Hormonal headaches can be very painful and even seriously debilitating. An ailment that only affects women, hormonal headaches are caused by fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone and typically occur seven to eleven days before the menstrual cycle.
Symptoms of hormonal headaches include severe migraine-like pain, usually accompanied by increased sensitivity to light and loud noises. Many people describe the pain as a throbbing sensation centered in one area or throughout the entire head and neck. A great number of women experience hormonal headaches at one point or another in their life. The occurrence of hormonal headaches is difficult to predict, although contraceptives are known to have an effect on their frequency and duration. In some women, oral contraceptives trigger for intense headaches, while, for other women, these medications can reduce or eliminate the symptoms associated with hormonal headaches. Because of this, it is difficult to accurately predict the effects of oral contraceptives for any given woman. Aside from hormonal forms of birth control, the exact causes of a hormonal headache are unknown, making it difficult to treat and prevent them.
Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can sometimes help to handle the symptoms of hormonal headaches. If taken five to seven days prior to a menstrual period, these drugs can reduce or eliminate symptoms. Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Acetaminophen are all options.
Issues of diet, exercise, sleep patterns, and stress levels all have an effect on hormonal cycles so it is helpful to see someone who can look at the whole picture and then treat the ailment holistically. Many herbs can also be effective in regulating hormonal levels.
If all else fails, migraine medications, such as triptans, are another tool in the arsenal against hormonal headache pain. Although not a direct solution to hormonal headaches, triptans can significantly reduce the associated pain. Triptans and NSAID medication should be used wisely when attempting to reduce hormonal headaches because they can cause reactions if overused. Overuse of both triptans and NSAID medication can cause “rebound” headaches in which the symptoms become even stronger.