Migraines and worsening headaches can be a very common symptom of the perimenopause and menopause. In this podcast, Dr Louise Newson speaks with Dr Sarah Ball who explains why this can occur and ways of managing migraines for women who have changing hormone levels. Many women wrongly believe they cannot take HRT if they have a history of migraine, so this myth is discussed and the correct advice given. In addition to taking HRT, there are numerous lifestyle measures that can improve migraines which are also discussed.

Dr Sarah Ball’s three take home tips about menopause and migraines:

1. Look back at your reproductive cycle as a whole, particularly when your periods first began and when on different contraceptives. Are there any patterns?
2. Keep a headache diary – this can be so helpful!
3. Always look at your lifestyle first as there are lots of helpful changes that can be made. However, don’t forget to consider your hormones as this could well be the source of the problem.