Can birth control cause migraines? The answer for many women is, unfortunately, yes. This shows the power of hormones on the brain and the need for effective relief.
According to the 2024 KFF Women's Health Study, approximately 82% of women of reproductive age use a form of birth control.
However, a recent Drugwatch survey found that these medications often come with side effects. At least 35% of women have experienced at least one. Around 30% reported headaches or migraines.
What Is the Biggest Trigger for Migraines?
Stress is the most common migraine trigger. Daily anxiety or worries can set them off. Research by Sic et a. notes that it's listed as a trigger in approximately 70% of cases.
Another is sleep. It doesn't matter whether you're getting too little or too much.
Food is also a trigger. Skipping meals can leave you without enough energy. Gut problems such as irritable bowel syndrome can spread to the brain due to the deep connection between the stomach and the mind. There are also certain foods and drinks that are known to be potential headache triggers, such as:
- Chocolate
- Citrus fruits
- Cola
- Cheese
- Coffee
- Alcohol
- Processed meats
Hormone-related migraines are also common. Getting too much or too little can cause a number of side effects. This includes headaches.
Can Birth Control Cause Migraines?
The connection between contraceptives and migraines comes from the way they affect hormones.
Birth control that changes estrogen levels, such as pills or patches, can cause hormone fluctuations.
Progestin-only methods include:
- Mini-pills
- Hormonal
- IUD
These methods present fewer side effects. However, they can cause migraines, especially if you have irregular bleeding.
Birth control side effects are most common during the placebo weeks. Estrogen takes a swift drop, similar to the way it does before a menstrual period.
The risk is even higher for those who are already prone to migraines. These include anyone who has a family history, is over 35, or has smoked tobacco.
Can Birth Control Help Migraines?
The answer to the questions "can birth control cause migraines" and "can birth control help migraines" is ironically the same. It depends on the individual and the type of birth control they're taking.
Extended-cycle combined pills or skipping placebo weeks can help by leveling out hormones. It's not a guaranteed method of relief.
The Connection Between Migraine with Auras and Stroke Risk
An aura is an odd feeling before a migraine. It could include tingling or vision changes.
These feelings aren't present in all cases. Vanessa Cooper, M.D. of Yale Medicine, notes that only around 20-25% of migraine sufferers have them.
However, they aren't to be taken lightly. Having these auras increases your risk of a stroke or blood clot that could travel to your brain. Adding estrogen-containing birth control increases stroke risk even more.
There are additional stroke risk factors to consider. They include:
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Age
- History of clots or heart disease
Not all birth control methods affect the body the same way, and some raise stroke risk more than others. If you already know you experience migraines with auras, you may want to stay away from certain methods. These include:
- Combined pills
- Patches
- Rings
Options for Changing Your Birth Control
If you start to have migraines, consider talking to your doctor about a new method of birth control. Ask them as soon as you start to experience headaches, especially if they come with auras.
There are a few methods that are least likely to cause headaches. They include:
- Low-dose estrogen pills
- Extended continuous regimen
- Progestin-only methods
- Non-hormonal options such as copper IUDs or condoms
Use a headache diary. It'll help you track your migraines. Keep detailed data about what you experience every time they happen. How often do they come, and how long do they last? Were there any auras or other symptoms present? Did anything trigger them, such as stress? How close were they to your menstrual period?
MiGuard for Migraine Relief
Taking medications such as over-the-counter pain relievers for migraine relief can be risky. They can come with their own side effects and lead to overuse headaches.
Getting MiGuard provides you with an all-natural alternative. It's more than a pain reliever. It works to stop the migraine before it starts.
Research shows it can reduce migraine frequency. It also has fewer side effects, such as stomach irritation.
Another major benefit of MiGuard is its cost-effectiveness. You won't have to take multiple supplements anymore. MiGuard combines migraine-fighting ingredients such as:
- Magnesium
- Riboflavin or Vitamin B2
- Feverfew
- Ginger
You get the power of all of these ingredients in one instead of buying them separately. You can also save even more with a subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Getting Off Birth Control Help Migraines?
Yes, stopping birth control can reduce migraines. However, it all depends on whether or not your migraines are linked to drops in estrogen. It could cause withdrawal headaches when stopping or during the placebo stage when the birth control doesn't contain any estrogen.
There are two major reasons to consider quitting your current birth control method. One is if your headaches got worse after starting birth control. The other is if you have migraines with auras. Talk to your doctor about whether stopping or switching to a new method will provide relief.
Do Hormonal Migraines Ever Go Away?
Yes, hormonal headaches may eventually go away. They tend to lessen after menopause when the body isn't providing as much natural estrogen.
Menopause starts the first year you don't get a period, but the age at which you'll experience the onset of menopause can differ. The average age is 51, but some women experience premature menopause before 40. Others have it early between 40 and 45.
Get MiGuard Today
Women may wonder, "Can birth control cause migraines?" The answer is generally yes, which is why effective and safe relief is so important.
MiGuard is a vegan, gluten-free, and GMO-free solution for reducing the frequency of migraine attacks. It was voted the Natural Supplement of the Year by the California Naturopathic Association. It's also been backed up by research and the testimonials of satisfied customers.
Don't waste your money on piles of supplements. Don't waste your time on products that don't work or have side effects. Find the relief you need by visiting our Amazon page today.