There could be something else going on. Most exercise-related headaches can be easily treated at home, but sometimes they could be a sign of an underlying condition. Simple prevention and home treatment methods should help alleviate your headaches.

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Why Do I Get a Headache After Exercising? Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Exertional headache Dehydration Sunlight Low blood sugar Poor form See a doctor Takeaway Overview.

You have an exertional headache. Your blood sugar is low. Your form is off. When to see a doctor. The bottom line. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations.

We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Share this article. Read this next. The two categories of exercise headaches are:. Exertional headaches are headaches that arise with physical activity.

These usually develop soon after performing physical activity or activities that require "bearing down," such as:. Physical exercise without adequate water intake to replace lost fluids can lead to dehydration. Dehydration by itself can cause headaches. However, it may also exacerbate other underlying medical conditions and primary headache disorders that are dependent on hydration and fluid balance.

Your muscles use fuel in the form of sugar to supply energy for physical exertion. Intense physical activity may drop your blood sugar during a strenuous workout. People who are not diabetic may be able to prevent exercise headaches due to low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia , by eating carbohydrates before working out.

Headaches affect people of any age, race, income level, and gender. However, they tend to be more common in women. Strategies to prevent exercise-induced headaches include:. Talk to your healthcare provider about medications that may help prevent headaches during exercise, including:.

Primary exercise headaches are more common in hot weather and high altitudes, so consider these factors before working out. Although exercise can cause a headache for some people, many experts say that getting regular exercise can reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches and migraines.

If you get a headache following exercise, you should see your healthcare provider for a physical to ensure you don't have an underlying medical condition. Diagnostic tests that can rule out underlying health conditions that may be causing your headache include magnetic resonance imaging MRI or lumbar puncture spinal tap.

It's also important to talk to your provider about medications to help manage your headaches. Most exercise-induced headaches are harmless. They typically respond well to OTC medications used for other types of headaches, such as Tylenol acetaminophen and NSAIDs.

Exercise-induced headaches occur after physical activity due to increased circulation in the head that increases blood flow. A primary exercise headache is characterized by pulsating pain on both sides of the head. Primary exercise headaches can be caused by many factors such as exertion, dehydration, and low blood sugar.

Exercise-induced headaches can be frustrating, especially if you regularly exercise. Fortunately there are ways to prevent them, like staying hydrated, warming up before exercise, and eating a small meal before working out.

There are also treatment options available. Talk to your healthcare provider about medications that may help manage or prevent headaches after exercise. Some of the positive effects that exercise has on the nervous system are:.

Exercising too much can lead to exhaustion and other health problems. In some cases, working too hard can even do more harm than good. Symptoms of too much exercise include:. Some headaches may require a trip to your healthcare provider or urgent care.

The following factors influence when you should worry about a headache:. A warm gym or hot yoga class can cause you to sweat more heavily. When you sweat, your body is losing fluids and electrolytes.

During a normal day, you sweat out a certain amount, but you usually drink enough liquid and eat enough water-laden foods to rehydrate your body. But during exercise, you sweat out fluids and essential electrolytes much more quickly. These headaches occur when the body is dehydrated, which causes the brain to temporarily contract, pulling away from the skull and causing pain.

Once you replenish the fluids in your body, the brain will return to normal, which in turn, will help alleviate the headache. To limit the risk of dehydration headaches, take steps to limit the risk of dehydration!

Instead, sip water continuously throughout the day. Choose a low-sugar or non-sugar option to replenish those essential nutrients and fluids without filling your body with unnecessary sugar. Drinking large quantities of liquid during a hard workout can make you feel queasy.