Recurring morning headaches: possible causes

Dear Ask The Doctor: Hi, I am a 51 year old female in good health, and recently have begun having terrible headaches upon waking in the morning. They sometimes go away by themselves, but I usually have to take something. They vary in intensity, but sometimes affect me all day. I don't take anyprescription meds or really anything else other than occasional calcium-magnesioum tabs, and have started taking glucosamine chondroitin for some achiness in my knees. I drink a lot of fluids before during the day and the evening, so I don't think I'm dehydrated, but we have been turning the heat up over the last few weeks as it has been really cold her in Maryland. I also feel cold and achy almost all the time, don't know if that could be related to the headache thing or not. Thanks for any suggestions...

Dear Melanie: If you do not have any previous history of sinus , cluster or migraine headaches, we can think about other causes for your recent appearing morning headaches such as: common tension headache, lack of sleep, inadequate sleeping positions that may be causing tension, replacement hormonal therapy, stress, and type of pillow. I recommend that you start changing your sleeping position, make sure that you have enough hours of sleep and try to buy another pillow.