What Causes Headaches in Women During Menstruation?

    It is common to experience discomfort during menstruation, with abdominal pain being the most frequent symptom—something most women encounter. Some women also notice headaches and general discomfort coinciding with their menstrual periods, leaving them puzzled about the cause. So, what causes headaches in women during menstruation?

What Causes Menstrual Headaches?
    Chronic stress can adversely affect a woman’s overall health. During menstruation, this may manifest as pronounced headaches. In some severe cases, headaches may be triggered by exposure to certain chemical fragrances in daily life—or even by radiation. Therefore, adopting effective strategies to alleviate headache symptoms and incorporating regular physical exercise into one’s routine can significantly help reduce headache frequency and intensity.

    Menstrual headache is a common condition and falls under the broader category of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It may arise from physiological factors—particularly fluctuations in serum estrogen levels. Estrogen levels decline before and during menstruation, leading to changes in vascular tone that can trigger headaches. Marked emotional distress during this time may further exacerbate headache severity. Additionally, reduced blood volume and, in some cases, blood stasis may occur. From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), excessive menstrual bleeding leading to blood deficiency—and concurrent qi deficiency and blood stasis—are considered primary underlying causes of menstrual headache.

    During menstruation, women are advised to keep warm, maintain a balanced diet, and prioritize emotional well-being—avoiding psychological stressors and extreme mood fluctuations. We hope this information proves helpful.