Changes in estrogen and progesterone levels during the cycles may cause headaches in some women complaining of pain prior and during the menstrual cycles. Prior and during the menstrual cycle these hormone levels drop and are at the lowest levels. These headaches happen regularly with each cycle and resolve as the estrogen and progesterone levels begin to rise in the first week of the cycle.
During menopause and pregnancy, hormonal migraines usually resolve since the fluctuations in hormonal levels also disappear. However, with birth control use or hormone therapy, the headaches may return.
Many treatment options, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and natural hormone therapy, are effective in treatment of these headaches. But prior to any treatment, the correct diagnosis must be made and treatment must be supervised by an expert physician. Ask us about your headaches and we will be happy to help.