Hormonal headaches are a serious and often times debilitating form of headache that effects only women. Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone are known to be behind hormonal headaches in women. Hormonal headaches are a part of the overall premenstrual cycle, and can begin eleven to seven days before the menstrual cycle. Symptoms of hormonal headaches typically involve fairly serious pain not unlike a migraine, usually accompanied by a sensitivity to light and loud noises. The pain can typically be described as a throbbing like sensation. A great number of women experience hormonal headaches at one point or another in their life. The occurence of hormonal headaches can be hard to predict, although contraceptives are widely believed to play a role in their frequency. In some women, oral contraceptives provide a trigger for migraine like headaches, while in others it actually mitigates the effects of the headaches. Accurately predicting the outcome of oral contraceptive use is difficult. Outside of contraceptives, the the real reasons behind hormonal headache remain unknown. Preventing hormonal headaches can be difficult, or even next to impossible. Fortunately, treatment for the effects of hormonal headaches can be highly effective. Over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can do a good job of handling the symptoms of hormonal headaches. Treatment with these over the counter drugs around five to seven days prior to a menstrual period can mitigate their effects. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen are all possible treatment options for hormonal headaches. These NSAID medications can possibly also play a role in reducing other premenstrual symptoms. Migraine medications, such as triptans, are another tool in the arsenal against hormonal headache pain. Although not a direct treatment for the cause of the headaches, triptans can significantly reduce the associated pain. Triptans and NSAID medication should see use on a limited basis, because they can cause reactions if overused. Overuse of both triptans and NSAID medication can cause “rebound” headaches in which the symptoms present even stronger. In addition to the premenstrual cycle, hormonal headaches also emerge during high hormone level periods. The early periods of childbirth can cause significant fluctuations in hormone levels, and this can commonly result in hormonal headaches. The days after childbirth are also particularly susceptible to the occurence of headaches. Menopause can also frequently be associated with hormonal headaches.

Get more on headaches here Causes Of Migraine Headaches

There are several types of headaches, and the medical community has established a definite set of categories for each.  The vast majority of headaches that patients suffer can be easily fit into the first category, or primary headache.  Primary headaches occur to almost everyone, and are not a serious or life threatening issue.  That said, primary headaches can be quite painful on some occasions, or can become a chronic problem.  Although this isn’t life threatening, it can be a serious impediment to quality of life.  Fixing these kinds of primary headaches can be very important to the daily life and functioning of a patient.  Correcting issues regarding primary headaches is usually possible with just over the counter medication.

Cluster headaches are a far more serious kind of headache that can seriously debilitate a patient if not treated.  Although not life threatening in itself, the pain associated with a cluster headache can drive patients to take unreasonable measures.  Cluster headaches are known as such because of the groupings they occur in, and can be very hard to predict.  This means that treatment over the course of a lifetime is difficult, resulting in attacks that usually cannot be avoided.  A cluster headache can disable an individual, so great is the pain.  Pain usually centers behind one or both eyes, and presents with visible symptoms like runny and watery eyes and nose.  Patients may undergo a pain crisis when presented with a cluster headache.  Treatment of this pain is very important and should be done as soon as possible.  Over the counter medications are typically inadequate in these situations.

Secondary headaches are far rarer, and signify an underlying issue.  As the name implies, a secondary headache results from another issue.  Secondary headaches result from a problem in the brain that may or may not be life threatening.  In the most serious of cases, a secondary headache can be a sign of a brain tumor.  There are dozens of other possible secondary headache causes.  Regular headaches should be a sign to see the doctor.

The vast majority of headaches fall into the primary categorization.  As many as 90% of primary headaches are caused by so called “tension” headaches.  A tension headache takes place when cranial muscles contract, putting a painful amount of pressure on the head.  The pain usually centers around the temples.  Relief can usually be found with a variety of over the counter medications.

