PCOS and Headaches: Could It Be More Than a Migraine? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Headaches are no strangers to most of us. We get them when we are tired, dehydrated, or coming down with an illness. Some of us even suffer from migraines—a pounding headache usually on one side of the head that can cause some to resort to a dark room for safety. However, there are some headaches that are more serious than others. One of these headaches may be more common among women with PCOS, known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). I know that seems like a mouth full—but let’s break it down.

What is IIH?

Intracranial hypertension means that there is high pressure in the skull. Our brains are surrounded by fluid that is constantly being produced and drained. If the fluid cannot drain appropriately, this can cause a high-pressure environment within our skull. Now the term idiopathic, essentially means of unknown cause. Simply put, these are high pressure headaches due to an unknown cause.

How is it linked to PCOS?

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) are more connected than many people realize. Both conditions often affect women in their childbearing years, and many women with IIH also have PCOS. This may be due to the fact that both are linked to higher levels of androgens (often called “male hormones,” like testosterone), as well as obesity.

What are the signs of IIH?

These high-pressure headaches are important to identify because they can lead to serious complications—the main one being swelling behind the eyes which can lead to headaches. Here are some things to look out for with your headaches:

• Frequent headaches
• Often worse in the morning
• May worsen when lying down or when having a bowel movement
• Changes in vision (blurry vision/double vision)
• “Whooshing” sounds or ringing in the ear
• Nausea or vomiting

IIH can significantly impact quality of life especially when combined with PCOS. The good news is that improving metabolic health and managing weight can help reduce the burden of this condition. At Trust Women’s Healthcare, no symptom, including headaches is overlooked. If you’re experiencing persistent headaches or vision changes, schedule an appointment. Your health concerns deserve to be heard and properly evaluated.