Birth control, migraines, and headaches: What’s the connection?

Hormonal birth control can be a convenient and effective option, but it’s not right for everyone—especially if you experience migraines or headaches. Some may notice these symptoms cropping up after starting hormonal birth control, and others may experience worsening symptoms. What’s the connection? Let’s explore how birth control impacts headaches and migraines, ways to manage symptoms, and what types of hormonal birth control methods may be a safe choice for you.

If you’re looking for birth control options, you can consult with Hey Jane’s expert clinical team about the pill, patch, ring, shot, and non-hormonal methods from the comfort and convenience of your phone. Click here to see if you’re eligible.

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What’s the difference between migraines and headaches?

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Headaches and migraines are common and painful conditions that can be extremely disruptive to everyday life. While headaches are a common discomfort that cause pain or pressure in the head, migraines are a more severe neurological condition. 

Migraines often come with intense, throbbing pain on one side of the head and can include symptoms like nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and even visual disturbances called aura. Unlike regular headaches, migraines can last for hours or even days.

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Do hormones cause migraines and headaches?

Hormones play a big role in many systems in the body, including the brain. Estrogen and progesterone, the main hormones in many birth control pills, can affect how often and how severe migraines and headaches are. If you’re prone to migraines, changes in estrogen levels can trigger symptoms.

In fact, hormonal imbalances are a common cause of migraines. When estrogen levels rise too high or change suddenly, migraines can happen, particularly in people who get migraines with aura. These migraines can include flashing lights, blind spots, or other vision changes before or during the headache. Other triggers for chronic headaches include stress, poor sleep, or overuse of certain medications, which can add to hormonal factors.

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Does birth control cause migraines and headaches?

Some types of hormonal birth control can trigger migraines and headaches, especially for people who are already prone to them. Methods with estrogen, such as combination birth control pills and vaginal rings, change the natural hormone levels in your body. The drop in estrogen during your placebo or “off” week can be a significant trigger in migraines. For people who experience migraine with aura, methods containing estrogen should be avoided due to the increased risk of blood clots and stroke.

Progestin-only methods, like the mini-pill or hormonal IUDs, may have a smaller impact on headaches and migraines, but they’re not entirely risk-free. Factors such as a family history of migraines, smoking, or being over 35 can also increase susceptibility to migraines caused by birth control.

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Can birth control treat migraines and headaches?

Here’s where it gets confusing—in some cases, birth control can actually relieve migraines.  By keeping hormone levels steady, continuous or extended-cycle birth control pills can prevent the estrogen drop that triggers migraines. This approach can reduce how often and severe migraines are. This is especially true for menstrual migraines, which are linked to the natural hormonal shifts of the menstrual cycle.

If your migraines are caused by changing estrogen levels, a medical provider might recommend skipping the placebo week or using a method that delivers a consistent dose of hormones. It’s a balancing act, and finding the right option often involves trial and error.

How to prevent migraines and headaches on birth control

If birth control is causing migraines and your doctor says it’s safe to keep using it, here are some ways to manage symptoms manage symptoms:

1. Switch to a low-dose or progestin-only method: Less estrogen may lower risk of migraines
2. Use continuous or extended-cycle pills: Skipping the placebo week can prevent the estrogen drop.
3. Track your symptoms: Keeping a headache diary can help spot patterns and triggers.
4. Manage stress and lifestyle factors: Staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and keeping a consistent sleep schedule can help prevent migraines.

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Is birth control safe for people with migraines? 

Whether birth control is safe depends on the type of migraines you have and your overall health.

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If you have migraines with aura

If you have visual disturbances or tingling before or during your migraines, birth control pills with estrogen can increase the risk of stroke. Estrogen affects blood clotting, which can lead to complications. The risk is even higher for people who smoke, are over 35, or have high blood pressure or a history of blood clots or heart disease.

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If you have migraines without aura

The stroke risk from combination birth control is much lower. In these cases, doctors weigh the benefits—like fewer menstrual migraines, improved cycle control, or acne treatment—against potential risks.

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Birth control options for people with migraines

If combination birth control pills aren’t the best fit for you, there are other options to consider:

• Progestin-only options: The mini-pill, implant, or hormonal IUD may reduce migraine risks compared to combination methods.
• Copper IUD: Non-hormonal and long-lasting, this option avoids hormone-related migraine triggers.
• Barrier methods: Condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps are hormone-free and effective when used consistently.
• Fertility awareness methods: Tracking ovulation and avoiding penetrative vaginal sex during fertile periods can work for those seeking non-hormonal methods.

The link between birth control and migraines is complex. Some people find relief from headaches and migraines through stabilized hormones, others might experience new or worsening symptoms. Hey Jane providers can work with you to understand your unique needs and find a birth control option that’s right for you.