Headaches Before Your Period? It Could Be PMS

Do you get headaches as your period approaches? This could be a symptom of PMS. Let’s look at PMS characteristics and ways to manage these headaches.

Headaches as a Symptom of PMS

Although the exact cause of PMS isn’t fully understood, it’s believed that various symptoms appear as the female hormones "estrogen" and "progesterone" drop rapidly during the luteal phase before menstruation.

PMS symptoms can begin around puberty and may worsen with age. Women in their 20s may feel more depressive symptoms, while in their 30s, irritability, anger, and physical symptoms like headaches tend to increase. Since the impact of female hormones varies at different life stages, PMS symptoms are not fixed and can change over time.

Why Do Headaches Occur Before Menstruation?

Pre-menstrual headaches are strongly influenced by estrogen. As mentioned above, estrogen levels drop sharply before menstruation.

This rapid decrease in estrogen leads to a reduction in serotonin, a brain neurotransmitter often referred to as the "happiness hormone." When serotonin levels drop, blood vessels in the brain expand, and this vascular dilation can cause headaches before menstruation.

Other Common PMS Symptoms

PMS symptoms vary widely but are generally categorized into three main types, with common symptoms often falling within these categories.

How to Manage Pre-Menstrual Headaches

• Warm Up Your Body

Try a warm bath, immersing yourself up to your shoulders. This can relax your muscles, widen your blood vessels, and improve circulation.

• Move Your Muscles

Moving the muscles around your neck and shoulders can also help. Try to incorporate light stretching or strength training into your daily routine.

• Take Pain Relievers

Taking a pain reliever can also be effective. However, if you find yourself taking headache medication more than 15 days a month, you might be experiencing "medication overuse headaches." In cases of chronic headaches where you rely heavily on painkillers, consider visiting a hospital experienced in treating medication overuse headaches.