Headaches, including migraines, are a common symptom during the menopausal transition. Declining levels of estrogen can trigger or worsen these headaches. While some women experience fewer headaches during menopause, others report a notable increase in their frequency or severity, particularly during perimenopause. Migraines are especially common, affecting up to 29% of menopausal women, with many experiencing severe, recurring episodes.
Hormonal shifts influence brain chemistry and pain sensitivity, making some women more prone to migraines, tension-type headaches, or even new-onset headaches they hadn’t experienced before. Other factors like stress, sleep disturbances, dehydration, and certain foods can further worsen symptoms.
Treatment options for menopausal headaches may include over-the-counter pain relievers, lifestyle changes like regular sleep, proper hydration, and stress management, or hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Since headache symptoms can vary widely during menopause, a personalized approach to treatment is often the most effective.