Why do I get headaches during my menstrual period?

Menstruation is a normal physiological process in women; however, many experience various discomforts during their menstrual period—such as feeling cold or suffering from dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). Some women also report headaches during menstruation—a relatively less common symptom whose underlying causes are often unclear to many. So, what causes headaches specifically during menstruation?

What Causes Headaches During Menstruation?

Headaches occurring during menstruation are often linked to excessive estrogen secretion. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), multiple factors may contribute, but the primary cause is blood deficiency. Insufficient blood fails to adequately nourish the brain, and thus, individuals with generally weak constitutions are more prone to menstrual-related headaches. Another common TCM pattern involves liver fire rising during menstruation—often associated with emotional disturbances—and this too can trigger headaches. However, differentiation between these patterns is essential. In cases of qi and blood deficiency, treatment focuses on replenishing qi and blood, using herbs such as Corydalis (Yan Hu Suo), Artemisia (Hao), and Schizonepeta (Jing Jie) to stop bleeding and nourish the blood while relieving pain. Conversely, if headache stems from liver qi stagnation, therapy should aim to soothe the liver, regulate qi flow, and alleviate pain.

Headaches may also arise from endocrine imbalances. Before and during menstruation, serum estrogen levels decline, leading to vascular tension changes that can precipitate headache episodes—particularly migraines or tension-type vascular headaches. Additionally, consuming cold, hard-to-digest, spicy, or otherwise irritating foods during menstruation may readily provoke headaches.

Menstrual headaches are commonly accompanied by general physical weakness, endocrine fluctuations, food sensitivities, mental stress, or excessive blood loss—all of which may lead to cephalic discomfort, cerebral vasodilation, headache, generalized myalgia, abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, and psychological symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, and irritability. We hope this explanation proves helpful.