THE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN WOMEN’S HORMONES and HEADACHEs

many women suffer Hormone-related migraine from the time of puberty

Migraine affects millions of women and can be significantly influenced by hormonal fluctuations throughout various life stages. From the time puberty starts, the frequency that girls and women experience migraine increases with rising oestrogen levels during their reproductive years – especially around menstruation, when oestrogen drops sharply.

Menstrually-related migraine can be very intense, lasting over several days, often occurring two days before and three days into menstruation. Tracking symptoms with a headache diary is crucial as this connection often only becomes clear after keeping a detailed headache diary. 

Consultant neurologist Dr Salwa Kamourieh explains the links between hormones and headaches in women in this video, and how an improved quality of life can be achieved. She suggests some self-management strategies that can be used and how open communication with healthcare providers is important to help find the right treatment options for you.