The answer depends on the type of headache, your medical history, and whether you have migraine with aura.
Mild headaches can happen as your body adjusts to the pill. ACOG lists headache as a possible side effect of combined hormonal birth control. Planned Parenthood also notes that headaches can occur when starting the pill and often improve after a few months.
But some headache symptoms need prompt medical attention, especially if they are new, severe, or linked to aura.
Quick answer:
- Headaches can happen after starting the birth control pill, especially in the first few months.
- Track when headaches started, which week of the pack they happen, whether you have nausea, vision changes, numbness, weakness, or speech trouble, and whether you have migraine with aura.
- Do not ignore possible aura symptoms. If you have migraine with aura, combined pills may not be recommended.
Why the Pill Can Cause Headaches
Birth control pills change hormone levels. Some people are sensitive to these changes.
Headaches may happen when starting a new pill, after switching brands, during the placebo week, when skipping placebo pills, if estrogen levels drop, or during stress, dehydration, travel, or poor sleep.
This does not prove the pill is dangerous for you. It means the pattern needs context.
What Is Migraine With Aura?
Migraine with aura is not just a bad headache. Aura can involve neurological symptoms before or during a migraine.
Possible aura symptoms can include flashing lights, zigzags or blind spots, numbness or tingling, speech difficulty, vision changes, or weakness.
If you have migraine with aura, tell your doctor or OB-GYN. ACOG states that combined hormonal methods should not be used by people with a history of migraine headaches with aura because of stroke risk.
This does not mean you have no birth control options. Progestin-only pills and non-estrogen methods may be options to discuss. See whether you can take the pill if you have migraines for a fuller breakdown.
When Headaches Are Usually Less Concerning
Headaches may be less concerning if they are mild, they started soon after beginning the pill, they improve over time, you have no aura symptoms, they are similar to headaches you have had before, you do not have sudden neurological symptoms, and you can function normally.
Still, if headaches bother you, track them and discuss them with a healthcare provider.
Seek urgent medical help if you have a sudden severe headache unlike your usual headaches, weakness or numbness on one side, trouble speaking, sudden vision loss, chest pain, shortness of breath, severe leg pain or swelling, confusion, fainting, or new aura symptoms. These symptoms are not normal side effects to wait out.
Should You Stop Taking the Pill?
Do not stop the pill suddenly without thinking through pregnancy protection. If you stop and do not use another method, you may be at risk of pregnancy right away.
However, if you develop warning symptoms, seek medical advice promptly. If your doctor tells you to stop estrogen-containing birth control, ask what to use instead.
What to Track Before Calling Your OB-GYN
Track your pill name, start date, headache start date, pain severity, headache location, aura symptoms, nausea or vomiting, placebo week timing, missed pills, sleep, stress, caffeine, hydration, and other medications or supplements.
Track with Estroclic
Keep the pill timeline clear
Estroclic can help you keep the pill timeline clear, especially if symptoms started after a switch, missed pill, or placebo week. That timeline is much easier to bring to a pharmacist, doctor, OB-GYN, or healthcare provider than trying to reconstruct it from memory.
Free on AndroidCould Headaches Be From the Placebo Week?
Yes. Some people get headaches during the hormone-free interval, when hormone levels drop. If headaches happen during placebo pills, your OB-GYN may discuss whether a different pill schedule could help.
Do not change your regimen without guidance if you have migraine with aura or other risk factors.
Key takeaways
- Headaches after starting birth control pills can happen and may improve after a few months.
- Migraine with aura, sudden severe headaches, neurological symptoms, chest pain, shortness of breath, or leg swelling need medical attention.
- Track the pattern and talk to your OB-GYN or healthcare provider if headaches are new, worsening, severe, or unusual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are headaches a normal side effect when starting birth control pills?
Mild headaches can happen as your body adjusts to the pill. ACOG lists headache as a possible side effect of combined hormonal birth control, and Planned Parenthood notes headaches often improve after a few months. But new, severe, or unusual headaches still deserve attention.
What is migraine with aura and why does it matter for the pill?
Migraine with aura involves neurological symptoms such as flashing lights, zigzags, numbness, or speech difficulty before or during a migraine. ACOG states that combined hormonal methods should not be used by people with a history of migraine with aura because of stroke risk. Progestin-only pills and non-estrogen methods may be options to discuss instead.
When should I seek urgent medical care for a headache on the pill?
Seek urgent medical care for a sudden severe headache unlike your usual headaches, weakness or numbness on one side, trouble speaking, sudden vision loss, chest pain, shortness of breath, severe leg pain or swelling, confusion, fainting, or new aura symptoms. These are not normal side effects to wait out.
Should I stop taking the pill if I get headaches?
Do not stop the pill suddenly without thinking through pregnancy protection, since stopping without another method can leave you at risk of pregnancy right away. If you develop warning symptoms, seek medical advice promptly and ask your doctor what to use instead if you need to stop estrogen-containing birth control.