Nightly Headaches with Throbbing Pain? It’s Not Migraine – This Surprising Condition Affects 1 in 10 People!

Struggling to fall asleep at night? Does even mild physical activity trigger a headache? If the pain is mostly on one side of the head or at the back, accompanied by dizziness and nausea, you’re not alone. Many people, especially women, experience these symptoms. While these signs are often mistaken for migraine, they could point to a different underlying condition.

According to the National Family Health Survey, around 1 in 10 women in India suffer from this condition — hypothyroidism. The survey reveals that about 2.7% of women aged 15 to 49 are affected by hypothyroidism, compared to just 0.5% of men.

When people hear "thyroid disorder," they often think of sudden weight gain or loss. But thyroid issues, especially hypothyroidism, come with many other symptoms. These include heart palpitations, increased body temperature or feeling unusually cold, joint and muscle pain, hair loss, swelling in the face and feet, constipation, and irregular or heavy menstrual cycles. Headaches are also a common yet often overlooked symptom.

Research published in the Journal of Internal Medicine shows that headaches linked to hypothyroidism are often intense and recurrent, resembling migraine symptoms. The pain typically starts on one side and spreads to the back of the head. It can feel like a hammering sensation inside the skull. Exposure to sunlight or bright lights can make the pain worse, and it's often accompanied by dizziness and nausea.

One of the hallmark signs of hypothyroidism is extreme fatigue. Even small tasks can feel exhausting, and light or heat sensitivity is common. These headaches are distinct — often described as a heavy, pressurized pain — and shouldn't be ignored. Recognizing the symptoms early can lead to proper diagnosis and treatment.

Headaches can be disruptive and painful, but with the right steps, you can manage them effectively. Here are some simple yet effective tips to follow when a headache strikes:

Take Immediate Rest: As soon as you feel a headache coming on, pause your activities and give yourself some rest. Lie down or sit comfortably in a quiet, dark room with your eyes closed. Avoid using your phone, watching screens, or engaging in any stimulating activities during this time, as they can worsen the pain.

Follow a Balanced Diet: Especially if You Have Thyroid Issues: People with thyroid problems, particularly hypothyroidism, need to maintain a balanced diet and eat meals on time. Skipping meals or staying up late can worsen headache symptoms. Using your phone or other screens at night may further increase discomfort. Proper sleep and a nutritious diet play a key role in preventing recurring headaches.

Don’t Stay on an Empty Stomach: Going without food for too long can lead to low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), which may trigger headaches and mimic migraine symptoms. In such cases, instead of reaching for medication immediately, try drinking a cup of ginger tea. Ginger has natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe the pain.

Choose the Right Foods: Include magnesium-rich foods like nuts, seeds, leafy greens, and certain vegetables in your daily meals to prevent headaches. However, people with thyroid conditions should avoid goitrogenic foods like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and chickpeas, as these can interfere with thyroid function.

By incorporating these simple habits into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of headaches, especially those linked to thyroid issues or lifestyle factors.

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