen (ES-truh-jen) and progesterone (pro-JES-tuh-rohn) play key roles in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Hormones also may affect headache-related chemicals in the brain.
Having steady estrogen levels can improve headaches. But drops or changes in estrogen levels can make headaches worse.
However, you're not completely at the mercy of your hormones. Your healthcare professional can help you treat or prevent hormone-related headaches.
