Changes in estrogen levels can trigger headaches, especially in women.
Here's a breakdown:
- Estrogen's Role: Estrogen levels fluctuate throughout a woman's menstrual cycle. They are highest mid-cycle and lowest during menstruation.
- Pain Sensitivity: According to the provided reference, fluctuating estrogen levels can cause headaches due to estrogen's influence on pain sensitivity. Drastic changes in hormone levels make headaches more likely.
- Menstrual Cycle and Headaches: These hormonal shifts are particularly noticeable around menstruation, making women more susceptible to headaches at this time.
In short, while multiple factors can contribute to headaches, changes in estrogen levels, particularly fluctuations associated with the menstrual cycle, can increase the likelihood of headaches due to increased pain sensitivity.