Hormonal changes during menstruation are driven by fluctuations in the hormones, oestrogen and progesterone levels, which help to regulate the menstrual cycle. At the beginning of the cycle, oestrogen levels increase to stimulate the growth of the uterine lining and prepare the ovaries to release an egg. Midway through, during ovulation, oestrogen levels peak and the luteinising hormone (LH) increases, thereby, triggering the release of a mature egg.
After ovulation, progesterone levels increase to maintain the uterine lining in case of pregnancy. If fertilisation doesn’t happen, both oestrogen and progesterone levels drop, causing the uterine lining to shed and resulting in menstrual bleeding. This cycle of hormonal shifts can cause physical and emotional symptoms, including bloating, fatigue, mood swings and cramping.
Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can also trigger headaches and migraines for a lot of people. The drop in oestrogen levels can trigger headaches a few days before or during the early days of the period. Also, prostaglandins which are hormone-like substances that are involved in pain and inflammation can aggravate headache pain.
The combination of these hormonal changes can lead to varying levels of headache intensity, with some people having mild discomfort and others severe. Tips To Manage Headaches During Periods Stay Hydrated Drinking plenty of water helps to reduce the severity of headaches as dehydration can worsen headaches. Aim for at leas.