Board Administrator
Apr 14 2001, 01:15 PM
Are you one of the millions of women who suffer with migraine headaches during menopause? Share your experiences here about what you've used to help with oftentimes debilitating migraines.
Sandy
May 3 2001, 09:56 AM
Headaches were never part of my life until a few years ago in peri. They sort of sneaked up on me.
After the periods stopped (whew..) I thought I was off to the races...but wait!!!!...whats this???
Headache. Big time.
At the same time as my periods used to come, now comes an unwelcome guest into my world.
HEADACHE.. across the top of the head, behind the eyes and it usually lasts 2 days.
NOTHING absolutely NOTHING stops this sucker.
I have tried all kinds of pain killers (otc) and even tried eating stuff (thought it was low blood sugar) but no..had to just wait it out.
SandyXXXX
NancyV
May 3 2001, 12:17 PM
Hi,
I used to have hormone headaches, and don't know if it is classified as migraine because no aura etc.
I would have these on about the 2nd or 3rd day of my period. It was like my head was too full.
But what did help for some reason was the allergy type over the counter Chlor-Trymeton containing both an antihistamine and decongestant. Even though it was not allergy related directly I don't think, hormone changes brought these headaches on like clockwork.
Come to think of it, I haven't had them recently....yeh!
Kari
May 3 2001, 05:31 PM
I get a bad headache once a week, about 6 hours after I put on a new estrogen patch. It's not a migraine, but it's quite bad. I don't know if i'm getting the full dose of estrogen right away or what. My patch is Climara, and i'm thinking about switching to something else. Anyone else have this problem?
Lori
May 4 2001, 11:30 AM
Hi Kari,I read somewhere where someone had a problem when they changed their patch. Pete told her to overlap them meaning keep the old one on and put the new one on I think for about 4 hours then take the old one off. The estrogen takes awhile for it to get into your system on the new patch. I overlap mine now. Of course there is always the possibility that it will work in reverse!!LOL!! I use the Vivelle Dot. Supposed to stay on better than the Climara patch. I never used Climara but I do like the Vivelle. No problems sticking. I increased my estrogen to get rid of dizziness etc. I think I have too much now, I feel anxious. I don't get this stuff!!! Hugs, Lori
TheHag
May 4 2001, 03:56 PM
Those of you with headaches might try the herb Feverfew. It works well with regular migraines, I don't know about hormone migraines. Anyway, you have to take it everyday, not just when you get a headache. Helps to cut down the frequency and severity. Good Luck!
Kari
May 4 2001, 11:06 PM
Hi Lori,
It seems there are no pat answers in trying to rid ourselves of these symptoms. If I increase my estrogen I get headaches....if I lower it I get heart palps. Jeesh! I wish I could catch a break here.
What dose of Vivelle are you on? I think this one has a wider range of doses. I'm going to ask my doc about it.
Hope things straighten out for you.....and the rest of us. LOL!
Barbie
May 5 2001, 05:43 PM
There is a bright side to menopause, for me anyway. I used to suffer debilitating premenstrual migraines which lasted over 36 hours. Since being perimenopausal, my periods are 4 months apart but I no longer have premenstrual migraines. Yippee!
Good healthBarbie
Dearest
May 6 2001, 05:47 PM
You'll also find that as you get closer to or enter the postmenopausal period, the migraines will probably disappear. I am not a headache sufferer by nature, but, boy, did I ever suffer from debilitating migraines during the throes of perimenopause and the only occasional relief I got was from 500 mg. magnesium. I overheard two doctors being interviewed and one said, "If it spasms, give it magnesium." It's a much underrated mineral, but very effective in treating not only migraines but palpitations.
Take no less than 500 mg. at the first sign of a migraine, or even every morning with your calcium and vitamin D (don't forget the "D" because that helps your body absorb the calcium). Magnesium has helped many a woman with migraines and helped me through some bouts with palpitations as well.
Also, visit the recommendations page for more information about ways to treat migraines, palpitations and many of your other symptoms.
