Hormonal headaches are a serious and often times debilitating form of headache that effects only women. Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone are known to be behind hormonal headaches in women. Hormonal headaches are a part of the overall premenstrual cycle, and can start as early as eleven days before the menstrual cycle. Symptoms of hormonal headaches typically involve fairly serious pain not unlike a migraine, usually accompanied by a sensitivity to light and loud noises. The pain is usually described as a throbbing sensation.



A large percentage of women will eventually experience a hormonal headache. The occurrence of hormonal headaches can be hard to predict, although contraceptives are known to have an effect on their frequency. In some women, oral contraceptives provide a trigger for migraine like headaches, while in others it actually mitigates the effects of the headaches. Accurately predicting the outcome of oral contraceptive use is difficult. Outside of contraceptives, the exact causes of a hormonal headache are unknown. Preventing hormonal headaches can be difficult, or even next to impossible.

Fortunately, treatment for the effects of hormonal headaches can be highly effective. Over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can do an effective job of suppressing hormonal headache symptoms. Treatment with these over the counter drugs prior to an actual attack can mitigate their eventual affects. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen are all effective treatments for hormone headaches. These NSAID medications can also be effective in reducing other premenstrual symptoms, such as cramping.

Migraine medications, such as triptans, can also be used to lessen the impact of hormone headaches. Although not a direct solution to hormonal headaches, triptans can significantly reduce the associated pain. Triptans and NSAID medication should see use on a limited basis, because they can cause reactions if overused. Overuse of both triptans and NSAID medication can result in what are known as "rebound" headaches, where the symptoms emerge even stronger after the effects of the medication has worn off.

In addition to the premenstrual cycle, hormonal headaches can be triggered during other periods of wide fluctuation in hormone levels. The early periods of childbirth can cause significant fluctuations in hormone levels, and this can easily trigger severe hormonal headaches. The days after childbirth are also particularly susceptible to the occurence of headaches. Menopause can also frequently be associated with hormonal headaches.