Can Constipation Cause a Headache? Understanding the Connection

Explore the surprising links between constipation and headaches, including causes, diagnosis, and effective relief strategies.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 26, 2025

Explore the surprising links between constipation and headaches, including causes, diagnosis, and effective relief strategies.

Headaches and constipation are both common complaints, and many people report experiencing both at the same time. This article explores the science behind their connection, underlying causes, and practical strategies for diagnosis, relief, and prevention.

The Link Between Headaches and Constipation

While headaches and constipation may happen independently, there’s growing evidence that these symptoms can appear together, either due to direct causes or shared underlying health conditions.

Constipation occurs when you have fewer than three bowel movements per week. Accompanying symptoms can include:

Hard, difficult-to-pass stools
A sense that a bowel movement is incomplete
Rectal fullness or discomfort

Headache is defined as pain anywhere in your head and can present as sharp, throbbing, or dull aching, lasting from minutes to days.

When headaches and constipation coincide occasionally, they don’t usually signal a serious problem. However, if both happen repeatedly or together, they may indicate a chronic or systemic issue needing medical attention.

Possible Causes of Headaches and Constipation Occurring Together

Several factors and health conditions may cause both headaches and constipation to occur at the same time. These include:

Dehydration – Not drinking enough fluids can slow digestion, causing constipation, and can also lead to headaches.
Stress – High levels of stress and anxiety can disrupt normal digestion and trigger tension headaches.
Dietary Factors – Low fiber intake and poor nutrition can contribute to both conditions.
Medications – Some medications list both constipation and headache as side effects.
Underlying Health Conditions – Several chronic conditions can manifest with both constipation and headaches as symptoms.

Chronic Conditions Commonly Linked to Headaches and Constipation

Certain chronic illnesses feature both headaches and constipation as hallmark symptoms.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder with widespread symptoms, including:

Muscle and joint pain
Chronic fatigue
Sleep problems
Cognitive disturbances (“fibro fog”)
Digestive issues (e.g. constipation)
Frequent headaches and migraines

Notably, research suggests that:

45%-80% of people with fibromyalgia experience migraine or chronic headaches
Between 33% of those diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) later develop fibromyalgia
48% of people with fibromyalgia eventually receive an IBS diagnosis

This overlap indicates a significant connection between these two seemingly unrelated symptoms.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder characterized by periodic episodes of constipation and diarrhea, as well as abdominal discomfort. A constipation-dominant form (IBS-C) shares similarities with chronic constipation.

Many people with IBS also report headaches and migraines
Chronic pain conditions, depression, and anxiety are often present alongside IBS
IBS shares some common pathways in the nervous system with headache disorders

This overlap suggests a shared root in nervous system function and gut-brain signaling.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which ingestion of gluten triggers digestive and neurological symptoms. Common complaints include:

Abdominal pain or discomfort
Chronic constipation or diarrhea
Headaches and migraine
Persistent fatigue

Strict gluten avoidance is essential for both gut and neurological symptom relief.

Other Related Chronic Illnesses

Lupus and other autoimmune diseases may cause widespread inflammation affecting both the digestive tract and neurological system, leading to headaches and bowel changes.
Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) often presents with constipation, fatigue, and headache.
Depression and Mood Disorders frequently disrupt both bowel habits and neurological function.

Understanding the Gut-Brain Axis

The emerging field of gut-brain axis research suggests that your digestive system and nervous system are intricately connected. Signals travel in both directions—meaning stress, anxiety, and inflammation in the gut can trigger neurologic symptoms like headache, and vice versa.

Shared biological pathways may include:

Neurotransmitters (like serotonin) that affect both gut motility and mood
Hormonal imbalances
Heightened pain sensitivity (central and peripheral sensitization)
Changes in nerve signaling caused by chronic stress or inflammation

Diagnosing Concurrent Constipation and Headaches

Pinpointing the exact cause behind simultaneous headaches and constipation can be challenging. Often, doctors will:

Assess your medical history and conduct a physical examination
Ask about other symptoms, such as:

Fatigue
Joint or muscle aches
Nausea or vomiting
Changes in mood or sleep

Request you keep a symptom diary, noting:

The frequency and consistency of your bowel movements
When headaches occur and their characteristics
Any patterns with stress, dietary changes, or medication use

Order lab work or imaging if specific chronic illnesses are suspected
Refer for specialty evaluation (e.g., neurology, gastroenterology, or rheumatology) if warranted

It’s common for diagnosis to be a process of exclusion, ruling out other diseases before confirming a link.

