Q: Which doctor should I consult to treat hormonal headaches?
A: You can consult your family doctor or GP for troublesome and recurrent headaches. He will prescribe medications or refer you to the appropriate specialist (neurologist, gynecologist, or internist) for further evaluation and treatment.
Q: How long do hormonal headaches usually last?
A: Hormonal headaches usually occur in the two days before the menstrual period and first two to three days of the period. In general they may last for two to three days and are more severe than other headaches.
Q: Can caffeine help hormonal headaches?
A: During hormonal headaches, the blood vessels in the brain dilate resulting in increased blood flow, causing headaches. Caffeine narrows the blood vessels and may be helpful in pain relief.
Q: Do headaches signal perimenopause?
A: Not in all. In some women who suddenly develop headaches around perimenopause, this may be due to fall in the female hormone levels that normally occur at this time. There are several causes for headaches and if persistent it is advisable to consult a doctor for further evaluation.
Q: Are hormonal headaches dangerous?
A: Hormonal headaches cause more discomfort rather than being dangerous. However, visit a doctor if your quality of life is getting affected and you are unable to do your routine activities. Although most headaches in general are harmless, seek medical attention for frequent and persistent headaches to rule out some other serious condition.