Lori
May 13 2001, 08:26 PM
Hey Kari,I now take 0.1mg Vivelle dot. I used to take 0.75mg but was dizzy for months since the cut. Since increasing I no longer am dizzy. I am alittle more anxious but I have been having ALOT going on. I know what you mean. Can't go up or down or something else happens. Can't wait for this whole mess to be over. Hugs, Lori
Monkey
Jun 26 2001, 01:43 PM
ACK! Migraine. I've suffered from migraines all my life, but in my mid 40's it got worse, now at 52 it's almost continuous ... I've been medically retired now for about 5 years as a result. The worst headhache phases seem to run neck-in-neck with the hot flashes. SIGH! I wish I knew more about how estrogen might affect this problem ... I don't think it can get much worse, so it might be worth a try.
TerryT
Jun 28 2001, 11:03 PM
Like Monkey, I have had migraines most of my life, but found them becoming a greater and greater problem after 45. By my late forties, my migraines were lasting from 7-11 days each. I've found it very difficult to get doctors to believe this is the case, and I've found little relief from drugs the neurologist has prescribed--Imitrex, ergotomine compounds, etc. I'm now 50 and fear that no end is in sight. (Still perimenopausal, since I have periods which, while irregular, are basically still monthly.) Reaching menopause seems to me now to be my only hope. I would love to hear from other women whose migraines have actually subsided after this perimenopausal peak. Thanks!
Kari
Jun 29 2001, 03:31 PM
Hi Terry,
I was like that too.....monthly migraines from my teens-right through my forties. I think it's all hormonal and it sounds like your hormones are fluctuating right now. When my periods stopped....my migraines went away....but were replaced with heart palps, anxiety, dizziness, and a host of other problems. I'm now trying to put hormones back into my body. Jeesh! It seems no matter what stage of life we're in.....we're always between a rock and a hard place.
TerryT
Jun 29 2001, 06:17 PM
Thank you for the encouraging words, Kari. I have seen the National Headache Foundation quote the figure of 65%-75% of women finding major relief from their migraines after menopause, and I really really really hope I'm one of them. I would recommend to my fellow sufferers an article on migraine headaches that appeared in the March 2001 issue of Prevention magazine. It is one of the best summaries of migraine theories and treatments I've seen, and I'm currently experimenting with one of its easier recommendations: to take the two supplements riboflavin and magnesium in fairly large daily quantities. Prevention quotes Dr. Stewart Tepper, MD, director of the New England Center for Headache in Stamford, CT as saying that his patients "who take 400 mg of the B vitamin riboflavin daily have a 50% decrease in the frequency, duration, and severity of their migraines. The only side effect: bright yellow urine." "But it does take four months to work," he advises. So far I can vouch for the bright urine, but I have only been following this regimen for about two months. It is difficult to find riboflavin in large enough quantities, but it is not impossible. Dr. Tepper also states that studies with menstrually associated migraine have shown that taking 400 to 600 mg of chelated magnesium on a daily basis is helpful. I find it easy and painless to try these supplements--whereas I find the harsh migraine drugs prescribed by neurologists to be a toxic sort of experience, and one that hasn't worked for me. I will return to these boards to update you all on whether the riboflavin/magnesium course is working for me. I am highly motivated and am following the daily regimen religiously. Here's hoping!
MsMolly
Jun 30 2001, 12:29 PM
I never had a migraine until becoming pregnant with my first child. They were awful.
I was told it was hormonal and hoped they would then stop after childbirth. They never did and also came every month. I had them for 2-3 days with vomiting, sensitivity to noise and light. I never found a prescription to work.
After my hysterectomy (kept ovaries), I still get them, but not quite as intense and most times without the vomiting. At least I can sleep through them sometimes now. I take Excedrin Migraine for them. It helps most of the time...although I may need to take them a couple of days until it's gone.
It would be great for these to end with menopause!!
Molly
buttercup
Jul 8 2001, 09:55 AM
Hi guys, I started to get menopausal migraines at the onset of perimenopause, I wasn't on ERT but after months of relentless migraines, I couldn't take it and went on ERT. They stopped for the most part, but I noticed since I switched over to the Climara patch 0.l they have come back.I never thought of associating it with when I change to a new patch. So you are saying when you change over it takes the better part of the first day before the estrogen actually begins to work?? How would the overlapping work, because by the last day of the old patch I can't imagine there is much left there anyway. This whole thing is quite bewildering. I am postmenopausal now so the FSH and my doctor say, but I don't find the symptoms letting up, in fact they are worst then they were 4 or 5 years ago. Thank goodness for this board or I would go crazy..
carole
Jul 8 2001, 07:26 PM
I agree , thank goodness for this board and you ladies. Would someone tell me how you can still get a 4 day headache with pain behind the right eye when you are on birth control pills ? I still the get the same old headache (whih started to come with my period about 2 years ago) even though they have now put me on birth control. I still get it , same week and everything. I thought when you took the pill the hormones in the pills overrode your own and have you a steady stream of estrogen/progest. How could my own hormones overide the pills ?? I'm so confusid !!!
