Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: Night_Owl on November 03, 2015, 12:57:46 PM
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I know it's been discussed before - just wondering if anybody has discovered anything new in the migraine prevention/treatment as it is an evolving area of medicine.
Just emerging from a monster debilitating 3 day migraine, one of the worst I've ever experienced, truly horrendous - it has left me more terrified than usual of when the next one will strike.
I've taken advice from Migraine Action and will be asking GP for a referral to a Neurologist with experience of dealing with hormonal (meno) migraine to get a proper diagnosis of the type of migraine (eg. possibly basilar, they have mutated and now always start as right side neck knots, droopy right eye, I've lost the aura). That could take months, in the meantime ...
What I use (not all at once!):
Triptan at onset which either sort of stops it or not - hit and miss.
Cold flannel on top of head.
Gel heat pad for neck knots.
Dissolvable aspirin.
Alka Seltzer (aspirin).
Paramol.
Paracetamol.
Paracetamol suppositories (when digestive system shuts down).
Magnesium spray.
Peppermint oil applied to neck knots.
Magnesium supplements.
B Complex.
Mostly I find painkillers to be ineffective.
I just have to be lying down in a darkened room, the pain and depression is immense and I fall into a deep dark well - I weep with the agony and berate myself for not coping better, after all these years.
Have you found a way to cope - or anything that gives some relief?
Thanks for sharing any tips - and sympathies from one migraineur to another, it's a tough affliction to deal with (on top of meno).
Night_Owl
x
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I wouldn't cope :'(. If I feel the slightest headache twinge I swallow 2 Nurufen then 60-70 mins later another 1. That usually stops it. Fortunately, I have never suffered migraines.
I can understand the sudden depression …….. the 'what if this never goes'? ……. I had that when suffering intense pain from a wrongly placed dental crown ……. not helped by the Dentist telling me it would be worse pain if he had to remove the tooth. Eventually he did, grudgingly >:( : and it wasn't!
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Hello NightOwl.
So sorry to read that you are suffering. I don't have migraines myself but my husband did as a teenager so hormones probably responsible there as well.
I heard a radio programme a few years ago which stressed that lack of sleep was a common trigger and I worked with a man who found that chocolate would induce an attack but if he then ate an apple within 30 minutes the attack would be avoided. Quite how he worked that out I don't know !
Sorry I can't be of more help but I thought a couple of anecdotes may give you food for thought.
Take care.
K.
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Thanks for replies/thoughts.
Typing this very slowly as it takes ages to get the words out from my fingertips.
Prajna, the migraines returned when my periods stopped - I had them from a child to early 20s - then okay until c.44 - so the main trigger is the loss of estrogen / change in hormone profile.
In searching for relief of migraine and meno, I've been through the spectrum of HRTs high to low, pills to gel to patches. I'm highly prog intolerant which triggers migraine too.
Apparently once the genetically pre-disposed migraine brain has become hyper-sensitised (due to meno) it can take a variety or just a few (ugh) triggers to take a migraneur over what is known as 'the threshold' into a migraine brain attack - I've never been able to figure out specifically what mine are. It can be almost anything and everything - just basically being alive and living: eg. sunshine or too much fun/stimulation/conversation, ie. nice things - or food related, not sure what though, I'm careful not to eat junk - or it can be the obvious things, stress, arguments etc. I can be fine one minute, then whoosh out of nowhere the neck knots start to build and it goes from there, I grade the pain on a scale of 1 to 10. Some people go to A&E for treatment. It can be a real disability.
Sparkle, I'm similar with taking the Triptan - as the migraines can trick me by varying and taking on different formats, I'm never sure whether to take it as occasionally it can dissipate or I think am I imagining the neck knots - the triptan knocks me sideways and I often find it ineffective once the mig has taken hold, apparently it has to be within 2 hours of onset I read somewhere - however as you have found some success with taking into later, I might try that next time. The pattern is still pretty random, last one I had was two weeks ago and before that about 6 weeks. Hopefully yours will settle once your periods stop - apparently it can go either way although most women find their migs get better at meno.
CLKD, yes the depression is hideous, I spent most of Sunday weeping and had that awful feeling of what if I don't get better, it's so de-stabilising, I'm pretty down at the best of times.
Kathleen, thanks, yes lack of sleep (due to night sweats) is an issue - I might try the apple remedy ha ha, I love Pink Lady apples. I'll try anything, I'd eat toenail clippings if I thought it would help.
On a slightly humorous note (!), this Pain Scale (Hyperbole and a Half) is so apt for pain grading of migraine:
http://brainhatesme.com/2013/05/11/a-more-accurate-pain-scale-hyperbole-and-a-half/
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ps - forgot to say, Sparkle, the other main thing that bothers me about taking Triptan is that, as we know, it narrows arteries - not just in the brain to address the migraine pain but elsewhere too, in the heart etc - the leaflet says to use with caution for post meno women. This bothers me quite a lot. Guess it depends on quantity of use. Will have to get advice about this.