Treatment Strategies for Headaches and Constipation

Effective management depends on identifying the primary cause of your symptoms. Here are some evidence-based treatment options:

For Constipation:
- Increase dietary fiber intake (whole grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes)
- Stay well-hydrated with water and non-caffeinated drinks
- Exercise regularly to stimulate digestion
- Use over-the-counter stool softeners or laxatives (short term, as directed by a physician)
- Review medications that may cause constipation
For Headaches:
- Manage stress through mindfulness, relaxation techniques, or therapy
- Address sleep problems
- Consider headache medications or preventative therapies for migraines, as prescribed
- Identify and avoid known headache triggers (such as specific foods, dehydration, or stress)
Address Underlying Health Conditions:
- For IBS: Follow an IBS-friendly diet, manage stress, and consider medications tailored to IBS subtype
- For celiac disease: Completely avoid gluten-containing foods
- For fibromyalgia: Use a combination of medication, gentle exercise, and therapy to reduce pain and improve function
Psychological Support:
- Psychotherapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy) may help address stress, anxiety, or depression tied to both symptoms

Prevention: Reducing the Risk of Both Headaches and Constipation

You can take proactive steps to lower the chances of experiencing both symptoms:

Follow a balanced, fiber-rich diet
Drink adequate fluids every day
Stay active with regular physical activity
Find healthy ways to manage and reduce stress
Maintain regular sleep patterns
Review your medications with your healthcare provider

When to See a Doctor

If headaches and constipation develop suddenly and are severe, or if they persist for more than a couple of weeks despite self-care, consult a healthcare professional. Seek immediate help if you experience any of the following:

Severe abdominal pain or bloating
Unexplained weight loss
Blood in your stool
Sudden, severe headaches (“thunderclap” headaches)
Blurry vision, confusion, or neurological deficits (such as weakness, loss of balance)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can constipation directly cause a headache?

There is no definitive evidence that constipation directly triggers headaches, but both can occur together due to overlapping causes like dehydration, stress, or certain medical conditions.

What types of headaches are often seen with constipation?

Tension-type headaches and migraines are the most frequently reported varieties. People with conditions like IBS or fibromyalgia often experience both migraines and digestive issues.

Can treating constipation help relieve headaches?

For some individuals, improving constipation with diet, hydration, or medication may lead to a reduction in headache frequency, especially if both symptoms are linked to an underlying condition.

When should I be concerned about headaches and constipation?

Persistent, severe, or suddenly worsening headaches and constipation—especially with additional symptoms like weight loss or neurologic changes—warrant timely medical evaluation.

What lifestyle changes can help prevent both headaches and constipation?

Key strategies include eating a balanced diet rich in fiber, drinking plenty of water, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress, and maintaining healthy sleep habits.

Summary Table: Causes and Management

Possible Cause	How It Affects You	General Management
Dehydration	Slows bowel movements, can trigger headaches	Hydrate with water, limit caffeine/alcohol
Dietary Deficiency	Low fiber contributes to constipation, poor nutrition impacts brain chemistry	Increase fiber, balanced meals
Stress/Anxiety	Affects nervous system, gut motility	Mindfulness, therapy, exercise
Chronic Illness (e.g. IBS, fibromyalgia, celiac)	May involve both headaches and constipation due to shared pathways	Address with targeted treatments for specific condition

Key Takeaways

Headaches and constipation often occur together and can signal underlying health conditions.
Shared causes include stress, dehydration, diet, medication side effects, and chronic illnesses.
Managing lifestyle factors, addressing chronic medical issues, and seeking medical guidance for persistent symptoms are essential for relief.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete