Is there a link between birth control and migraine?

You may choose a hormone-based method to prevent pregnancy. This is where additional hormones, like estrogen, release into the body.

Hormones can affect people differently. While some estrogen pills may cause unwanted side effects — including migraine — some may help ease and manage your symptoms.

The link between birth control and migraine

How birth control affects migraine episodes depends on the person and the type of birth control.

Most hormone-based birth control options combine two hormones — estrogen and progesterone. Approximately 25% of women ages 15–44 in the United States choose the combined pill.

According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), the most common way to take the combined pill is to take one every day for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break. During the break, estrogen levels drop, as with a typical menstrual cycle.

According to The Migraine Trust, during the 7-day break, migraine symptoms may become more frequent and painful due to this drop in estrogen.

However, the opposite may apply if you experience migraine symptoms as part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). In these instances, taking a contraceptive pill may help ease symptoms.

Contraceptive injection

While headaches are also a side effect of the contraceptive injection, it may actually help those who regularly have migraine episodes. This is because it typically has one hormone and doesn’t carry the same migraine risk as combined hormone contraceptives.

Contraceptive injections contain medroxyprogesterone acetate. There are two types — medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera) and Sayana Press — available in the U.S. that each release progesterone into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy.

Doctors and healthcare professionals typically inject these into the buttock or arm. In Europe, Sayana Press has approval for self-administration, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved this method in the U.S.

Other side effects of these injectable drugs include weight gain, irregular bleeding, and breast tenderness.

Hormonal intrauterine device (IUD)

An IUD is a T-shaped copper and plastic device placed inside the womb by a healthcare professional.

Sometimes called “the coil,” it releases progestogen, which stops you from getting pregnant.

Some common coil brands include Mirena, Liletta, Kyleena, and Skyla.

Depending on the type, a healthcare professional will not need to replace it for 3–5 years.

An IUD can make your periods lighter. In some cases, it can stop them altogether, which could help those affected by menstrual-related migraine.

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Nonhormonal contraceptives

If you experience regular migraine episodes due to a specific birth control type, you may consider discussing some nonhormonal options with a doctor.

Diaphragms

A diaphragm is a self-inserted birth control method, and a doctor or healthcare professional will explain how to insert and remove the device. With correct use, this method may be up to 94% effective.

However, Planned Parenthood states that around 13–100 people using diaphragms get pregnant each year.

Copper-only IUD

This type of IUD releases copper into the uterus rather than hormones.

In contrast with the hormonal IUD, in the first 3–6 months of having this IUD type, your period can become heavier and last longer than usual, which may lead to menstrual-related migraine.

When to see a doctor

Contact a doctor as soon as possible if you are experiencing migraine episodes. Some symptoms that may require more immediate medical attention include:

• nausea
• difficulty speaking
• loss of appetite
• confusion
• pulsing pain on the side of your head
• increased sensitivity to sound and light
• vomiting
• visual disturbances

A healthcare team may recommend alternative birth control options if you experience any of the following side effects for more than 3 months:

• acne
• bleeding
• bloating
• high blood pressure
• fatigue
• depressive moods
• fluid retention
• feeling dizzy
• headaches
• breast pain
• nausea
• melasma (darker patches on your face)

When stopping one form of birth control altogether, replacing it with another type is important to avoid unintentional pregnancy. A healthcare professional can offer options to consider.

Summary

Research shows positive and less favorable links between birth control and migraine symptoms. Some hormonal options can worsen migraine due to hormonal imbalances and potentially longer menstrual cycles.

However, nonhormonal birth control options don’t aggravate migraine symptoms and, in some cases, may help to ease them.

It is always preferable to contact a healthcare team for advice on the most suitable birth control options for your needs.

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