Most women will suffer from headaches on and off. Some headaches are worrisome and can be treated. To know which headache warrants further investigation, it is important to know the types of headaches.

Types of headaches

Tension:

The most common type of headache is a tension headache. Tension headaches usually create a steady squeezing or pressing pain on both sides of the head. It feels as if a band is being tightened around your head. Tension headaches can occur occasionally or they can be chronic. They can last from 30 minutes to several days. They often occur upon waking.

Migraine:

Migraine headaches affect more women than men. Migraine is a severe throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head. It may occur with other symptoms, such as nausea and sensitivity to light and noise. Migraine attacks occur occasionally—once or twice a week, or sometimes every few years. They do not typically happen every day.

Cluster:

Cluster headaches affect only a small percentage of people. Cluster headaches are described as a very severe, non-throbbing pain felt behind one eye. They usually occur periodically over several weeks or months. The pain can last up to 3 hours. This is the only type of headache that is more common in men than women.

What triggers headaches?

Women, who suffer from headaches, may know that some specific stimulus sets off the headache. Some kinds of food like chocolate, curds and food containing monosodium glutamate (MSG) can trigger off headaches. Lack of sleep and sometimes, too much sleep, can cause headaches. Anxiety, stress, anger and excitement can cause headaches. Some medications given for high blood pressure or angina can trigger headaches. Bright lights, flickering images on the TV or computer screen and petrol fumes in crowded traffic are all known to set off a headache.

Many women have headaches associated with the change of hormonal levels. Typically, women may notice headaches just before or during their periods. Pregnancy, particularly in the early months can be associated with headaches.

Headaches can also be caused by sinus or dental problems. A sinus headache can arise from an allergy or a cold.