Headaches during menopause: what causes migraine attacks

Many women notice headaches or migraine attacks developing or worsening during menopause, and it can feel confusing if you’ve never had them before. The main reason is hormonal fluctuation — especially changing oestrogen levels — which affects how the brain processes pain. 

Why hormones trigger headaches

During perimenopause and menopause, oestrogen levels rise and fall irregularly. These sudden drops influence serotonin and the blood vessels in the brain, making them more sensitive and more likely to trigger a migraine attack.

Other common triggers

Alongside hormones, everyday factors can make headaches more frequent, such as:

• Poor sleep or night sweats
• Stress or emotional tension
• Dehydration
• Irregular meals
• Alcohol or caffeine sensitivity

When these triggers overlap with hormone changes, migraine attacks can feel stronger or longer-lasting.

What can help

Simple lifestyle adjustments can sometimes reduce the frequency or intensity of menopause-related headaches. Staying hydrated, eating regular meals with balanced protein and fibre, and creating a calm evening routine to support sleep can all help your body stay regulated. Some women also find magnesium supplementation useful, especially if the headaches come with muscle tension or sleep difficulty.

If your headaches are becoming frequent or are affecting your daily life, it may be useful to speak with a healthcare professional for guidance and treatment options.

They can help you identify personal triggers, recommend preventive strategies, and, if needed, suggest medications or hormone therapy tailored to your symptoms.

If you enjoy our Meno Health newsletter and the information we share on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn, please consider sharing it with your friends and colleagues. That way, they can also learn more about menopause and menopause in the workplace.

If you would like to read the results of our Menopause at Work study, click here  MenoSupport Suisse 2025 Study. 

Simply send them this link to sign up for the newsletter.