Get more on headaches here Stress Headache

Headaches have occured to almost everyone at some point.  These headaches are known to range widely in their pain.  Headaches are researched across the medical community, but causes remain a mystery.  The medical community defines headaches in three basic categories.  Primary headaches are by far the most common variety, while cluster and secondary headaches occur on a far rarer basis.  Most headaches have no life threatening significance, although secondary headaches can be a sign of a more serious neurological disorder.  

Most headaches fall into the category of primary headaches, and are typically treatable with simple over the counter medications.  Ibuprofen and Aleve are usually effective treatments for problems involving primary headaches.  More serious headaches, like cluster headaches, demand specialized treatment.  Other effective headache treatments include lifestyle alterations as well as therapeutic options.  These are good ways to prevent headaches prior to their onset.  The majority of headaches begin with stress related causes, such as emotional or physical strains.  

Several hours of physical exertion can easily bring on a stress related headache.  The muscles in the skull can contract under pressure, causing discomfort.  Treatment is fairly simple, but prevention is a more effective means of reducing headache pain.  Preventing headache pain usually means finding the cause of the onset in the first place.  If emotionally stressful situations are seen as the root of the problem, some sort of stress management should be undertaken.  Hours of physical labor should be punctuated with breaks to prevent the outbreak of stress related headaches.

Frequent headaches that last for weeks or months may be a sign of a more serious condition.  Headache treatment in these situations may revolve around diagnosing a more serious issue.  Headaches that occur constantly and at random may signal a more serious issue at work.  This kind of headache, known as a secondary headache, can signify a variety of possible neurological issues.  It is important to see a specialist whenever these kinds of problems present on a fairly regular basis.  Prompt care can prevent the root cause of secondary headaches from becoming more serious.

Get more on headaches here Frequent Headaches

Headache medicine can be an effective solution for the chronic pain sometimes associated with stress and tension headaches.  These headaches can become a frequent problem for some patients, striking daily and detracting from quality of life.  In some cases, headaches can become serious enough to cause an obstacle to daily functioning.  It is important to treat these headaches promptly, so as to restore both quality of life and easy daily functioning.

Over the counter medications such as ibuprofen, aleve, and acetaminaphen can do a great deal to alleviate headache pain.  In some situations, more powerful headache medicine could be required to cure the issue.  Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can typically help in a significant fashion to reduce headache pain, but sometimes more powerful medicines may be required.  Triptans are a family of medications prescribed for serious pain, and are usually prescribed to sufferers of migraine headaches.  Hormonal headaches are another serious cause of heavy headache pain.  This kind of headache is due to shifting levels of hormone production, and are difficult to prevent.  Regular NSAID over the counter medication can also treat this variety of headache fairly effectively.

Sinus problems can also be a significant source of headache pain.  Under these circumstances, sinus pressure that builds up behind the nasal cavity causes an uncomfortable sensation.  In severe cases, the nasal cavity becomes the site of an infection.  When this happens, the pain can be quite severe.  A persistent pain behind the eyes is a good sign of such an infection, as is any swelling or blood discharge from the nose.  Decongestants, nasal sprays, and antibiotics are all powerful measures against a sinus headache, and may be necessary headache medicine.

In addition to headache medicine, preventative treatment is crucial.  Primary headaches are the most common kind of headache, and occur due to added tension or stress, either physical or emotional.  Stress management can play a large role in treating headaches, thereby preventing them from occuring.  Stress and tension headaches frequently develop as a band like feeling above the eyes.  This can act as a definite signal to take preventative measures.  Regular anti-inflammatories are typically a decent treatment when headaches begin to develop.  Further treatment can include biofeedback, or massage therapy.

