Migraine Worsens During Perimenopause; 3 Tips on how to Manage Headaches

Are your headaches getting worse? A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Cincinnati, the Montefiore Headache Center, Vedanta Research, and the Albert Einstein College reveals that migraines do get worse for women approaching the menopausal stages.

For years, women have been telling their doctors how their headaches have become worse as they get older. In a statement to Eurekalert, Vincent Martin, co-director at the UC Neuroscience Institute's Headache and Facial Pain says they have found the proof to back up these claims.

The results of the study are published in American Headache Society's journal Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain.

A total of 3,664 women from the ages of 35 and 65 were included in the study. Based on their menstrual cycles, the women were placed in one of either three groups: pre-menopause, peri-menopause or menopause.

Compared to the pre-menopausal candidates, the peri-menopausal women were 60 percent more likely to get more than 10 days of headaches within a single month. Richard Lipton, director at the Montefiore Headache Center says the decreasing levels of estrogen may be a culprit.

"Changes in female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone that occur during the perimenopause might trigger increased headaches during this time."

Dr. Martin believes another factor is the increased use of pain killers.

"Women as they get older develop lots of aches and pains, joints and back pain and it is possible their overuse of pain medications for headache and other conditions might actually drive an increase in headaches for the menopause group," he said during the press release.

Dr. Jelena Pavlocic, a co-author of the published study ad assistant professor at the Albert Einstein College's The Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology suggests giving peri-menopausal women oral contraceptives to manage the low-estrogen levels. Women nearing the menopausal stages can be given estrogen patches.

There are other ways of managing migraines. WebMD recommends tracking the triggers and writing them down.

Triggers can vary from one person to another. Writing them down in a journal can reveal patterns such as sensitivity to light or a particular type of food.

Another tip is to get enough sleep. The Mayo Clinic suggests establishing a regular routine, even during weekends.

Listen to music before going to bed or read a book before going to bed. However, avoid doing activities inside the bedroom as they can become distractions and prevent people from sleeping.

She Knows says stress can also be a trigger for some individuals. Reduce stress levels by going for a walk, exercising or practicing yoga.