Everyday headaches during menopause

Changing hormone levels may affect migraine or tension-type headache patterns. Poor sleep, hot flushes, night sweats, dehydration, missed meals, stress, eyesight strain, alcohol, and caffeine changes can add to the burden. New daily pain should not automatically be attributed to menopause.

Keep a headache diary: record start time, location, severity, associated nausea or light sensitivity, sleep, meals, fluids, menstrual or hormone-treatment changes, and any medicine taken. A pattern can help distinguish triggers and identify medication-overuse headaches.

Keep sleep and meals regular, drink fluids through the day, take breaks from close screen work, and use a calm, dim environment during an attack. Gentle movement and relaxation breathing may help some tension headaches. Follow the label or clinician instructions for pain medicine and avoid taking it more often than advised.

Book a clinical review for headaches occurring daily, worsening, or interfering with work or sleep. Bring your diary and a full list of prescription, pharmacy, and supplement products.

Get emergency help for a sudden severe headache, new weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, confusion, fainting, a seizure, new vision loss, fever with a stiff neck, or a headache after a head injury. Seek prompt assessment for a new pattern, headaches that wake you repeatedly, or persistent vomiting.

Ask whether your symptoms fit migraine, tension headache, medication overuse, or another pattern; whether your medicines may contribute; and whether examination or tests are needed. Ask for a prevention plan if attacks are frequent.