Menopausal Headaches & Migraines
I first realised that I was approaching the perimenopause when I started to experience migraine headaches.
Having never experienced them before it was something of a shock when they started. Looking back, I was fortunate to have only experienced several migraines in total over a period of approximately 12 months.
Typically, the Migraines I experienced resulted in severe pain in one eye with an associated headache and a sensitivity to light. They were typically eased by an early night and good sleep.
Eventually, the Migraines were replaced by more frequent tension headaches. It felt like I had a headache most days for around 18 months!
I put it down to fluctuating Oestrogen levels, the perimenopause and carried on! As a Physiotherapist I’m embarrassed to say that it took a long time and a lot of paracetamol before I started to think, hang on a minute this might not just be due to hormones!
In fact, in the end, I started to think that the problem was due to my neck rather than a systemic imbalance. I took the plunge and went to see a Physiotherapist. She assessed and treated my neck at my first appointment and hay presto I was headache-free for the first time in a long while!
Now that I am post-menopausal I still get the odd headache from time to time. Now they are typically associated with a stressful day at work and poor posture from sitting too long at my desk!
However, lifestyle changes can help the management of both types of headaches and include reducing any known triggers such as alcohol, stress, certain foods and caffeine.
Drinking plenty of water and good sleep hygiene can help as can relaxation and stress management.
As we enter this phase of our lives and we learn far more about the varied and diverse symptoms of the menopause it’s easy to think that hormones lie at the root of all our problems, however, sometimes it may be something completely different which is causing the issue.
If in doubt, ask your General Practitioner or other health professional such as a physiotherapist for advice.