MsMolly
Jul 10 2001, 09:54 AM
QUOTE
Quote: from carole on 6:26 pm on July 8, 2001[br]I agree , thank goodness for this board and you ladies. Would someone tell me how you can still get a 4 day headache with pain behind the right eye when you are on birth control pills ? I still the get the same old headache (whih started to come with my period about 2 years ago) even though they have now put me on birth control. I still get it , same week and everything. I thought when you took the pill the hormones in the pills overrode your own and have you a steady stream of estrogen/progest. How could my own hormones overide the pills ?? I'm so confusid !!!
Hi Carole~
I'm sorry, I can't really answer you on that one. Maybe one of the other girls will be in here soon that can help. I would talk to your doctor about it. Have you been taking the pill very long? Maybe it's not in your system yet. You may have too much estrogen and the extra in the pill is not going to help. I really don't know.
Hope you get it taken care of soon. Those headaches/migraines are no fun:(
((hugs))Molly
buttercup
Jul 17 2001, 06:16 PM
Well I am still baffled. I get some pretty bad headaches when I change my patch, Is this due to not enought estrogen in the system yet, or a sudden surge of too much with the new patch??? Any ideas, I still am not sure if some of these symptoms are due to an overload of estrogen or deficiency.
Anyone else have an idea?
buttercup.
Lark
Jul 19 2001, 07:43 PM
Good evening! I am on estradiol and progesterone (since May) and I've had 5 migraines in 6 wks. My G.P. says no more estrogen and the ob-gyn says double up on the estrodiol. I'm totally baffled! I'm going to try life without the estrodial for 2 wks. Any ideas?
carole
Jul 19 2001, 09:22 PM
For me I get the headaches when my estrogen levels drop...at period time or right before.
Lark
Jul 20 2001, 01:40 PM
Carol, thanks for the reply. I'm just completely at a loss. I'm 51 and peri-menopausal. Maybe I will stay on the combination for one more week and see what happens.
phall
Jul 22 2001, 04:39 PM
Hi Carol - Welcome to the wacky world of menopause - where the only constant is there are so many variables! There is no one size fits all solution so experimentation is the name of the game. Both your doctors are correct in what they are suggesting. Headaches do occur when estrogen levels drop. During my fertile years, I always got a migraine one day before each period without fail. Hence, your OB says "add more estrogen" and that is the answer for some women. On the other hand, many women like me have found estrogen in any form- patch, pill, cream - makes headaches worse. I am 48 and been in peri since age 40 - tried every hormone combination but the headaches continued. Mind you, I still have headaches although I have not touched estrogen in 4 years. In perimenopause, hormone levels rise and fall and those changing levels can cause migraine in those who are predisposed. If you never had headaches before taking the estrogen, you may want to try without - but if you do, be sure to taper off the estrogen gradually, lowering the dose by cutting pills. Susan Love's Hormone Book is an excellent source of information if you decide to taper off estrogen. I am sure you will find some relief soon - information sharing through these boards is most helpful. Take Care!
TerryT
Jul 22 2001, 09:58 PM
Phall (and others): Have your migraines been fairly consistently bad during your perimenopause, or have you noticed that they have patterns that change as you go through the peri years? I ask because my migraines became more frequent--but not longer-lasting--during the earlier years of my perimenopause (say, from 40-45); next they became dramatically longer in length, each one lasting a week and more (between the time I was 47 to 50); and now that I am nearing 51 they seem to have begun a "reverse progress," that is rapidly shortening in duration once again. Such that I feel I had three very distinct perimenopausal migraine periods. Now I feel that my migraines are declining, and I also feel I must be nearing the final phases of peri, since the physical changes in my body are verifiable--i.e., thinning hair, thickening waist, drying skin. I believe that now what I'm mainly experiencing is the decline in hormone levels--rather than just their rapid fluctuation--and I think the migraine martyrdom of perimenopause may well be waning for me. I'll take being a little old lady any day over the appalling suffering migraines brought me in my forties. However, I wish there were something more encouraging I could say to younger migraineurs to help them get through this. I can only hope that my migraine example is a fairly extreme one. I can say this, however: I have taken no hormone therapy whatsoever through this process, so I do not know if that would have improved or worsened the experience.
