Migraine

In my constant search to reduce the # of possible migraine triggers I have come up with one that I haven't seen a whole lot of info on - hormones. I can say that I didn't have any migraines during any of my 4 preganacies. I had my tubes tied about 8 years ago, had "female problems" soon after that and had a surgery almost 2 years that corrected those problems (not a hysterectomy). Due to the procedure I don't have periods anymore but I was told I am still ovulating. Since the procedure my headches/migraines have progressed to ridiculous levels, I've been through various doctors and treatments (seeing a specialist now) but the one person I haven't talked to about this is the Ob/Gyn. Is there something to be said about controlling certain hormones (via birth control pills or otherwise)and the effects on migraines?

Hi, Danny's mom, welcome to the forum. We're glad you found us.

Hormones are a major trigger for many of us, including me. Unfortunately, the results of trying to control hormonally-triggered migraines with hormones or birth control are highly unpredictable:

Role of hormones in causing Migraines?

That said, it would be a good idea to discuss this issue with your gynecologist. He/she should be aware of the problem, and may have some advice suited to your specific situation.

Take care.

Thanks for your input. What approach would you reccommend I take when addressing the gyno, I'm a little jaded when it comes to talking to doctors about my headaches (after going so longer with my PCP's attitude of "if I can't fix you then there must be nothing wrong with you"). I wasn't sure this was a valid concern that this doctor could address.

As with my migraines, some are hormonal too. As with most migraine treatment it is rather hit or miss as to what will work. My OB/GYN has alot of migraine info in her waiting room and when I told her I was using Frova for menstral migraines, she was writing notes down to do more research. I think alot depends on the doctor, as usual.

I would just be straightforward about what you have experienced since your surgery. A Migraine Diary might be very helpful to you in documenting the times and types of migraines you are having. What medications and how often you need to take them. It can be very enlightning to the patient as well as the doctor.

Good luck and take care,

Cindy

First of all, if that is your current PCP, fire his sorry butt and find someone else.

I can tell you what happened with my own gynecologist. The migraines went on my patient history form, where she saw them. She asked whether they were hormonally-triggered, and I said yes. She then said that if I wanted to discuss using birth control meds to reduce the number of periods I had each year, she would be happy to work with me on it, but of course, she wanted me to be sure to coordinate with my neurologist as well. She was referring to the type birth control which omits the placebo days each month, and reduces your periods to four a year. I have not chosen to go that route, but that's me. To the gynecologist, this did not seem an unusual topic at all.

Please take a few minutes to look at the Start Here folder at the top of the forum. When you finish with that, please take a look at this article:

Learning About Migraines and Headaches - Where To Start

Take care, and keep the questions and experiences coming.

Welcome to Danny'sMom

Hormones can play havoc with some people's Migraines. In fact I wrote a SharePost on this topic that may have some answers for you. Continue reading, Migraine Disease, Menstrual Migraines, and Hysterectomy.

I use Axert or Relpax for my menstrual Migraines and it works well. Frova is another triptan that helps with this type of Migraine.

I hope you find this information helpful, let us know - ok?

Yes, I personally believe..ovarian hormones are a significant overlooked component of female migraines. Are you having other symptoms? skin, hair, low energy, poor sleep, muscle aches, fuzzy thinking..not only pre & post-drome, but on non-migraine days?
Whether you have menstrual migraines or just menstrually related migraines (other times of month)..your estrogen levels could be off.
This could be for teens, 20s, 30s, & not just peri or menopause!
I have so many symptoms now at 34 & had skin, hair & PMS problems since my teens. Of course I spent most of my life trying to get rid of the migraines with drugs.
Unfortunately, my headache specialists, & my gynecologists do not deal with ovarian hormones at all! Asked every one I had, & admitted they have little to no input here.
So I've decided to start educating myself.
I'm an RN & stubbled upon Dr Elizabeth Lee Vliet's website Her place.com
& read 2 of her books. She has radio blog archives to listen to too & suggestions for what hormone levels you should have tested, & how to deal with your doctor.
I'm optimistic about it. It's my gut feeling I can achieve 50% reduction from the 8-15 attacks I get per month. I wish you luck!
Kim

I can second Kimmienyc's post about hormones and migraine. I too stumbled upon Dr. Vliet's excellent books and website and found the information in her book, "It's My Ovaries, Stupid!" to be especially helpful. I was very lucky that the neurologist I found shortly after reading her books was open to my trying individually tailored hormonal supplementation after I went through unsuccessful trials of all the standard migraine preventives with him. I've now gone as many as 21 days between migraines, with completely pain free days in between, since starting hormone supplementation. Whereas before I was having constant low-level head pain and migraines 3-5 days of every week.

There is no "one size fits all" answer to migraine as we all well know, and the health risks for any preventive must be carefully weighed, but I think it is well worth educating yourself about the role your hormones may be playing in your migraine disease, especially if you suspect you are also suffering from other hormone related issues.