Hormone headaches are most commonly experienced by women as they are directly linked to the female reproductive cycle and sex hormones. Even a slight imbalance in the estrogen levels and other female hormones can trigger a headache. The main causes of this type of headache are Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause and menstruation. Intake of oral contraceptives, conception and pregnancy can also cause hormonal imbalances and lead to the development of these headaches.

Causes of Hormonal headaches:

The main causes that precipitate hormonal headaches are:

• Pregnancy
• Imbalance of the female sex hormones
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Menstruation
• Menopause
• Oral contraceptives
• Childbirth

Symptoms of Hormone headache:

This type of headache is unilateral in nature in which the pain is felt on one side of the head.

The pain can range from moderate to debilitating depending from woman to woman.

Hormone headache pain is accompanied by intense throbbing, nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light, sound and smell.

The pain can last from a few hours to few days.

Thee degree of pain and duration can vary from one episode to another.

Hormone headache and you:

The intensity and duration of a hormone headache usually varies from woman to woman. Different women have different body requirements and they respond differently to various ailments. Hormone headaches can be accompanied by pounding in the head, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light. The pain can also be excruciating and sudden in some women. Most of the time hormone headaches are confused with migraines as the symptoms of these two ailments are quite similar. Thus, it is necessary for you to visit a doctor for a proper diagnosis in order to get the right treatment on time.

Treatment of Hormone headache:

These headaches can be treated by taking various painkillers such as NSAIDs like relafen, nalfon, ketoprofen and naproxen sodium. Drugs containing an ergotamine agent can also be administered to patients suffering from hormone headaches. Relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation also help relieve stress and are a good way of dealing with these headaches. Women should take a balanced diet and avoid staying hungry when their menstruation dates are near. If you still experience excruciating pain then you must talk to your doctor and discuss the various alternatives for treatment.