When it comes to chronic headaches, one subtype that receives less attention but affects a significant portion of the population is hormonal headaches. These headaches predominantly affect women and closely tie to the hormonal fluctuations of a woman’s menstrual cycle.
Understanding Hormonal Headaches
Hormonal headaches refer to headaches that occur in connection with changes in hormone levels, most commonly estrogen, in the body. Women are at a higher risk of developing hormone-related headaches due to the changes in hormone levels during various stages of their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause.
Causes of Hormonal Headaches
The primary cause of hormonal headaches is the fluctuation in hormones:
- Menstrual Cycle: Women may experience hormonal headaches in the lead-up to their period when estrogen levels drop sharply.
- Pregnancy: Hormone levels fluctuate considerably during pregnancy, which can lead to hormonal headaches.
- Menopause: The transition into menopause is another period of hormonal instability that could trigger headaches.
Symptoms of Hormonal Headaches
The symptoms of hormonal headaches can be debilitating and often resemble migraines. These include:
- Throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Treatments for Hormonal Headaches
The treatment for hormonal headaches primarily involves managing symptoms, preventing future attacks, and addressing the underlying hormonal imbalance. Some potential treatment options include:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Prescription medication approved for hormonal headache relief
- Hormonal therapy
- Lifestyle modifications
At the Bend Headache Center, we believe in addressing the root cause of the problem. Traditional treatments for hormonal headaches may only mask symptoms rather than fix the underlying issue.
Non-Surgical Treatments at Bend Headache Center
We’re dedicated to providing non-surgical, drug-free solutions that could address the cause of hormonal headaches. By utilizing a multi-faceted approach towards treatment, we offer therapies like vestibular rehabilitation and cranio-sacral therapy, which provide relief to our patients suffering from hormonal headaches, migraines, and other types of headaches and facial pain.
Chronic headaches cause significant pain and discomfort and can remarkably disrupt one’s life. But remember, enduring the pain is not necessary. Help is available, making it possible to lead a life free from chronic headache pain.