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If it starts in the neck and works upwards, has anyone suggested physio or massage?
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Hi NightOwl, my sympathies as one migraneur to another. I have three day migraines, I also have ones with aura. I take Zomitriptan which sometimes works and sometimes doesn't. Don't you just hate the fact that we don't seem to be able to be in control? As you say, it can happen at any time and usually comes when you really could do without it, my wedding day for instance! I have suffered since the age of eight, I am now 65, and although more frequent now they aren't nearly so bad but still manage to make me feel ghastly.
However, I think things are improving slowly as I am now on Amitryptline. I started on 10mg but am now on 15mg (have to cut the tablet in half) as they on come in multiples of 10mgs. I am also on a 25mcg oestrogen patch twice a week. I put up with horrendous meno symptoms for 12years because I was so afraid HRT would make my migraine worse. However, a year ago I decided life wasn't worth living and I had to try something to ease my meno symptoms so saw a private consultant for HRT. The Amitryptline helps me to sleep and keeps me calm. It really is worth trying.
The small amount of oestrogen has reduced the hot flushes (I still get them at night and the odd one during the day) and has made me feel generally better. I am hoping that the combination of the AD and the patch will reduce my migraine and give me a better quality of life.
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Sparkle, I often ponder re: ADs - and yes agree that low serotonin must be a factor. In the past, pre-meno, I tried ADs when going through a rough patch and despite trying quite a few, I couldn't tolerate the side effects: totally zonked out, out of control, constant huge yawns, strange glassy eyes etc etc - but thinking that maybe I should have another go, tough it out, the outcome may be different. I must admit - I'm scared (probably wrongly) of taking them as I'm so med sensitive, eg. half a paracetamol makes me feel sleepy/strange. Y'see i'm difficult treat due to my stupid constitution. My posture isn't too great from being hunchy over a PC and past years of office work. I used to do yoga, I should start again.
CLKD, I do DIY massage on the neck with magnesium spray or peppermint oil - physio, massage and acupuncture are things I would like to explore - funds permitting.
Marras, thanks for sharing your experience - Oh I do feel for you - 57 years of migraines, and hideous meno symptoms for 12 years - that is mega-tough going, you deserve a medal for survival! And how rotten - on your wedding day, that is so unfair and wrong! Interesting how the triptan also doesn't work consistently, it's hit and miss isn't it. OH YES I hate the fact that there is no control over it, eg. I had a hideous one on my last birthday evening, missed a friend's wedding, now get worried about driving long distance without OH, etc etc, it ruins your life. I keep reading about Amitryptline AD for mig - think I may explore this with GP, if I could maybe start on a micro-dose. Are you able to take triptan too whilst on the Amitryptline? I just need to somehow get over my fear of taking AD med -v- fear of migraine. I was on half 25 patch which is now to be increased gradually to a whole 25 in an effort to ease the migraine. Higher dose patch made it worse. Marras, do you have to use progesterone?
Migraine is such a complex, varying and individual condition isn't it.
Thanks for your input ladies, it has given me a lot to think about.
Night_Owl
x
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Has anyone tried a good homeopathic doctor? I have suffered from migraines since I was a teenager and found the only thing that worked was trips to the homeopath. Three little tablets, 4 hours apart keeps me migraine free for a few years. Rinse and repeat. Don't know why or how it works but it does. One of life's mysteries.
Bramble
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It is only the 3 tablets four hours apart and then I am migraine free for a few years, then another 3 tablets 4 hours apart............. It's like magic. No idea what are in the pills. I only did this when I was getting frequent migraines. Now I only get them once in a blue moon (migraines that is).
bramble
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Night_Owl - you may be able to get physio on the NHS and perhaps visit a Sports Therapist the local Sports Centre or Gym for advice? I wouldn't recommend self massage because you won't be relaxing the correct muscle groups ……… much better to allow someone else to massage from the waist upwards. An osteopath may be able to tell you which muscles are affected but I don't advise manipulation without him/her seeing recent complete spinal X-rays.
Any tension can cause spasm = headaches. Awful :'(
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Bramble, that is truly amazing and glad that you found relief - wonder if it would work for me, will look further into maybe going down this path - funds permitting. Would love to know what's in that magic pill?! Guess it varies for each individual. The usual: what works for one, won't work for another. There was a homeopathy product advertised on Amazon that I was looking at recently, can't find it now, seems to have disappeared d'oh. Personal, tailoired treatment is the best though isn't it.
