Perimenopause and tension headaches

A tension-type headache often feels like pressure or a tight band around the head, sometimes with tenderness in the scalp, neck or shoulders. It may appear after prolonged screen use, jaw clenching, emotional strain or a disturbed night. A Headache can have other causes, including migraine, infection, medication overuse or a problem needing urgent care, so the pattern matters.

Record timing, location, severity, associated symptoms, cycle changes, sleep, food, fluids and medicines. This helps a clinician distinguish a familiar pattern from a new or changing headache.

Try regular fluids and meals, relaxed shoulder movements, breaks from close screen work, gentle neck stretches and a quiet routine for sleep. A warm pack may relax tight muscles. Use pain medicine only as directed on its label or by a clinician; frequent use can itself contribute to recurring headaches.

Arrange a GP Consultation if headaches keep returning, interfere with work or sleep, or do not respond to sensible self-care. Bring your symptom record and a list of medicines or supplements.

Seek emergency help for a sudden severe headache, new weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, fainting, confusion, seizure, vision loss, fever with a stiff neck, or a headache after a significant head injury. Seek prompt assessment for a new pattern, steadily worsening pain, pregnancy-related headache or repeated vomiting.

Does my pattern fit a tension-type headache? Could sleep, hormones, blood pressure, vision or medicines be contributing? What treatment should I use, and which warning signs should prompt urgent review?