Symptoms of Hormonal Headaches

Women often complain about headache before or during menstruation. Young girls or boys, nearing the age of puberty may also experience headaches. Actually, changes in hormonal levels, especially in women, trigger such head pains. Sex hormones and the reproductive cycle of a woman are mainly responsible for such recurring headaches.

After attaining puberty, the body of a woman starts producing very high levels of female hormones, like estrogen. The period when a woman may experience a hormonal headache depends upon her reproductive cycle and the hormonal levels. Unbalanced estrogen levels and imbalance of other hormones like progesterone and serotonin can lead to pain in the head.

Other causes include premenstrual syndrome, intake of birth-control pills that contain hormone-altering medications, menopause, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and postpartum.

Due to extreme hormone fluctuations during pregnancy, some women may experience headaches. Such women can easily control this pain with prescribed medicines and lifestyle changes.

A poor diet can induce hormonal changes, and thereby cause of discomfort in the head. Though women are more prone to hormonal imbalance, men may also experience such head pains due to hormonal changes. Unbalanced estrogen and testosterone levels can result in headaches in men.

Andropause is the term used to describe the male menopause. As women experience uneasiness in the head after, before, and during menopause, men may also experience the same before, during, or after andropause.

Alcohol abuse, excessive intake of caffeine, dehydration (insufficient consumption of water), sudden changes in diet and exercise routines, hormone replacement therapy during menopause, are other causes that may lead to discomfort in the head.

Symptoms

• Pain in one side of head
• Intense throbbing pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache may last anywhere from a few hours to a few days
• The person won't be able to tolerate bright light, high decibel noise, and strong smells

The severity and type of symptoms may vary from one person to another. Similarly, the treatment may vary from person to person.

Adjusting the doses of oral contraceptives can help relieve head pain in women. Prompt treatment at the first sign of the discomfort can prevent the situation from getting worse. Doctors may recommend hormone replacement therapies (HRT) for menopause-related headaches. There are some risks associated with HRT.

Therefore, the doctor will examine the symptoms, and then decide whether HRT should be performed or not. In any case, men and women should consult a doctor for appropriate treatment.

Following a nutritious diet, and leading a stress-free life can help alleviate the symptoms. Since lack of physical activity can lead to hormonal imbalance, regular exercise can help prevent these headaches. Yoga, and laughter therapy help prevent hormone imbalance. Over the counter anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can be taken for milder symptoms.

It has been observed that sometimes, the symptoms go away on their own, as the body adjusts the hormone levels. Remember, what works well for one person probably won't work for another.

It is better to consult a doctor for fast relief. As mentioned above, following a healthy diet, healthy eating habits (avoiding too much of alcohol, caffeine, smoking, late nights, etc.), and regular exercises is the best and the easiest way to prevent hormone imbalance and head pains.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.