Headache after your period: what should you know?

Hormone levels shift around the menstrual cycle and can influence migraine or tension-type headache. Blood loss, reduced food intake, dehydration, poor sleep, stress, or caffeine changes may add to the discomfort. Note whether the pain is throbbing, one-sided, or accompanied by nausea and light sensitivity. A cycle pattern can be useful, but it does not rule out other causes.

Drink fluids, eat regularly, rest in a quiet dim room if light worsens the pain, and use a cool or warm pack according to what feels helpful. Keep a diary of bleeding, headache timing, sleep, meals, medicines, and associated symptoms. A pharmacist or clinician can help you choose a suitable pain reliever, particularly if pregnancy is possible or you have other health conditions.

Get urgent help for a sudden explosive headache, fainting, weakness, numbness, confusion, seizure, stiff neck with fever, persistent vomiting, or new vision or speech problems. Arrange a medical review if headaches are new, increasingly frequent, unusually strong, interfere with daily life, or occur with unusually heavy bleeding or marked tiredness.

Ask whether the timing suggests migraine, whether iron or other tests are appropriate, and which medicines are safe for you. Bring your symptom diary and mention contraception, pregnancy possibility, changes in bleeding, and any family history of migraine.