Migraines and Menopause: The Headache Connection
The journey through menopause can sometimes be a headache—and that's not just a metaphor. Headaches and migraines are common side effects of the menopause transition.
An estimated 85% of perimenopausal women experience tension headaches, and up to 29% suffer from migraines. Let's delve into this connection and explore your options beyond relying on pain medications and seeking refuge in a dark room.
Is It a Headache or a Migraine?
Tension headaches are characterized by a "squeezing" sensation in the forehead or temples. They are more common and generally more manageable than migraines, but can still impact your life, especially if they occur frequently.
Migraines, on the other hand, are more severe, last longer, and often involve nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Women are more than twice as likely as men to experience migraines, and many find that their migraines are linked to their menstrual cycle throughout adulthood.
The Connection Between Menopause and Headaches
While some research has found that tension headaches are more common around menopause, most studies have looked into migraines. There is strong evidence of a close link between migraines and female hormone cycles, including menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.
The prevalent explanation, known as the "estrogen withdrawal" hypothesis, suggests that migraines are triggered by the sudden decrease in estrogen that occurs before menstruation and during the menopausal transition.
During perimenopause, migraines can worsen due to hormonal fluctuations. A study of over 3,000 migraine sufferers found that migraine frequency increased by 60% during perimenopause.
However, there's good news waiting after menopause: migraines may decrease to the lowest frequency of a woman's adult life. While data on this topic is somewhat conflicting, it's logical that migraines would stabilize with lower estrogen levels after menopause.
Managing Menopausal Headaches
There are several options to explore for treating headaches. You can consider natural remedies, medications, or a combination of both.
Holistic Approaches
Hormones are not the only triggers of headaches and migraines. Many people find that these holistic strategies help them get control without medication.
Relaxation techniques like massage or acupuncture
Stress management or talk therapy
Moderate-intensity exercise and mindfulness-based exercise like yoga
Staying well-hydrated with water
Practicing good sleep hygiene, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
Avoiding trigger foods and beverages like coffee, alcohol, chocolate, and aged cheeses (individual triggers can vary)
Addressing other contributors like eyesight issues, nervous system disorders, high blood pressure and medication side effects
If headaches or migraines are significantly impacting your quality of life, consult your healthcare provider to find the treatment option that best suits your needs. With the right approach, you can find relief and continue your journey through menopause with greater ease and comfort.