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[aloevera]

Hi
I'm new on here and feeling bewildered.
Im 46 and get menstrual migraine. Ive only had this for 6 years... long enough I guess but prior to that had no problems with periods. Im convinced its due to perimenopause.
In an attempt to try and level the headaches down, I sought the advice of a gynaecologist who suggested starting on low dose of oestragel. I have tried this and when I take a small dose a couple of hours later I feel really spaced out and breathless. When I took the full pump dose I felt really odd, very anxious and my head felt like it was going to explode. I dont get aura but after this large dose I got alot of afterimages and my vision seemed buzzy.
I'm really frightened to use it again incase it makes my migraines worse.
Ive heard so many good reports about it just wondered if anyone else has had this.
I'm not convinced my oestrogen is at fault as I dont get hot flashes.  I am sure there is a problem with my thyroid as it was overactive after pregnancy a few years back and stabilised but Im not convinced its working as well but levels are normal.
Would welcome any advice.
thanks

[Hurdity]

Hi aloevera

 

Sorry to hear about your problems and headaches.

Firstly - are your periods still regular? If you are not getting hot flushes yet not other symptoms then maybe it is too early for extra oestrogen.

There is a great article on this site about what happens to your body during peri-menopause here:
http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/article-perils-of-the-perimenopause.php

Basically your hormone levels fluctuate up and down more dramatically in the years leading up to menopause - so you will get spikes of oestrogen as well as dips. I imagine the gynae will be prescribing oestrogen to deal with any sudden low mood as a result of the dips.

However pre-menstrual headaches can also be caused by the sudden drop in progesterone (progesterone withdrawal) - a physiological reaction. I had them also really badly - I developed migraines for the first time during peri-menopause. That's not to say that progesterone would help - because this hormone is also responsible for many aspects of the pre-menstrual syndrome - headaches, bloating, fatigue, irritability, depression etc

I imagine if you are still having a strong cycle and you took oestrogen during the week either side of ovulation it could be to much for you at this stage. Also to add that there are often side effects when you first start oestrogen - the sudden (unaccustomed) increase can cause the symptoms you describe, but generally settle.

As for the thyroid - have you had a print-out of your actual levels? Hopefully the doctors are up to date with the reference ranges for what is normal? Do you have any other thyroid symptoms?

I don't know what to suggest really - except to say I sympathise! I just rode through them (in my late forties and early 50's) because I didn't know about the peri-menopause as such so didn't start taking HRT until probably just before menopause.

Hurdity x

[aloevera]

Hi Hurdity
thanks for your reply. I am still having very regular cycles. I am also delighted that you said migraines are caused by progesterone withdrawal. Most references seem to refer to oestrogen withdrawal and yet the timing of mine seem to be due more to prog. I did manage to get rid of my headaches with progesterone cream a few years ago but I stopped taking it as wasn't certain about long term risks. Needless to say the headaches returned and never went away.
have your migraines improved on hrt? How long would you say it would take for oestrogen side effects to settle? My husband doesn't believe I can get such a strong reaction to the oestrogen but I know it's real.
I had raised thyroid antibodies last year. I feel cold more and pain and have less energy but still have eyebrows. My temperatures are ok I think.
I would love to find some relief from the headaches, dizzinessand low mood as they are the main issues. I eat healthily and follow a migraine diet.

[Suzyq]

I managed on progesterone for a long time during peri as my estrogen was fine but progesterone levels were zero. This gave me headaches and severe dizzyness. If progesterone worked for you before why not try it again?

[Hurdity]

Hi aloevera

Just to clarify - I said that migraines can sometimes be caused by progesterone withdrawal. That is not to say that keeping on with the progesterone in recommended. Most women who suffer from the progesterone withdrawal migraines end up feeling much better once the progesterone is out of their system and the headache has cleared. Some headaches are also caused by sudden drop in oestrogen and even sudden increase - ie a sudden change in hormonal levels!

I don't get migraines so often now I am post-menopausal - I used to get them nearly every month during peri (while periods still regular).

I get them now sometimes while on the progesterone phase of the HRT, so it is the progesterone causing them. I don't seem to get them now on the withdrawal phase - but I did with a different type of progesterone - I think the dose was too high. because I have a long cycle it should mean that I only get them every 6-8 weeks at the most - but I also get them sometimes from a glass of wine if I drink it too late eg after 9.30!

I can't say how long it will take for your side effects to settle as we are all different but balancing the hormones is more difficult while you are peri-menopausal, because of the fluctuations.

I am surprised though, that you haven't been given progesterone along with the extra oestrogen - because you need this to prevent over thickeing of the uterus?

Sorry not to have been of more help and hope you get some relief soon. I would get your thyroid checked out again and ask for the actual reading.

Hurdity x

[aloevera]

Thanks for reply. I have got progesterone but my oestrogen use is currently so low I don't need it. I have to be really careful with it so going very steady.