Get more on headaches here Frequent Headaches

Although medical science cannot pinpoint the exact cause of headaches in a patient, some of the most common causes can typically be identified in the majority of cases. In order to properly diagnosis a headache, physician will usually categorize headaches in one of the following types. The most common form of headache, is known as a Primary Headache and they are experienced by nearly everyone. The most common types of primary headaches are 1) tension, 2) migraine, and 3) cluster and are rarely life threatening. Sinus headaches usually occurs with other sinus symptoms, such as nasal discharge, feeling of fullness in the ears, fever, and facial swelling. Cluster headaches are a far more serious form of headache, that although not life threatening, can bring about serious pain. When a cluster headache occurs, it can be accompanied by severe pain that focuses behind the eyes, also water running from the eyes and nose are common with cluster headaches.

Tension headaches, are the most common type of headaches among adults and adolescents Significant emotional stress typically results in a contraction of the muscles, and therefore a tension related headache. The muscles that surround the skull sometimes contract, putting too much pressure on the head. The most common reason that muscle contract in this way, can be attributed to stress, which effect the oxygen and blood flow in the tighten area. A Migraine headache will occur in areas of the brain, however, the exact causes of these forms of headaches is unknown, they are related to blood vessel contractions, other changes in the brain and believed to be hereditary. There are multiple symptoms associated with Migraines, such as, loss of appetite, eye sensitivity to light, nausea, over sensitivity to noise and odors, upset stomach or abdominal pain.

Migraines come in different levels of pain, ranging from moderate to severe but always accompanied with a throbbing pain in the head. Migraines can last for several hours or even several days and people who suffer from them often get them at least once a month. Inflammatory headaches or Chronic progressive headaches get worse over a period of time, in both strength and frequency. These type of chronic headaches are not common and around less than 5% of all adults will experience them. Hormone headaches occur in women and are often associated with changing hormone levels that occur during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Women can also get these type of headache from taking birth control pills or medication for hormonal balance.

The most serious and potentially life threatening are the Secondary headaches. This is much rarer than primary headaches and treatment should be undertaken as soon as possible to bring the pain under control. The diagnosis of secondary headache begins with a complete patient history followed by a physical examination,laboratory and radiology tests as appropriate. Secondary headaches can be quite painful, and may also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as sensory phenomenon. If you suffer from a headache, you should seek medical care for new onset headaches, fever, stiff neck, change in behavior, vomiting, weakness or change in sensation.

Frequent headaches are a serious issue for millions around the world, detracting significantly from quality of life.  The medical community has defined headaches in three distinct categories, with primary headaches making up the majority of cases.  Cluster and secondary headaches are far rarer, but present patients with more severe issues.  Although never life threatening, primary headaches can nonetheless be very serious, damaging quality of life in many cases.  Frequent headaches, even milder primary headaches, can have a serious effect on enjoyment of daily life. 

How can frequent headaches be prevented?  That depends on the source of the headaches.  Primary headaches are sometimes a result of physical or emotional stress in the patient, and can become frequent if the cirumstances responsible are a regular part of life.  Tension headaches are brought about when the patient undergoes significant emotional or physical stress.  This kind of stress causes contraction in the muscles of the cranial area, resulting in pain from the pressure.  This can be hard to treat at times.  Over the counter medications usually work well to alleviate some of the issue.

Prevention is more about finding the situations that prompt headache and avoiding them.  This kind of stress results directly in the contraction that is known to cause headache, subsequently causing sometimes serious headaches.  Frequent headaches can be a sign that life adjustments need to be made.  If emotional stress is thought to be behind the frequent headaches, consider visiting a doctor about this stress, or taking steps in personal life to reduce the stress.

Frequent headaches that strike at random can be a sign of a more serious secondary problem.  In these situations, a structural or chemical problem in the brain is to blame for the pain.  This can signify a serious issue, such as a tumor growing in the brain.  Although this is rarely the cause, frequent headaches should be cause for a visit with the doctor. 

Over the counter medications are typically all that is needed to treat a primary headache.  Aleve and ibuprofen work equally well to treat primary headaches.  In more serious cases, therapeutic steps such as biofeedback may be needed in order to overcome the pain associated with frequent headaches.  If none of these measures are effective, a specialist should be consulted.

To learn more about  headaches visit Tension Headache