Migraines During Perimenopause and Menopause

Many women notice a worsening of their migraines during perimenopause, or even new migraines.

Migraines are a common and often debilitating condition that affect millions of people worldwide, with three times more women sufferers than men. Many factors that can trigger migraines but the hormonal changes around menopause are sometimes a significant contributing factor. So what exactly is the relationship between migraines and menopause?

What’s The Difference Between a Headache and a Migraine?

Migraines are a particularly severe type of headache often characterised by a throbbing or pulsing pain on one side of the head. There may be a warning “aura” beforehand, such as dancing light in your vision, an unusual smell or even (scarily) drooping of the facial muscles; this can understandably be sometimes confused with a stroke.

What Causes Worsening Migraines During Perimenopause?

Migraines can occur at any time in a person’s life but in women they are most commonly associated with the reproductive years. This is because hormonal changes, particularly fluctuations in estrogen levels, can trigger migraines. It’s literally a “perfect storm” hormonally, which can worsen migraines during perimenopause.

During the menopausal transition, estrogen levels fluctuate significantly as the ovaries stop producing eggs. As a result, women may experience an increase in the frequency and severity of migraines during this time. In fact, research suggests that women are three times more likely to experience migraines during the menopausal transition than at any other time in their lives.

Managing Migraines During Perimenopause and Menopause

If you are experiencing migraines during menopause, there are some strategies you can use to manage this condition. Here are some tips:

1. Keep a Migraine Diary: Keeping a record of your migraines can help you identify triggers and patterns that may be contributing to your symptoms. Record the time of day, the foods you ate, and any stressful events or activities that occurred before a migraine attack.
2. Practice Relaxation Techniques: Stress can be a significant trigger for migraines. Try incorporating relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your daily routine to help manage stress.
3. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can be a trigger for migraines. Make sure you are drinking enough water and avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you.
4. Manage Hormonal Changes: Talk to your healthcare provider about hormonal treatments that may help manage migraines during menopause. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be an effective treatment for migraines in some women.
5. Consider Medications: If your migraines are severe or frequent, your GP may prescribe medication to help prevent migraines or manage the symptoms when one strikes. 

What are the Signs of More Serious Causes of Headaches?

Headaches are common and are usually not a cause for concern, but occasionally they can be a sign of a more severe underlying condition. Here are some signs that a headache may be caused by something more severe: See your doctor if any of the following are happening:

• Sudden, very severe pain worse than you’ve ever experienced
• Facial drooping or limb weakness
• Slurring of speech
• Confusion or delerious behaviour
• Loss of consciousness
• More frequent headaches
• Changing character of headaches
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Neck stiffness without known cause
• Headache after a head injury, particularly with any of the above additionally

Where to Get Help for Migraines During Perimenopause and Menopause

Migraines can be challenging to manage, but with the strategies listed above it is possible to reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms.  If you are experiencing migraines during the menopausal transition talk to your healthcare professional about the best treatment options for you.

A doctor with experience in managing symptoms of the menopausal transition may also be able to offer a trial of hormonal treatments to “level out” the hormonal chaos and ease migraines.

For more information:

Information sheet: hormonal treatment and menopausal migraines from the Australasian Menopause Society

Information about women and migraines from Jean Hailes for Women’s Health and Migraine Australia

Video from the International Menopause Society

Louise Newson Podcast

Facebook support group    

What is WellFemme About?

If you can’t find the professional help you need for your menopause or perimenopausal symptoms then book a Telehealth consultation with an expert WellFemme menopause doctor.

WellFemme is Australia’s first dedicated Telehealth menopause clinic, servicing locations nationwide including: Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Darwin, Perth, Hobart, Brisbane, Dubbo, Bendigo, Broken Hill, Broome, Alice Springs, Launceston, Cairns, Mildura, Lightning Ridge, Kalgoorlie, Albany, Toowoomba, Charleville, Port Headland, Katherine, Ballarat, Coober Pedy, Bourke, Albury… and your place! 🙂