Health topics · Other health conditions
Migraine
Why migraine can change in midlife.
Education only. This page gives general information. It does not replace advice from your doctor. If you are worried about a symptom, see your general practitioner or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222. In an emergency, call 000.
What changes
For many women migraine is linked to hormone changes. Migraine often gets worse during perimenopause, when hormone levels swing, and improves for many women after menopause.
What helps
- Keep a headache diary, including your periods
- Regular sleep, meals and fluids
- Effective treatments to stop attacks and prevent them
- If you use hormone therapy and have migraine with aura, tell your doctor: hormone therapy through the skin is usually preferred
See a doctor urgently if
- A sudden, severe headache comes on like a thunderclap
- Headache comes with weakness, confusion, trouble speaking or vision loss
Talk to us
Our free workshops cover this and more, in plain language, with time for questions. See our programmes or get support.