Hormone headaches Treatment & Diagnosis

Medically reviewed by:

Dr Sarah Marshall - Medical Officer

Updated: Aug 18, 2021

Next review: Aug 18, 2022

Hormone headaches, also sometimes called menstrual migraines, are a type of headache that’s linked to a woman’s monthly menstrual cycle, hormone replacement therapy and the oral contraceptive pill.

They’re related to a decline in oestrogen levels and can be very severe, but fortunately, can be treated in several ways.

Scientists have long been aware of a link between women’s hormone levels and severe headaches or migraines.

These tend to become more intense in women who are using oral contraceptive pills, particularly types that contain high levels of oestrogen. Similarly, women who suffer from these often report that they get less severe or disappear altogether during pregnancy.

Menstrual migraines are thought to occur in response to sudden changes in oestrogen levels, which tend to drop quickly before the start of a woman’s period.

Similar changes can be brought on by using oral contraceptive pills and may develop during the menopause.

There’s a range of options that can be used to treat hormone headaches — ranging from managing the pain to preventing them from occurring altogether.

Oestrogen supplements

For women experiencing migraines linked to their monthly menstrual cycle, a doctor can prescribe oestrogen supplements that are taken a few days before and during your period. Gels or patches tend to be more effective for this than oral options.

Changes to contraceptive pills

If you think your contraceptive pills may be causing or making your migraines more severe, speak to your doctor. There’s a range of changes that can be made to the type of contraceptive you’re taking or the frequency with which you take them.

Hormone replacement therapy

In cases where the menopause may be to blame for the onset of hormone headaches, one treatment option is hormone replacement therapy.

Once again, gels and patches tend to be a better option for keeping hormone levels in check than tablets.

If you’re experiencing hormone headaches, get fast, effective expert advice by talking to one of our doctors online now.

Push Doctor’s GPs can discuss your symptoms, recommend effective treatment options and prescribe various medications to help keep your menstrual migraines in check.