When Is a Headache a Migraine?

People tend to use the terms “headache” and “migraine” somewhat interchangeably.

Keep in mind that not everyone experiences worse migraines during perimenopause.

Perimenopause and Migraines illustration

Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health

Though many women see an increase, some find there’s no change.

What Do Hormonal Headaches Feel Like?

A thoughtful conversation is needed with your healthcare provider before this can be prescribed.

Symptoms of perimenopause and migraines.

Maritsa Patrinos / Verywell

Limit Alcohol

Alcohol is a migraine trigger for up to 75% of those who experience migraines.

Inactivity has been linked to migraine frequency in general, so incorporating activities like walking is advisable.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydrationis a well-known risk factor for headaches, including migraine.

Improvements After Menopause

Scientific studies are somewhat conflicting as to whether migraines improve when you’re postmenopausal.

Some show migraines improve after menopause and others show they worsen.

Experts suggest that the conflicting studies imply that other factors determine the likelihood of migraines after menopause.

Summary

Perimenopause is a hallmark period that signals a decline inestrogenin your body.

This can prompt a variety of changes, including migraines.

It is thought that a decrease in levels of estrogen leads to increased migraine during this time.

Once menopause is complete, some migraine sufferers may notice a marked decrease in migraine days.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

National Institutes of Health,Migraine.

Bernardi M, Lazzeri L, Perelli F, Reis FM, Petraglia F.Dysmenorrhea and related disorders.

2015;7:773-82. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S70073

Faubion SS, Batur P, Calhoun AH.Migraine Throughout the Female Reproductive Life Cycle.

2021;12:694980. doi:10.3389/fneur.2021.694980

Pavlovic JM.Evaluation and management of migraine in midlife women.Menopause.

2018;25(8):927-929. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000001104

Fait T.Menopause hormone therapy: latest developments and clinical practice.Drugs Context.

2021;10:72. doi:10.1186/s13643-021-01618-4

Agbetou M, Adoukonou T.Lifestyle modifications for migraine management.Front Neurol.

2022;13:719467. doi:10.3389/fneur.2022.719467

Calhoun AH.Estrogen-Associated Migraine.

Updated December 17, 2018. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/estrogen-associated-migraine.

Faubion S, Batur P, Calhoun AH.Migraine Throughout the Female Reproductive Life Cycle.Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

2018 May;93(5):639645. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.11.027.

August 20, 2015;7:77382. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S70073.

The North American Menopause Society.The Menopause Practice: A Clinicians Guide.

Mayfield Heights, OH: The North American Menopause Society; 2014.