Q&A: Understanding headaches in menopause

Headaches aren’t pleasant at the best of times although when they are self-induced we have no right to complain. However, during menopause, when headaches can become a lot more frequent and more severe in type, we certainly do have reason to complain. Headaches will affect different women in different ways, but fortunately they aren’t something that we need to put up with. There are reasons for the headaches in menopause and there are treatments. Read on further to have your questions about headaches during menopause answered.

What are the different types of headache I could experience in menopause?

Headaches will vary in duration and severity for each woman although migraines become more likely in menopausal women. Migraines are usually characterized by a throbbing or pulsating pain in the head, intensification of pain during your normal routine, increased sensitivity to light and sound, pain lasting for up to 24 hours or perhaps even longer in some cases, and a pain that starts in one area and spreads to another. Migraines can also cause vomiting and sweaty hands and feet and may be accompanied by fatigue or mood swings. This type of migraine is the most common. You may experience one with aura though, which means that before the pain arrives you visualize bright lights around the edges of your field of vision.

Alternatively, you might experience a tension headache which is the most common type which produces a mild to moderate pain throughout the head. Likewise you might experience a sinus headache which causes the sinuses to inflame and block as well as causing the forehead to hurt.

Why is it likely I will experience more headaches in menopause?

It is the imbalance of estrogen and progesterone that causes women to suffer from headaches more frequently in menopause. Research about why hormone fluctuation causes headaches is inconclusive but most agree that it is because these two hormones are connected to the brain and its blood vessels. When hormone levels rise and fall the blood vessels are forced to expand and contract which results in the pain.

What triggers headaches?

Certain factors will trigger a headache or contribute to them even further. If you suffer with headaches frequently then you should try to avoid any of the following so that their severity is lessened. These include excessive amounts of alcohol or caffeine (although a quick withdrawal from these might also trigger headaches), a lack of sleep or too much, skipping meals or fasting, bright lights, loud noises or strong odors, and any emotional disorder like stress or anxiety. It is also advisable that you avoid, or cut down on, foods that contain high amounts of nitrates (hot dogs, lunch meats), MSG (fast food, Asian food, seasonings) and Tyramine (aged cheese, soy products, smoked fish, fava beans).

What can I do to relieve the pain of my headaches?

Trying to rebalance your hormones is essential for coping with headaches. Ensure you get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. This, along with a well-balanced diet, and a de-stressing regime such as yoga or meditation, will help to balance your estrogen and progesterone levels out and make the body and brain happier and healthier. Acupuncture is an alternative treatment that is said, by many, to work more efficiently than any medication. Fortunately it is a very treatable symptom of menopause. See your doctor if you require more advice about the medication available.

Recommendation:

If your headaches persist and get progressively worse then you should see a doctor. Furthermore, if you start to experience headaches that wake you from your sleep or cause confusion, dizziness, weakness, or a high fever then you should also go to the doctor. Headaches in menopause can be treated and should only be a temporary problem but you should always try to make lifestyle changes before opting for a riskier option. To get more detailed information about appropriate lifestyle changes follow this link.