Headaches

During menopause, headaches – including migraines – are common. They can be intense, exhausting, and interfere with daily life. Hormones (what else, by now you know! 😂) play a role in their onset… and their intensity.

Why more headaches?

Estrogen helps regulate blood vessels and certain messengers in the brain. When levels drop, the balance can be disrupted.
Result: blood vessels constrict, neurotransmitters get out of balance… and your head pounds.
→ Progesterone and serotonin also play a role in managing pain. When everything is out of sync, pain can intensify.

What you might feel:

• Throbbing pain on one side of the head
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Nausea or digestive issues
• Headaches just before menstruation (in perimenopause)
• Fatigue or irritability after the pain peak

Simple actions to relieve:

• Keep a journal: it can help you see what triggers them… and what soothes them
• Avoid triggers: stress, lack of sleep, certain foods
• Sleep at regular times
• Move (yoga, walking, gentle stretching)
• Drink enough water
• Limit coffee, alcohol, sugar (yes, them again!)
• Create calm moments: warm bath, soft light, silence…

Do you recognise yourself in this?

You’re not alone. Your body is not betraying you. It’s simply sending you signals. The better you understand them, the better you can soothe them.