Hormonal headaches are a very painful and seriously debilitating ailment that affects only women. Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone are known to be behind hormonal headaches in women. Hormonal headaches are a part of the overall premenstrual cycle, and can begin eleven to seven days before the menstrual cycle. Symptoms of hormonal headaches typically involve fairly serious pain not unlike a migraine, usually accompanied by a sensitivity to light and loud noises. The pain can typically be described as a throbbing like sensation. A large percentage of women will eventually experience a hormonal headache. The occurence of hormonal headaches can be hard to predict, although contraceptives are known to have an effect on their frequency. In some women, oral contraceptives can actually increase the occurence of hormonal headaches, while in others it actually mitigates the effects of the headaches. Accurately predicting the effect that oral contraceptives will have is difficult. Outside of contraceptives, the the real reasons behind hormonal headache remain unknown. Preventing hormonal headaches can be difficult, or even next to impossible. Fortunately, treatment for hormonal headaches can potentially be far more effective. Over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can do a good job of handling the symptoms of hormonal headaches. Treatment with these over the counter drugs prior to an actual attack can mitigate their eventual affects. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen are all possible treatment options for hormonal headaches. These NSAID medications can also be effective in reducing other premenstrual symptoms, such as cramping. Migraine medications, such as triptans, can also be used to lessen the impact of hormone headaches. Although not a direct treatment for the cause of the headaches, triptans can significantly reduce the associated pain. Triptans and NSAID medication should be used wisely when attempting to reduce hormonal headaches, because they can cause reactions if overused. Overuse of both triptans and NSAID medication can result in what are known as "rebound" headaches, where the symptoms emerge even stronger after the effects of the medication has worn off. In addition to the premenstrual cycle, hormonal headaches can be triggered during other periods of wide fluctuation in hormone levels. The early periods of childbirth can cause widespread changes in hormone levels, and this can easily trigger severe hormonal headaches. The days after childbirth are also a prime time for hormonal headaches to occur. Menopause can also frequently be associated with hormonal headaches.
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