Yvonne M
Jul 24 2001, 05:50 AM
Dear Kari,I found that Climara patches induced migraine headaches, I experienced three episodes over a six week period- using weekly patches. The headaches (true migraine with aura) occurred usually the day after application, my M.D. advised me to switch back to topical gel (Sandrena) she felt I was reacting to a "hit" of oestrogen. On all three occasions the headaches started in the morning virtually as soon as I got out of bed. I'd been applying the patches at night. I wonder if others have had the same problem with Climara.yours Maggy
buttercup
Jul 24 2001, 09:00 PM
Yes, I have been using Climara patches for 6 months now, and I have been experiencing headaches when I put on a new patch, for the first 24 hours after. Is this a sudden burst of estrogen? Perhaps too much is causing it. I am going to switch to Vivelle next. What is the difference between Vivelle and vivelle dot.? My pharmacist says they are the same thing. He is not familiar with dot!! The climara were falling off 3 days into the week.
buttercup
phall
Jul 25 2001, 12:09 AM
I like your scenario TerryT!! In retrospect, my migraines have changed through this process. Early forties, they were intense,and short but manageable. When I was 45, they took a turn for the worse and were continuous and unstoppable until I finally sought relief with a neuro. Since then, I take Elavil - which helps, but still my head feels unstable and a headache can start up in a flash. I've noted the same bodily changes you mentioned and am without a period since May. I am hoping to enter the same stage you are in since I turn 49 at the end of the year. Looking back, it's hard to believe it's been almost 10 years of headaches....and yes, I agree, I'll take the wrinkles over the headaches! Thanks for your comments...you give me hope!
TerryT
Jul 25 2001, 09:43 PM
Phall, thanks for your response. I absolutely know what you mean when you say that still your head feels "unstable" and a headache can start up at any time. The image I have in my mind of this (neurological? vasomotor?) instability is that of a volcano--at times it may be dormant, but when it's active it is capable of erupting at any moment. I've spent so much time over the last decade being angry with myself that I couldn't find the right "cocktail" of behaviors that would defeat that instability. Even when I eliminate many foods from my diet; even when I exercise; even when I make sure that I get up at just the same time every day and take no naps; even when I try to focus on deep breathing and relaxation imagery--I cannot defeat that headache "instability." I had just about come to the point of even giving up on that reasonable hope that menopause would finally be the answer. But, now I am hopeful. For in the past few months, just as mysteriously as my headaches went from fairly short to unbelievably long, they are now shrinking down. I truly dare to hope that I may get my life back. And...if I do, it will be none of my own doing--no regimentation, no deprivation, no self-blame, no positive self-talk, no feverfew, no beta blocker, no Imitrex, no Caffergot ever did the trick. (I'll keep you posted.)
Yvonne M
Jul 28 2001, 07:48 AM
Hello everyone,Just like to share an idea. With all applications of hormones (patch, implant, topical application) I have found that several situations can increase the chance of headaches for me. Hot baths, exercise, or increased stress levels i.e. running late for work -rushing etc. anything that elevates body temperature - overheating in bed at night, all especially within several hours of application (for implants especially during the first few months after insertion). I've put this down to increased release of hormone with increase in body temperature. For me there seems to be a definite relationship between stable hormone release and body temperature.
buttercup
Aug 4 2001, 04:15 PM
Hi, I was wondering if anyone gets headaches from the patch?I was on climera for awhile and noticed I use to get headaches when I first changed them. I have since stop using Climera and for 4 days now have been on Vivelle. I am still getting headaches when I change the patch. I am just curious if anyone else experiences this. Buttercup
Dicewoman
Aug 6 2001, 09:02 AM
Hi all!
