Menstrual migraines?

[WilliamsMom]

I, too, get a migraine before I start my menstrual cycle each month. I didn't realize the connection until I started keeping a "headache diary". I take 10 mg of MaxaltMLT and 99% of the time, it works. I also have Fiorinal and Phenergan for backup, but hardly ever need it. (You would think that cramps and bloating were enough??!!!!!).

[Jenteal]

Maybe try switching the type of birth control pills you all are all. There are so many kinds out there. There is a test called FSH that checks your hormal levels to get the right birth control pils for you.The FSH test measures the level of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in your blood. This hormone is produced by a gland in your brain. To much or to little and headache or other illness

Jenteal

[lisamariaweiss]

I get hormonal headaches several days before my menstrual cycle lasting about 3 days into my period, a total of 4-7 days. I wear a estrogen patch which has helped a little, and I also take Axert. I have tried Imitrex and all the other migraine medications but axert kicks in the quickest and lasts the longest. I have heard that the 'nuava ring' which is birth control helps balance your hormones better so next time I see my OB I am going to try that. It is a ring you insert like a diaghragm that delivers hormones slowly and consistantly. Normally, you would take the ring out the 3rd week to have your menstrual cycle and then when it ends put a new ring in...but what my doctor said he is going to do is have me put in a new ring every 3 weeks and not allow my menstrual cycle to happen, keeping my hormones steady. Apparently this is safe and effective for hormone headaches. I will let you know how it works if you would like. The reason most women get migraines is a drop in estrogen, but sometimes the rise and fall of other hormones will trigger a migraine. That is why some of the women get the migraine when the ovulate or other times of the month. You can search the web and find a chart which shows you how your hormones fluctuate every month, and then keep tabs on when you get your headache and try to pinpoint which hormone is triggering the headache and if it is going up or down. Good luck. This is very commen and genetic as well.

[Tiffrose]

I have had menstrual migraines for years now along with many times the rest of the month too. I have tried doing the continual b/c pills but I would always have breakthrough bleeding. I have taken the beta blockers which to me didn't seem to make much of a difference. I have tried probably every triptan which many do seem to work great. Some of them make my chest hurt and my throat feel tight, but I just kept trying different ones. I found that taking a triptan and a hydrocone together work really well. I also took the Topomax, but I got pregnant and had to stop taking it (it does have many bad side effects -except for making me lose weight). During my pregnancy I had hormornal headaches for over 4 months - they were horrible. I was allowed only to take the hydro, believe it or not, it's considered the safest. Now I'm still breastfeeding so I can't really take anything still.

[vonniejean]

I started having mensrual migraines also. My obgyn told me I was in peri-menopause and the fluctuations of estrogen cause them. I was placed on Effexor xr and bcp, which stopped all the tension and the bloated painful breasts, but still have the migraines mid cycle (when I now have my period). I can take imitrex, but it causes such cardio contriction, that I can't do my usual runs and have coldness in my face, dizziness, and extreme sleepiness with it. so I can't take it till bed time. I have tried fioricet, no help there. Anyone else have this problem. Also extreme sensitivity to light and noise. I want my life back!