If you are a woman, chances are you have experienced an occasional headache accompanied by nausea. There could be many factors at play when this happens – from mild dehydration to something more serious like a brain condition or medical issue. Regardless of the cause, headaches and nausea can take a toll on anyone’s physical and mental health. Read on to understand some of the most common causes of headache and nausea in women. This is to help you identify potential triggers for yourself and understand better how to manage these symptoms.Hormonal Changes
Women are more prone to headaches and nausea, especially due to the hormonal fluctuations throughout their lifetime. Many changes in a woman’s hormones that can trigger the onset of a headache or cause nausea can occur during the following periods:
- At puberty
- When pregnant
- At menopause
- During menstrual cycles
As the body’s levels of estrogen and progesterone adjust, it can lead to overstimulation of the blood vessels and nerve endings. This overstimulation can then cause pounding headaches and nausea.
Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills release the hormone progesterone into the body, widely known to cause headaches in some. This is while increasing sensitivity to pain, leading to more frequent and worse headaches. In addition, hormonal fluctuations with birth control can cause feelings of nausea or dizziness. Remember, you can consult a doctor if your headache or nausea consistently worsens or does not improve after taking measures such as rest and hydration.
Stress
For women, stress is one of the leading causes of headaches and nausea. It can come from both physical and emotional sources and these sources may include the following:
- Worrying about an upcoming event
- Feeling overwhelmed with work deadlines
- Lack of sleep
- Poor nutrition
- Consuming too much caffeine
Some women usually find relief naturally. However, consulting a healthcare provider can provide guidance on how to reduce them naturally or through medication.
Certain Medications
Many medications can cause a headache and ensuing nausea in women. For instance, hormonal birth control can result in migraine headaches and bouts of nausea, as can ACE inhibitors for medical conditions such as hypertension. Medication changes or reactions to allergens and environmental changes can also produce such effects. Antibiotics that contain sulfa and painkillers like ibuprofen are frequent causes.
In these cases, switching medications may be an effective solution. However, it is best to discuss the issue with a medically trained professional. Such a professional can advise on the best course of action before making any decisions.
Traumatic Brain Injury
When it comes to common causes of headache and nausea in women, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is certainly one to consider. TBI occurs when a bump, blow, jolt or other head injury disrupts the brain’s normal functioning. It can range from mild cases, usually known as a concussion, to more severe cases that can cause long-term complications and even death.
Women who experience head trauma should seek medical attention as soon as possible to rule out TBI and get properly treated. Remember, early diagnosis can help minimize long-term damage and alleviate the headache and nausea symptoms associated with this injury.
Consult a Professional Today
If you suffer from headaches or nausea, discuss your symptoms with a medical expert. There are many potential causes of these problems, and only a medical professional can help you determine the root cause of your individual case. Contact us today if you would like more information about the common causes of headache and nausea in women. We would be happy to provide you with additional resources or answer any questions you may have.
