The short explanation
Headaches are a fairly common side effect of the combined pill, especially in the first few months, and they often settle. Some women get headaches mainly during the pill-free week, when hormone levels drop. A doctor may suggest changing the pill type or the way it is taken, such as taking it continuously without a break. However, some headaches need urgent attention. If you develop migraine with aura, where you see flashing lights or zigzags before the headache, or have a sudden severe headache, weakness, numbness or trouble speaking, stop and seek medical help, as these can be warning signs. Do not simply stop the pill without another method, or you could become pregnant.
What depends on your situation
The parts of this that change from woman to woman. Uncertainty is stated, not hidden.
- Note when headaches happen, how long they last, and whether you see visual changes. This helps your doctor decide.
- Other causes of headaches, such as stress, poor sleep, dehydration or eye strain, are also common.
- Non-oestrogen methods, such as the progestogen-only pill, implant, hormonal IUD or Copper T, may suit you better if headaches continue.
- Your blood pressure should be checked if headaches start on the pill.
What this answer cannot determine
The boundary of online education. These need a clinician who can see you.
- This answer cannot tell whether your headaches are caused by the pill. Your doctor can assess your symptoms.
Questions for your clinician
Take these with you. You can add any of them to an appointment card.
- Could my headaches be caused by the pill?
- Should I change pills or methods?
- Is my blood pressure normal?
- Which headache signs need urgent care?
When to seek help
Clinician-approved guidance for this topic. When in doubt, being seen is never the wrong choice.
Emergency — call 112 now
- Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have a sudden severe headache, weakness, numbness, face drooping or trouble speaking.
Get help the same day
- Get care the same day if you develop new migraine with flashing lights or vision changes.
Book an appointment soon
- See a doctor within a few days if headaches are frequent or getting worse.
Sources
The evidence this explanation is built on.
Who wrote and reviewed this
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- Author
- AskHer Editorial (AI-assisted draft) AskHer's editorial team — not an individual clinician Works in English, தமிழ், हिन्दी
- Clinical reviewer
- Nobody yet No clinician has signed this answer off, and no person on the editorial team has read it yet. That is what the “Written with AI assistance” label means. It is queued for an editor to read, and then for a clinician who works in this area. The sources it was drafted against are listed above.
- Review status
- Written with AI assistance — not yet reviewed by a person
- Last reviewed
- Not yet reviewed by a person
- Version
- 1
Correction history
Substantive changes are listed, not quietly edited away.
No corrections have been made since this answer was first published.
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