For many, headaches can be a common complaint, but some may notice a distinct pattern linked to their menstrual cycle. This headache often indicates an ovulation headache – a throbbing or dull ache around the middle of the cycle.
Often, these headaches are a sign that your body is undergoing the natural hormonal shift of releasing an egg, making it a prime time for conception. If you're on a fertility journey, while ovulation calculators and apps are helpful, your body does offer its reliable signals. Pay attention to physical cues like ovulation cramps, tender breasts, and these ovulation headaches, as they can be key indicators that you're ovulating.
We spoke to Dr Shazia Malik, a Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician at The Portland Hospital (part of HCA Healthcare UK), for further expert guidance.
What is an ovulation headache?
An ovulation headache tends to differ from other headaches, and the pain is more closely comparable to a migraine or tension headache.
This does vary from person to person. While some women may regularly experience headaches during ovulation, others may never experience headaches around this time in the menstrual cycle. That's why it's wise to be aware of other ovulation symptoms, such as headaches.
What causes ovulation headaches?
Ovulation headaches are caused by fluctuating hormones and are a sign that your body is undergoing a significant hormonal shift. When the body ovulates, oestrogen increases, and the luteinizing hormone surges, indicating the release of the egg from the ovary. For many women, this drastic increase and then decrease in oestrogen can trigger headaches and migraines. It can also cause side effects such as, ovulation bloating and cervical mucus.
How long can ovulation headaches last?
These hormonally-triggered headaches can last anywhere between a few hours and a few days. Typically, the headache will go within three days but return during the oestrogen-free week of the next cycle.
Symptoms of ovulation headaches
Ovulation headaches don’t tend to have distinctive symptoms as other triggered headaches do. However, some ovulation-related symptoms may include:
• Sensitivity to bright light and blurred vision
• A throbbing sensation in one or both sides of the head/temples
• Sensitivity to sound
• Nausea or vomiting
What's the best way to treat an ovulation headache?
When experiencing ovulation headaches, medical advice is to try using gentle over-the-counter medications before exploring prescriptive alternatives. You should try:
• Over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
• Consuming plenty of water to ensure your body is fully hydrated
• A warm or cool compress against your head or over the eyes
• Applying diluted peppermint oil to the affected area
If none of these home remedies are working, your GP may suggest a prescription medication such as almotriptan (a triptan medication used to treat migraines).
If your ovulation headaches impact your day-to-day life, are particularly severe, or are unusual for you, speak to your GP for advice.
Can you prevent an ovulation headache?
An effective way for some individuals to prevent ovulation headaches is to manage hormone levels with medication, the most common form being birth control pills. This is effective for some people, especially those who experience severe headaches each month, but everyone is different, and what works for some people might not work for others.
If you're trying to get pregnant, birth control will be the last thing you want to take, so if you're suffering, speak to your GP for further advice, as other preventative prescribed treatments include:
• Anticonvulsants – Sodium Valproate and Topiramate
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) - Venlafaxine
• Beta-blockers – Atenolol or Propranolol
About the author
Emily Gilbert is the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine since 2015. Emily, the first-time mum to Theodore, writes about everything from the top baby products to pregnancy, fertility, and maternal mental health.