Why do women experience headaches accompanied by nausea and vomiting?

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms that reflect underlying disease processes in the body. However, most people typically do not pay special attention to nausea or vomiting unless these symptoms severely impair eating or daily activities—only then do they seek medical treatment. Yet, numerous potential causes exist for these symptoms. So, what could be causing headache, nausea, and vomiting in women?

What Causes Headache, Nausea, and Vomiting in Women?

The primary causes of headache accompanied by nausea and vomiting in women include migraine and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. Migraine—a diagnosis of primary headache—can only be confirmed after excluding organic (structural) brain lesions. It is the most common cause and often correlates with the menstrual cycle. It predominantly affects women aged 25–55 years and is characterized by nausea, vomiting, throbbing pain, worsening with physical activity, and a family history of migraine.

In women of childbearing age who frequently use oral contraceptives—or in postpartum women—both conditions predispose to a hypercoagulable state, increasing the risk of thrombus formation. In such cases, thrombosis occurs not in the arterial system but in the venous system, specifically the dural venous sinuses—termed cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. Patients commonly present with blurred vision and papilledema; magnetic resonance venography (MRV) is required for definitive diagnosis.

Headache, nausea, vomiting, and fever may also indicate intracranial infection. If clinically suspected, lumbar puncture may be necessary to confirm encephalitis or meningitis. In addition to headache, nausea, and vomiting, patients may exhibit signs of meningeal irritation (e.g., nuchal rigidity, photophobia, Kernig’s or Brudzinski’s signs), fever, and other systemic infectious manifestations.

Patients are advised to monitor their blood pressure regularly, maintain adequate hydration, and consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. We hope this information proves helpful.