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Estrogen and Tension-type Headache
Marcus DA.
Posted November 2002  
Curr Pain Headache Rep 2001; 5:449-453


The vast majority of people experience tension-type headache during their lifetimes. Boys experience tension-type headache slightly more than girls during pre-adolescent years. During adolescence and adult years, tension-type headache occurs more commonly in females. Tension-type headache changes in women occur in relation to gynecologic changes, including menses, pregnancy, and menopause. These changes are related to estrogen fluctuations. Estrogen fluctuations cause changes in neurochemicals important for pain signal transmission, including serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and enkephalins.