For many, headaches can be a common complaint, but some may notice a distinct pattern linked to their menstrual cycle. This type of 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 own 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.
To get further expert guidance, we spoke to Dr Shazia Malik, Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician at The Portland Hospital (part of HCA Healthcare UK).
What is an ovulation headache?
An ovulation headache tends to be different from other types of headaches and the pain is more closely comparable to a migraine or tension headache.
This does vary from person to person and 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 as well as headaches.
What causes ovulation headaches?
Ovulation headaches are caused by fluctuating hormones and a sign that your body is undergoing the 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 to 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 either one side 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 are impacting your day-to-day life, are particularly severe, or if they 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. First-time mum to Theodore, Emily writes about everything from the top baby products to pregnancy, fertility and maternal mental health.