 Hormones and Headaches
Frequently Asked Questions
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Hormones and Headaches
(by C. David Gordon, MD)
Can estrogen aggravate headache?
Absolutely. It is believed that estrogen influences certain brain receptors that
are linked to migraine and migraine-like headaches. Therefore, fluctuations in estrogen
(at the menstrual period, while using oral contraceptives,
during estrogen replacement
therapy, with pregnancy, etc.) may provoke the worsening of headaches. The estrogen
connection is thus very important. More women than men have significant headaches
of a migraine type because of this connection.
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What treatment
is available for menstrual migraines?
Migraine headache associated with the menstrual period
is sometimes difficult to control. Fortunately, many women respond favorably to
the same medications used for headaches not related to menstruation. Nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., Naproxen or ibuprofen) used as preventive medication
are often prescribed. Supplemental estrogen given prior to menstruation is sometimes
prescribed. Ergot derivatives or sumatriptan are prescribed for control of acute pain. Dihydroergotamine nasal spray is sometimes effective. Ask your MHNI physician
to prescribe a course of treatment which is best for you.
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