Headaches

For many women, one of the most unsettling and frustrating surprises of perimenopause is the sudden arrival of awful headaches—often gripping the back of the neck, creeping up into the head, or pounding behind the eyes. I experienced this at the onset of this stage, and it didn’t last too long, but I did get it checked out.

These can feel totally different from any headaches you may have had before, and they often seem to appear out of nowhere, lingering for days and draining your energy, mood, and confidence. It’s common to be told it’s ‘just stress’, dehydration, or poor posture—but for many women, the real driver is the powerful hormonal upheaval happening during this stage of life. Knowing that you’re not alone, that this is a recognised perimenopause symptom, and that there is a clear reason behind it can be incredibly reassuring. Understanding what’s happening in your body is the first step to feeling more supported, more in control, and far less frightened by what can otherwise feel overwhelming.

• Hormonal changes: Oestrogen and progesterone levels begin to fluctuate which can trigger headaches.
• Decline in serotonin: (a neurotransmitter) in the brain, which may hinder the function of a cranial nerve called the trigeminal nerve. This cascade of events may be responsible for triggering headaches or migraines. 
• Stress: Stress can also trigger headaches. This can be a very stressful time, as your body adjusts to the physical and emotional changes that are taking place.
• Lifestyle changes: Other lifestyle changes that can contribute to headaches include:
  • Lack of sleep
  • Changes in diet
  • Weight gain
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Smoking

If you experience headaches there are a number of things you can do to manage them.

• See your doctor: If you have new or worsening headaches, it’s important to see your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
  – neurological symptoms – slurred speech, weakness, vision loss.
  – headache with fever or vomiting
  – a headache which wakes you from sleep
  – uncontrolled high blook pressure with headache.
• Make lifestyle changes: There are a number of lifestyle changes you can make to help reduce your risk of headaches, such as:
  • Getting enough sleep
  • Eating a healthy diet
  • Exercising regularly
  • Managing stress
  • Avoiding alcohol and smoking
• Take over-the-counter or prescription medications: Over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can be effective in treating mild to moderate headaches. If you have severe headaches, your doctor may prescribe prescription medications.
• Try complementary therapies: There are a number of complementary therapies that may help reduce headaches, such as:
  • Massage
  • Acupuncture
  • Yoga
  • Meditation