What thyroid headaches feel like and how to get rid of them

Dealing with frequent headaches is frustrating. It’s even worse when they leave you in seemingly endless sharp, pointed pain. Did you know it could be related to your thyroid? So, what thyroid headaches feel like and how to get rid of them. Let’s go.

Headaches: cluster, migraine, tension, sinus – thyroid.

I’ll bet the last one doesn’t appear on a lot of lists. All the more reason to talk about it.

What is a thyroid headache?

A thyroid headache is any pain in your head related to your thyroid hormone levels and can occur in both cisgender and transgender individuals.

Your thyroid makes the hormones that regulate your body’s natural functions. Numerous potential conditions can cause it to under or overproduce those hormones, leading to symptoms like headaches.

What does a thyroid headache feel like?

Thyroid headaches feel like sharp, pinpointed pain in your forehead or temples. It might even radiate from your neck because that’s where the thyroid gland is located. The pain can last for a short period or throughout the day, and the intensity and frequency differ between each person.

Are thyroid headaches and migraines the same thing?

Migraines and thyroid headaches are similar but aren’t the same thing. Headaches – related to your thyroid gland or any other cause – generally create pain in more than one area and are mostly manageable with over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Given time, a headache will fade. You’ll feel like your usual self before and after the pain begins.

Migraines have multiple stages because they affect the entire nervous system. The first stage includes fatigue, sound sensitivity and even nausea. Experts estimate 25%-30% of people see shimmering lights known as auras along with experiencing numbness in the upper body and dizziness during stage two.

Stage three is the intense pain in the head that can last 24 hours or more. You might have sensitivity to lights, feel nauseous and struggle to sleep during this phase. The last stage mimics hangover symptoms, including body aches, dizziness and fatigue.

The link between headaches and thyroid disorders

Hormonal imbalances causing headaches aren’t a new phenomenon. However, there isn’t much data on why it occurs in people with thyroid conditions. The topic hasn’t received as many study opportunities as others in the medical field.

The latest research on Hashimoto thyroiditis and headaches found 61.3% of people with the condition experience either migraines, tension headaches, or general headaches. People with Graves’ disease can also experience headaches alongside symptoms like excessive sweating and heat intolerance.

How do you get rid of a thyroid headache?

There are a few ways you can try getting rid of a thyroid headache. However, if the pain persists or becomes too uncomfortable, ask someone to drive you to an urgent care clinic or emergency room for further evaluation.

Try over-the-counter migraine medication

Your headache might be related to stress-induced muscle tension, a thyroid condition or many other causes. Whichever the cause, the pain is unmistakable and lasts a long time, so consider trying an OTC migraine medication.

Migraines and thyroid headaches aren’t the same thing, but you’ll get stronger pain relief options than what people would normally get for a minor headache.

Pay attention to the instructions on the medication you choose, as stronger doses will limit how much you can take and how often. If you find yourself tempted to take more than the recommended dosage at a faster rate because it’s not doing anything for your pain, it’s time to visit an urgent care clinic. They’ll get you more accurate help rather than risking your health at home.

Consider OTC non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) work by blocking cyclooxygenase production. They’re available as OTC pills and tablets.

Follow the instructions on your selected bottle carefully. Some NSAID manufacturers recommend taking this medication with food.

Make an appointment with your doctor

OTC medication sometimes isn’t enough for thyroid headaches because the medication doesn’t do anything to address the thyroid directly. If you want more direct help, contact your doctor to talk about treatment options.

Monoclonal antibody infusions are useful for people with Graves’ disease and show more promise in effectively treating symptoms than steroid therapy. You might be a candidate for this treatment if your doctor considers it alongside your health history.

They may also recommend a neuromodulation device, which stimulates the trigeminal nerve with microelectrical pulses through your temple. It could improve your comfort levels while you’re figuring out the best way to manage your hormone levels.

Understand your discomfort and find relief

Thyroid headaches don’t have to degrade your quality of life. If you recognize them by your symptoms and health history, you can find potential treatments.

Talk with your primary care provider if you have any questions. They’ll know which OTC medications, treatments or prescription pain relievers are your next best option based on your medical records.

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Beth Rush and Bill White are not physicians and provide this information for educational purposes only. Always contact your physician with questions and for advice and recommendations.

Beth is the mental health editor at Body+Mind. She has five-plus years of experience writing about behavioral health, specifically mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Beth also writes about the power of human design to reveal our full potential and purpose. You can find her on X @bodymindmag.