[25F] Experiencing frequent headaches

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible explanations for your symptoms include:

• Tension Headaches: These are the most common type of headache among adults and teenagers. They cause mild to moderate pain and come and go over time. They usually have no other symptoms.

  • Treatment typically involves over-the-counter pain relievers, stress management, and rest.

• Migraines: These are a common type of headache that can cause severe pain, nausea, and light sensitivity. They tend to run in families and women are more likely to have them than men.

  • Treatment involves medications to relieve symptoms and prevent future attacks, as well as lifestyle changes to avoid triggers.

• Chronic Daily Headaches: These are headaches that occur 15 days or more a month, for at least three months. They can be due to an underlying health condition, stress or poor posture.

  • Treatment typically involves medications, therapy and lifestyle changes.

• Hormonal Headaches: Women can get headaches and even migraines during their periods. The headaches may start before your period and continue for several days into your period. They're usually caused by the drop from high to low levels of estrogen and progesterone before your period starts.

  • Treatment involves over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers, as well as hormonal birth control which can help to regulate hormone levels.

Please remember that these are just possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

Here are some things you can do to help manage your headaches:

1. Over-the-counter pain relievers: Nonprescription medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help reduce the pain.
2. Rest and relaxation: Make sure you're getting enough sleep each night and take time to relax during the day. Stress can often trigger headaches.
3. Regular exercise: Physical activity can help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.
4. Stay hydrated: Dehydration can cause headaches, so make sure you're drinking enough water each day.

What you should look out for

Reasons to seek immediate medical attention:

• If your headache is sudden and severe
• If your headache is accompanied by a fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizure, double vision, weakness, numbness or difficulty speaking
• If your headache gets worse after coughing, exertion, straining or a sudden movement
• If you have chronic headaches and they're getting worse or won't go away
• If you're having headaches more often than usual
• If you're taking over-the-counter pain relievers more than two days a week, as this can lead to rebound headaches.

Remember, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.