Headaches

[CSJB]

I am at week 7. I never ran until I was 50, ie last year. Since I started running 20+ minutes without stop, I seem to develop a headache shortly after I stop running, which last until late afternoon.I thought that it may have something to do with blood sugar, so I had porridge before I set off this morning and a banana when I got back, with plenty of water. It was not so bad, but I still had to take a paracetamol and I didn't feel very well until mid afternoon.

Peri-menopause has made me more prone to headaches, but I would not like to have to stop running because of it. I wonder whether I should go later in the day (but I much prefer exercising in the morning! ).

Would anyone have some advice? Thank you!

[backintime Graduate]

How is your hydration the day before? I found that many of my headache / heavy leg problems can be offset by making sure I am really well hydrated the day before I run.

May not be your problem but worth a try maybe?

[CSJB in reply to backintime]

Thank you. I know hydration is super important but I'm really good with that (learned the tough way by having bladder cancer in my 30s 😔)... I can drink any silly amount, it doesn't help with this kind of headache...

[CBDB Ambassador]

I used to get headaches during peri menopause, despite having drunk sufficient water.

My solution was a strange one, coming from an academically informed menopause tracking app (“Balance”) which advised trying different treatments that you could vote on, including eating sufficient oily fish which had many votes from women that had successfully tried it.

And that worked so well, that I could even treat a headache with a bite from a can of sardines and it would immediately go away.

Strange one. Might be worth a try.

[CSJB in reply to CBDB]

This is very helpful, thank you!! I use some really good supplements from Health and Her, but will definitely try fish oil too. Definitely worth a try!

[Cmoi Graduate]

Hi CSJB , I think this is your first post? Welcome, and well done on getting to week 7!

Sorry to hear about the post-run headaches. My first thought, like backintime , was dehydration. Runner's World has more information about exertional headaches, and the role of hydration and other factors, here: runnersworld.com/health-inj...

Also, I know you're well into the C25K programme now, but if you haven't already checked out the How to run C25K guide, do have a look: healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Wishing you happy, headache-free running!

[CSJB in reply to Cmoi]

Thank you!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator]

Some great suggestions already. I sometimes have problems with exercise induced migraines in hot weather. This time of year, I also get hay fever related headaches. It’s worth it for the flowers blooming!

If your headaches are concerning you, that’s always worth a chat with your GP. The NHS page has some good guidance on this.

nhs.uk/conditions/headaches/

Good luck with the programme! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[CSJB]

An update... I have noticed that running 20+ minutes without stop (obviously) makes me feel very hot. So much so that I had a cold shower afterwards (which I never have normally). I am thinking of splashing my face with water during the run perhaps... Do you have any advice or suggestion about overheating leading to headaches ? (beside wearing lighter clothes 😊)