Nervous System Changes
“Most headaches do NOT need treatments or medications”
During perimenopause, various central nervous system changes can occur that may or may not be related to menopause. These include headache, changes in memory and concentration, mood swings, depression, and anxiety.
Headache 
There are several types of headaches, as well as several potential causes, including infection, dental problems, stress, or allergies. Headaches can be aggravated in vulnerable individuals by various trigger, such as:
- Certain foods. aged cheese, red wine
- Wrong Diet. Fasting or skipping meals
- Inappropriate sleep time. Too much or too little sleep
- Emotional changes. stress, anxiety, anger, excitement
- Environmental changes. noise, bright lights, or changes in weather, barometric pressure, or altitude
These triggers differ from person to person, and can operate at different times for the same person.
Studies suggest that hormones may be a factor in headaches. Women at increased risk for hormonal headaches during perimenopause are those who have already had headaches influenced by hormones, such as those with a history of headaches around menstrual periods or when taking oral contraceptives.
Hormonal headaches typically stop when menopause is reached and hormone levels are consistently low. Tracking headaches in a headache record for a few weeks may help find the causes.
When Should I See A Doctor?
Most headaches do not require treatment or can be treated with nonprescription pain medications. Some headaches, however, can be serious. Any of the following should be reported to a healthcare provider:
- Occurrence of a new, “worst-ever” headache and seems never stop
- Progressively worsening headache
- More severe headache pain than usual
- Headache that causes awakening from sleep
- Headache and stiff neck along with a high fever
- Confusion, dizziness, or weakness with a headache
More serious headaches, including migraines, may require prescription drugs. Headaches related to hormone fluctuations of perimenopause can sometimes be relieved through hormone therapy, which stabilizes hormonal fluctuations. With migraine headaches, estrogen therapy may make them better or worse. Hormone therapy should be stopped if it causes migraines to worsen. Evidence indicates that some types of progestogen therapy may aggravate headaches.
Stopping prescription and/or nonprescription headache medications can result in rebound headaches. If headaches occur more than twice a week, daily preventive medications may be helpful.