Menstural migraines/continuous birth control? - Headaches & Migraines Message Board

skip_to_my_lou · 05-22-2002, 10:13 PM

I've probably posted here about this before, but can't remember if I have. I apologize for my lack of memory and clear thinking in advance. (I've had a migraine for 3 days straight with no relief in sight.) Anyway, I went in for my annual exam and mentioned the frequent migraines I've been getting. I know that birth control pills have increased the frequency that they happen. Before I used to get them just before my period and a few days in, so I just lived with having menstural migraines a few days out of the month. I still get them before my period starts and during my period, but now it they happen haphazardly throughout my cycle for a days at a time. So the nurse/midwife I go to suggested that I take my birth control continuously for 3 months and have my period the 4th month. That seems to be the usual course of action for menstural migraines. Has anyone done that? Does it help any? I just don't see how it can help me. Anyway, she suggested that I go to my physician and evaluated for further treatment of my migraines. I'm planning to do that and even have been keeping track of the days they happen.

Here's another question/explanation. Someone posted to me a while back on another board that I have to go off birth control before they can treat the migraine headaches. (In most cases, I've been told it doesn't make much difference.) The nurse told me that sometimes one is prescribed pain releivers even while on birth control, so I wouldn't neccesarily have to do it. She also told me that it most likely won't make a lot of diffence. I don't like being on it, but I don't want to go off of it either because my other options are not that promising for me. Migraines run in my family anyway. My mom and brother get them. Would it make a difference?

Thanks for putting up with my mindless chatter.

mlgable · 05-23-2002, 07:05 AM

I think that is going to be up to the individual neurologist as to whether you need to go off of birth control for migraine treatment but I know my regular doc wouldn't even consider anything for me as my migraines at the time were totally related to birth control and he felt it was not a good idea to add more medication for migraines that could pretty much be eliminated by stopping the birth control. He was not a real fan of the pill anyway becuase of all the serious side effects from it. Since you have migraines without the pill then I would let the neurologist decide what he/she thinks it appropriate treatment for them. I personally think going off the pill if they are a cause of migraines is the smart thing to do eventually. I do still get migraines but rarely anymore and usually it is from the stress of a severe sinus infection which is something I know have under control for over a year.

drs · 05-23-2002, 02:33 PM

I have a girlfriend that would get these types of migranes, she takes natural progesterone cream and hasn't had a head ache for a very long time.

I take it too, but for diff. reasons,(I've had a total hysterectomy)

But for women still getting their peroids, there is a peroid during the month that you don't take it, kinda like the pill cycle.

Well this girl ran out of cream and blew off taking it for awhile, next thing you know her headaches were back. The kind called "Happy PMS" is the most resonable that I've found.

Do a search on the web, ask the midwife about this option, find out what you can on the subject. Its worth it believe me. Diana

niecsey · 06-05-2002, 12:11 PM

can someone please tell me about this prog.cream?? thanx

vonniejean · 01-11-2005, 08:04 AM

I too am taking birth control and get the hormonal migraines during my period. They are getting worse. I am not sure there is an answer out there. I am taking effexor xr for the tension and it has cured it completely, and the bcp for the breast swelling and pain pms. but I still get the migraines. Imitrex makes my face cold. dizzy, and very sleepy. I can't do my usual runs of 5 miles a day. Anyone have advice out there?