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Many factors contribute to headaches for both men and women, including family history and age. Women, however, often notice a relationship between headaches and hormonal changes.

The hormones estrogen (ES-truh-jen) and progesterone (pro-JES-tuh-rohn), which play key roles in regulating the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, can also affect headache-related chemicals in the brain.

Having steady estrogen levels might improve headaches, while having estrogen levels that dip or change can make headaches worse.

Though changing hormone levels can influence headache patterns, you're not completely at the mercy of your hormones. Your doctor can help you treat — or prevent — hormone-related headaches.