Headaches can be related to hormones. Sixty percent of women with migraines report that their headaches happen more often right before, during, and after their menstrual periods, which is when hormone levels change. This type of headache is known as a hormonal or menstrual headache.

If you are using birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and worry that they are triggering your headaches, talk to your gynecologist about changing your prescription. Switching to a different formula could decrease your headaches.

To prevent hormonal headaches, be very careful during the week before your period to avoid triggers, get enough sleep, pay attention to how much alcohol or caffeine you drink, and get some exercise. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen and ibuprofen, taken twice a day during the week before your period, can help prevent or lessen the severity of headaches. Taking magnesium that week also can help.