I also am fighting headaches. Of course rushing around or any stress can set it off or making an already existing headache worse. I get the tense shoulders and neck alot. But I also get confused about what kind of headache it is. Most of the time it feels like a sinus type headache. It's for the most part frontal and sometimes then I feel pressure up to the top of my forehead. I don't sneeze or anything. I just have the pain. I have them often. I have been questioning whether it could be an allergy headache. The mold count has been really high in Indiana this summer. The problem with it possibly being an allergy headache is that doctors usually recommend an antihistamine which usually causes me to feel jittery and can cause heart palipitations. Do any of you have headaches like this? If so, what do you do for them. Meno pal,Janice
TerryT
Aug 7 2001, 01:09 PM
Oh dear, I think I was a victim of my own optimism. After faithfully following a regimen of large doses of vitamin B-2 and magnesium, and after experiencing two months of much shorter headaches, I am now in my 6th day of a really awful migraine. I'm on my way to the GP this afternoon just to get something mild like Fiorinal to help me ride this one out. But how discouraging! Menopause--please come really fast and save me from any more monstrous migraines!
phall
Aug 8 2001, 11:36 PM
Hi Terry T -
Don't feel bad. I thought I was on the upswing too. Period-free for three months with some mild improvement in migraines. Alas, another period began on Monday and the hormone swing precipitated a whopper migraine.....three days and counting! Yuk...will this ever end?!
Lilacflower
Aug 9 2001, 08:02 PM
hey everyone..concerning the migraines, I had them for years after my hysterectomy (18 years ago)until I added NATURAL Progesterone cream...with my estrogen have had no headaches since then. Hope this helps!!
Dearest
Aug 10 2001, 07:22 AM
"Within the upper brain stem, there is a zone that is believed to be a migraine generator, or area where migraine excitability comes from. There are estrogen receptors in the brain (and other areas of the body, obviously). We know there are intimate connections between the estrogen receptors and pain mechanism not only for migraine, but for other pain. It is almost as though the estrogen receptors alter the threshold of pain or vulnerability to pain in a migraineur."
Joel Saper, M.D., Medical DirectorMichigan Head Pain and Neurological Institute
Lilacflower
Aug 10 2001, 10:38 AM
It is almost as though the estrogen receptors alter the threshold of pain or vulnerability to pain in a migraineur."
I quoted you above, so are you saying that estrogen or lack of it or homone IMBALANCE makes us more vulnerable to Migraines?? Just making sure I understand you right here this is really interesting. I get the blinking lights (aura)as soon as I go off estrogen but when I stay on a low dose and add progesterone it goes away for good, so this tells me I really need the progesterone as well as estrogen. I had complete Hysterectomy (ovearies removed and tubes etc. etc.)18 years ago I am now 50, shew! its been some trip finding any help, now I am in process of educating my Dr. here with help of new compunding pharmacy in my small town, I feel SO great now like I did before I had surgery..(well, like I did before getting sick and then surgery)...GLORY! I know this truly is an answer to prayer! all you gals hang in ther it DOES get better..and with the Natrual Homones now OH MY! there IS NO reason to suffer None! I added Tstosterone this past month and that was the missing link I needed got me right back on track . MY energy and clarity is back and I sleep like a baby now. I am finding I do not need a real large dose of any of these I use a cream for each and it absorbs real! well, I use a 4th of what they prescribed interesting huh? I know we are all different but wanted to share that! :-) On we go sisters! we are overcomers we will rise above all this physical stuff and go on and enjoy LIFE! to the fullest! YES! The best is JUST ahead! Look out world here I COME!
