Many women who visit my St. Louis office share a frustrating experience: every month, as their menstrual cycle begins, they develop headaches. For some, these headaches are mild and annoying; for others, they are debilitating migraines that interfere with work, family life, and daily activities.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why do I get headaches during my period?”—you’re not alone. Menstrual-related headaches are extremely common, and they often have a very specific set of causes tied to hormone fluctuations, nutrient balance, and overall health.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine), we take a root-cause approach to help women understand and reduce these monthly headaches.

The Link Between Hormones and Headaches

The primary reason many women experience headaches during their period is the natural shift in hormones—especially estrogen and progesterone.

• Estrogen drop: Just before menstruation, estrogen levels decline. Estrogen plays a role in regulating serotonin, a brain chemical that influences pain perception. A sudden drop in estrogen can trigger headaches or migraines.
• Progesterone changes: Progesterone also falls at the start of a cycle, and this hormonal shift can contribute to vascular changes in the brain that trigger headaches.

This is why many women notice headaches during the few days leading up to their period or in the first couple of days of bleeding.

Other Contributing Factors

While hormones are the biggest drivers, several other factors can worsen menstrual headaches:

1. Prostaglandins

During menstruation, the body releases prostaglandins—chemicals that trigger uterine contractions to help shed the uterine lining. These same chemicals can increase inflammation and sensitivity to pain, which may contribute to headaches.

2. Iron Deficiency

Monthly blood loss can lower iron levels, especially in women with heavy periods. Low iron reduces oxygen delivery to the brain, leading to fatigue and headaches.

3. Dehydration

Some women experience water shifts and bloating during their cycles. Ironically, this can lead to mild dehydration, which makes headaches more likely.

4. Stress and Poor Sleep

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) often brings sleep disturbances and mood changes. Poor rest combined with stress magnifies the likelihood of headaches.

5. Blood Sugar Fluctuations

Hormonal shifts during the menstrual cycle can affect insulin sensitivity. Drops in blood sugar may trigger headaches, especially if meals are skipped.

6. Underlying Medical Conditions

Migraines, thyroid imbalances, or autoimmune conditions can make women more prone to period-related headaches.

Functional Medicine Perspective

From a functional medicine standpoint, menstrual headaches are a sign that the body is struggling with balance. At Sheen Vein, we look deeper into:

• Hormone testing – to assess estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid function.
• Nutrient status – checking for deficiencies in iron, magnesium, vitamin D, and B vitamins.
• Inflammation levels – since chronic inflammation worsens pain sensitivity.
• Gut health – poor gut detoxification can affect estrogen clearance, leading to more dramatic hormonal shifts.

By correcting these imbalances, many patients see a significant reduction in the frequency and severity of their cycle-related headaches.

Strategies to Reduce Period Headaches

Lifestyle Approaches

• Stay hydrated: Aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily, especially during your cycle.
• Eat balanced meals: Regular meals with protein and complex carbs help stabilize blood sugar.
• Prioritize sleep: Good sleep hygiene reduces migraine triggers.
• Stress management: Meditation, breathing exercises, or yoga can ease hormonal headaches.

Nutritional Support

• Magnesium: Helps relax blood vessels and reduce migraines.
• Iron: Especially important for women with heavy bleeding.
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): Supports mitochondrial function and may prevent headaches.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Anti-inflammatory support that helps regulate prostaglandins.

Medical and Regenerative Therapies

• Hormone balancing: Bioidentical hormone therapy or natural approaches may smooth out hormone fluctuations.
• Red light therapy with PEMF: Improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and may ease headache frequency.
• Functional medicine support: Addressing thyroid disorders, insulin resistance, or nutrient deficiencies that amplify symptoms.

When to Seek Medical Care

Occasional mild headaches during your period are common, but you should seek professional evaluation if:

• Your headaches are severe and disabling
• Pain persists beyond your menstrual cycle
• You also experience vision changes, nausea, or dizziness
• Over-the-counter pain relief does not help
• You notice worsening symptoms over time

Final Thoughts

Headaches during your period are not just “part of being a woman.” They are a sign that your body is struggling with hormonal changes, nutrient balance, or inflammation. By addressing these root causes, most women can experience significant relief.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) in St. Louis, we specialize in identifying and treating the underlying drivers of menstrual symptoms—helping women not only reduce headaches but also feel better throughout their entire cycle.

👉 Call our office today to schedule your consultation and learn how we can help you find lasting relief from monthly headaches.

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