Ladies, have you noticed a spike in the amount and intensity of your headaches lately? If you’ve answered yes, then the problem could stem from menopause. For women who have entered menopause, the hormonal changes tend to cause an increased level of stress, which can lead to nightly teeth grinding (or bruxism). Alongside the typical ailments, such as, hot flashes and mood swings, headaches cause by bruxism can also occur.
To explain more about menopause headaches, Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist shares this information for women in the menopausal stage of their lives.
Cause of Menopause Headaches
When women enter menopause, it’s similar to entering puberty. A rush of hormones overtakes the body, which elevates stress levels and causes unwanted side effects–like teeth grinding and eventually headaches. This is due to the constant ups and downs in estrogen and progesterone levels.
Exposure to external stimuli also plays a role in menopause headaches. Controlling internal factors isn’t as simple, yet, limiting harsh lights, loud sounds, and monitoring daily caffeine intake is up to you. Making minor lifestyle changes can help ward off the frequency of menopause headaches.
Symptoms Associated with Menopause Headaches
Menopause headaches have three types: migraines, tension, and sinus. While the associated symptoms don’t pertain exclusively to menopause headaches, take care to notice if you have any of them during your next headache.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sinus pressure
- Sensitivities to light and sound
- Neck pain
- Visual distortions
- Pulsing and radiating pain throughout the forehead and temples
To seek relief, many women simply take an over-the-counter pain relievers and wait for the discomfort to subside. However, if the pain proves more problematic for everyday pain relievers, talk to your Livonia dentist about starting a treatment regimen; prescribed medication may provide long-lasting relief.
Visit Your Livonia Dentist to Discuss Menopause-Induced Headaches
If you experience headaches due to menopausal symptoms, contact Dr. Stewart. He can provide treatment options to help you determine which treatment method you wish to begin. To schedule an appointment with our Livonia office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.