sherrie
Aug 24 2001, 04:32 PM
I also suffer from migraines.I had a total hysterectomy 1 year ago.I'm 43. I started with killer migraines as soon as I started with hrt.I have tried different variations and have found the alora twice a week patch works best for me. I still have migraines but not as severe.At least now the migraine meds help.My goal is to find the cure for them!! I just called my doctor to try the progesterone cream with the alora patch. In reading on the net this seems to come up alot. So we will see. Keep searching ladies, we deserve to be pain free!!! sherrie
YoungOldMe
Aug 25 2001, 11:24 PM
Misery does love company! This message board (and website) is great! I used to get a headache several days after the beginning of my period, starting in my 20s and into peri. I researched everywhere and found only PMS headaches addressed, which I always thought of as PREmenstrual. And, here on this message board is someone else who has their headaches after their period starts! I always thought the headache had something to do with fluid balance, ie, I would retain fluid during PMS and then lose a lot of it during the next few days and then get a headache for a day. Lately I have seen in several places (here on this website and elsewhere) that estradiol/estrogen level changes are causes of headache. Still, I think the fluid change might be related. Anyway, my headaches got fewer and milder during peri, which I have been in for about 5 years. I used over-the-counter progesterone cream for a while and noticed the headaches had eased. Then I began a vaginal estriol cream and still had few headaches (I tend toward headaches from sugar and caffeine and other sensitivities, too). Recently I added estradiol to the cream and have been getting bad headaches during the no-hormone part of the cycle, at the end, about the 5th day, after the period and before the estrogen. Starting the estrogen each month seems to help rather than cause any more headaches. But, I notice much more of a fluid retention and then fluid loss with the estradiol than with the estriol only, so I still think fluid balance might have something to do with the headaches. I'm trying to decide whether to stop the estradiol again, but I like it for my mental sharpness. I might try a little less estradiol...Thanks for listening! It is interesting how similar but different we all are!
Poppy
Aug 28 2001, 01:06 PM
I have a Climera patch. 13 weeks ago I started having headaches and cannot get any relief. My doctor feels that if I discontinue the Climera, I may feel better. I have used Premarin and got three Migraines a week. Thus, he is saying no estrogen at all. I am only 45 y.o. so I am a little concerned about this. At the same time, I have been on estrogen for 9 years - since my hysterectomy, so maybe I should consider coming off anyway. Does anyone have any advice for me?
Kari
Aug 28 2001, 06:56 PM
Poppy
The consensus seems to be the Climara patch causing the migraines. I know it did it for me. A few hours after putting on a new one....instant migraine. I think it's releasing all the estradiol at once. I tried both the Vivelle dot, and the Esclim patch, and neither of these cause those intense headaches. I'm on a lower dose and can't make up my mind which one to go with. The Esclim patch is the best sticker of the bunch though.
I haven't seen anyone mention the combi-patch. Anyone know if this is a good one? Someone e-mailed me that it works great. Don't know about the headache part though.
lulu
Sep 19 2001, 02:42 PM
I have had migraine headaches for 35 years. Fortunately, the Imitrex injection has worked for me for the past 5 years, however, I was averaging 12 shots per month (the oral/nasal spray forms of Imitrex did not work for me). While in perimenopause approximately 3 years ago, most of my headaches began to occur when I was asleep at night and, in fact, the pain awakened me from my sleep. In order to try to reduce the frequency, my physician (neurologist specializing in headaches) had me take Zomig, 5mg, at bedtime. I am now averaging maybe 1 headache per month. I hope this helps someone. (Before all of this, I tried everything from folk remedies to herbal remedies to RX's of all kinds--none worked for me.)
TerryT
Sep 20 2001, 10:34 PM
Lulu,
Thank you for your posting. I would be curious to know if you are still in perimenopause--or if you have reached menopause and if perhaps your reduction in migraines comes also from the leveling out of estrogen levels that is believed to reduce or eliminate migraine in a majority of post-menopausal women? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Snowbird
Sep 21 2001, 12:04 PM
Ladies,I've just been reading the posts, here....and I must say, you have my sympathy!!I never really had migraines, as such....just a lot of doozy stress headaches...with a few alllergy/sinus ones thrown in, for good measure:(However, I sure wish I had answers for this baffling problem!! Especially migraines........they've got to be the worse!! *Sigh*You're in my thoughts and prayers:)Take care, Y'all........................
((((((Hugs)))))) ~*Snowy*~
kwarnol
Sep 26 2001, 01:20 AM
I have to confirm what LilacFlower was talking about - my best friend has had Emergency Room visits many times because of migraines - the synthetic estrogens and progestins added fire to the fury! She started using a natural progesterone cream one year ago and has not had a migraine since... I am not sure if it is the synthetics causing the migraines but it seems like it. It is worth a try for someone who wants to try something a little more natural - it can't hurt... Robin Moon - are you taking real progesterone (natural form) or progestins (synthetic) - that could make a HUGE difference?????
