Headaches Before Your Period
Hormonal headaches and menstrual migraines are triggered by the drop in oestrogen before your period. Learn how to predict and track them using your cycle data.
Medical disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dawn Phase is not a medical device. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional with questions about your health.
What causes it
The sharp decline in oestrogen in the late luteal phase — typically days 24–28 of a 28-day cycle — is a potent trigger for headaches and migraines in susceptible women. Oestrogen modulates serotonin receptors and influences blood vessel tone; falling oestrogen destabilises these systems. Menstrual migraines (those that occur consistently around menstruation) are the most common type of hormonally triggered headache.
Track this symptom across your cycle
Dawn Phase logs Headaches Before Your Period patterns and shows you correlations — privately. No data selling.
Start free — no card neededHow to track it
Log headache occurrence, severity, and cycle day. After 2–3 cycles, a pattern of headaches clustering in days 24–28 confirms a hormonal trigger. Also track sleep, hydration, and stress — these interact with the hormonal trigger and can make episodes more or less severe. Identifying the window lets you prepare with early intervention.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if headaches are disabling, require prescription medication, occur with visual disturbances, weakness, or confusion, or don't follow the expected premenstrual pattern. Women with menstrual migraines with aura face an elevated cardiovascular risk with combined oral contraceptives — this should be discussed with your doctor.
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Log symptoms daily and see how they connect to your cycle phases.
Start tracking free →This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.