How Hormones Affect Migraines and Headaches

Headaches are never fun—but when they’re tied to your hormones, they can feel especially frustrating. If you’ve ever had a migraine right before your period or during ovulation, you’re definitely not alone. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone play a major role in brain chemistry, and their natural fluctuations can trigger everything from mild tension headaches to debilitating migraines.

As a naturopathic doctor, I work with many women who experience hormonal migraines—especially during times like puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause. Let’s break down what’s going on and how to support your body.

Why Do Hormones Trigger Headaches?

Hormonal headaches are most often linked to drops in estrogen levels. Estrogen affects blood vessels and neurotransmitters like serotonin, which play a role in how we perceive pain. When estrogen dips—especially right before menstruation—it can set off a cascade that leads to migraine.

Some common hormonal headache patterns include:

• Menstrual migraines: Often occur 1–2 days before your period starts.

• Ovulation headaches: Mid-cycle when estrogen peaks and then dips.

• Perimenopausal migraines: Due to hormonal fluctuations and imbalance.

• Birth control–related headaches: Caused by synthetic hormones or withdrawal from them.

Symptoms of Hormonal Migraines

Hormonal migraines can feel different than regular headaches. You may experience:

• Throbbing pain on one or both sides of your head

• Nausea or vomiting

• Sensitivity to light, sound, or smell

• Fatigue or brain fog

• Aura (in some people)

• Symptoms that follow a cyclical pattern (linked to your menstrual cycle)

What Can You Do About Hormonal Headaches?

The good news is—there are options to reduce or even eliminate hormonal headaches. Here are a few strategies I often use in my naturopathic practice:

1. Track Your Cycle

Knowing when your headaches tend to show up is a game changer. Use a tracking app or journal to note the timing, severity, and other symptoms. This can help identify patterns and inform your treatment.

2. Support Estrogen Balance

We want estrogen levels to rise and fall naturally—not spike or drop too dramatically. Supporting the liver, gut health, and hormone metabolism through diet and lifestyle is key.

3. Magnesium & B Vitamins

Magnesium is a powerful natural remedy for migraines, especially when taken consistently. B2 (riboflavin) and B6 are also helpful for hormonal balance and headache prevention.

4. Regulate Blood Sugar

Blood sugar dips can make headaches worse. Focus on balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and fiber—and try not to skip meals.

5. Consider Herbal & Naturopathic Support

Chaste tree (Vitex), feverfew, ginger, and butterbur are a few herbs that may help, depending on the root cause. Always work with a practitioner to choose the right support for you.

6. IV Nutrient Therapy

For more severe or chronic migraines, IV therapy can quickly replenish key nutrients like magnesium, B vitamins, and electrolytes.

When to Seek Help

If your migraines are affecting your quality of life—whether it’s missing work, struggling with energy, or anticipating pain every month—it’s time to dig deeper. Hormonal migraines are a sign that your body needs support, not something you just have to “live with.”

You're Not Alone

If you're experiencing headaches that seem tied to your cycle or hormones, you're not making it up—and you're not alone. There is a path forward that doesn’t just involve painkillers or prescriptions.

💬 Ready to Get to the Root Cause?

I help women uncover the root causes of hormonal headaches and create customized plans to feel better—naturally. Book an appointment at Momentum Health Kelowna to get started.