TerryT
Sep 26 2001, 10:23 PM
Kwarnol--thank you for the input. I myself have just ordered the natural progesterone cream (Progest) and begun using it twice daily to see if it helps my unbelievably frequent migraines. I promise to report on my success or lack of success in a couple of months' time. (Or sooner, if results warrant.)
sherrie
Sep 26 2001, 11:05 PM
Hi Ladies! I'm getting back from my Aug posting. I had my Doctor order the PRESCRIPTION progesterone. It has to be made by a componding pharmacy. It's a cream that I rub into my arm every a.m. I still use the alora twice a week patch. I have used the progesterone cream for 3 1/2 weeks. I'm almost afraid to say, but I feel better!! No killer migraines or any migraines really. I take excedrin every day and dont have to take migraines meds. I have more energy. After a year of constant killer migraines I have to say there has been definate improvment. I have a 3 month supply , so I will keep you posted of my progress. I'vealso read about saliva hormone tests to see where your progesterone and estroges levels are. for you ladies that havent had hysterectomies this would be a first and a must on my list. Prescription progesterone is suppose to help with alot of our problems that just get passed over as a FEMALE thing!! like PMS and migraines. Talk to your doctors and insist on trying these things,(barring any health reasons of coarse) if they don't take you seriously, then FIND A NEW DOCTOR!!!! Good Luck. I'd love to hear feedback. Sherrie
momsrl
Sep 27 2001, 12:15 PM
Gee, am I glad I found this site!! I started getting killer migraines about 3 yrs ago (i am 43) that were so bad that my doc thought I had a brain tumor. After MRIs and other fun stuff, she decided they must be migraines and started me on Imitrex. It works, sometimes, but I have been waking up with migraines more frequently, and the Imitrex doesn't always do the trick then. I had never associated the increase in headaches with peri-menopause, but since I seem to have just about every other symptom listed on the "Are you starting menopause" board, perhaps there is a connection. So glad to have found others in a similar situation.
Deborah
boni
Sep 28 2001, 03:59 PM
I use to suffer from migraines to a point that mny husband would have to take me to emergency. When the Imatrk injection came out, I would inject myself sometimes up to 4 times daily. I would throw up, have to stay in a dark room, put ice on my head.
After years of suffering, I read that too much estrogen leads to migraines. I asked my Doctor to lower my dosage and after that I was not bothered again.
When I do feel a little headache coming on,I take 2-3ADVIL and drink 1./2 can of regular Cokeand some how that stops it. Try it I read about the coke in a Prevention Magazine.
Boni / Ca NAtive :smile:
TerryT
Sep 30 2001, 12:46 PM
Lulu, My thanks for emailing me such helpful info. I think I may try Zomig, and I will also let my sister know about Zomig, because, like you, she finds Imitrex to be a huge help, but she is obliged to use it so much and so often that it is causing her a host of problems. (I believe though that I may be one of the apparently 30% of migraine sufferers who do not respond to triptan type drugs. We'll see.)
However, I'm still holding out much hope for postmenopausal relief--which I think is more likely to come, say, two years after the last period rather than immediately thereafter. The Merck manual, for instance, says that "cycling estrogen" is a major migraine trigger, and it goes on to say that migraines "often partially or completely remit after age 50." Too bad that doesn't mean "50-on-the-dot," because I'm 50 this year (you too I know) and things are sure not better yet. Here's to next year!
Monkey
Oct 9 2001, 03:11 PM
Hi, I see it's been forever since I dropped in, and made my last posting. This is mostly for Dicewoman who asked about the sinus style headaches. Yes! Mine are very like that. I fact for years that's what I thought they were, and I made the rounds with the ear, nose and throat guys getting my sinuses xrayed, etc... until one awful night in the emergency room, and somebody finally sent me to a neurologist who diagnosed me with migraine. Sometimes mine are more classic, with the pain throbbing on one side, but usually it feels as if it's in my sinuses in the front of my head, and my nasal passages are often conjested. I respond well to the migraine medications, though in recent years, approaching menopause, it's become worse and I find that I often need to combine the imitrex with codeine. I hope menopause helps, because I'm getting real tired of this! ... hope this helps... I think the migraines can take many forms.