The Contraceptive Pill Gives me a Headache

I have tried several different contraceptive pills but always find I get a headache during the pill free week. This can be severe and taking painkillers has little effect.

This is a recognized side effect in a small number of women taking the pill. It can be unpleasant and happens as a result of withdrawal from the oestrogen component. This can sometimes be alleviated by reducing the amount of hormone i.e. by reducing to a 20mcg from a 30mcg pill. Alternatively one of the newer pills is packaged so as to only have a 4 day hormone free break and this reduces the withdrawal thus preventing the headache.