CLKD, a while ago, I had an MRI via the Neuro and the report back to the GP, copied to me, was so vague - it said neck shows signs of 'wear and tear'. What the hell is that supposed to mean, I didn't pursue it further at the time and then left it as life got in the way. All of this I will discuss with GP at next visit. I have been told that although I think and feel that the mig starts with neck knots, it's actually the other way around. I just massage very gently with magnesium oil when the mig knots come up, OH does my shoulders. Thanks for your suggestions, more food for thought.
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I'm wondering exactly what is 'wear and tear' on the neck - it's not very specific is it, eg. related to osteoporosis etc. A bit worrying as we need our necks to get through the rest of life.
My shoulders are quite stiff too - every morning I do sets of shoulder roll exercises inwards and outwards in a hot shower, it seems to help a bit. Years ago, prior to my periods stopping, I had a frozen shoulder right side, then 18 months the left shoulder. Somehow the loss of estrogen seems to affect the muscles.
I know what you mean about pillows and awkward sleeping - I bought an expensive orthopaedic pillow hoping that would help but sadly it made no difference. My mum had a slight Dowager's Hump (Forward Head Posture) and think I may be getting the same. Great. Having said that, my neck doesn't ache much in general, just hideously during the mig.
I know what you mean about the Harold migraine - mine only returned with a vile vengence when my periods stopped, so it's definitely due to not having 'hormonal protection' as such, estrogen low to high dose hasn't eased it - it's always the right side of neck and eye/head but then occasionally after taking Triptan it can move to the left side, just for good measure. Sometimes the Triptan seems to suppress the mig and tries to make a comeback, to let me know who's boss. It does seem to act in a slightly different way each time these days, always severe though. It can come on when I'm asleep and too late to take Triptan. Gawd, I hate it so much.
And YES it does affect my memory - at the time of the mig and afterwards. My brain more or less closes down and I can't remember things, it's like my brain has to shut down to recover - however the horrid depressed activity of the brain becomes super-active and likes to bring up nasty subject matters. In my youth, I wasn't able to speak and my right side would become numb. When recovering for a few days later, I particularly can't speak on the phone - it can take all my energy to stand up and shower - a supermarket shop takes forever and I can't for the life of me decide what to buy. As you well know, it's the pits.
Do you get 'migraine face' - my right eye droops, my whole face changes and droops - and I look about 95. I worry that I scare OH!
Sparkle, you may find that you don't get them when your periods stop and hormones level out, I hope so.
For anybody reading this who suffers with migraine, if you haven't already found these sites, they are very useful:
http://www.migraine.org.uk/information/triggers
http://www.migrainetrust.org/symptoms?gclid=CjwKEAiAmeyxBRCJxoKk7IWLl2oSJABvZjhhpXV-xDtG9cX5X4jGExt7MRRdHemGO_eJ4bFXNCbiyRoCb7nw_wcB
J x
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Hi Night Owl, sorry for the delay in replying. Please don't worry too much about Amitryptlin. My GP told me it's a very old drug that can be used indefinitely and is quite effective in prevention of migraine. She also said that they haven't come up with anything that is quite as effective. Obviously, it doesn't suit/work for everyone. Try looking at it as a treatment for migraines rather than an antidepressant, that's how I view it anyway. I am certainly not as anxious and feel a lot more relaxed. It's worth a try Night Owl.
Yes, you can take the Triptans with Amitryptline.
I still have a womb so have to take progesterone but only four times a year and I take Cyclogest pessaries, the anal route! I am to have regular scans to check the womb lining.
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Girls: 'wear and tear' is that: gradual narrowing of the weight bearing bones throughout the body. Including the neck because our heads are heavier than we realise ;) and as they are moving almost all the while, they kind of get worn down too. X-rays taken will show the degree of wear on the various joints and is 'natural' as we age. Osteoporosis is usually in the other bones unless one is very lacking in calcium. Your GP should have explained the results >:( !
I think that 'knots' are more likely to radiate upwards into the back of the neck/skull …… = headaches. After all if one thinks about how the shoulders rise when people are stressed then it stands to reason ……. so physiotherapy should help with gentle exercises to do at home.
Gentle neck exercises - sitting down quietly. Bend the head forwards so that the chin tries to reach the breast bone. Head back centrally. Rest. Turn the head to the left as far as is comfortable. Centrally, rest. Turn the head to the right as far as is comfortable. Central, rest. Tip head back as far as is comfortable. Central, rest.
Tip the ear towards the shoulder - right, central, rest, left, central, rest. My neck creaks when I do some of these ;D
Repeat as often as you remember. At least once an hour. Once you get used to these gentle manoveres you should find at least your neck and shoulders are less painful.
Hormones can cause a tendency to headaches worse :-\
:foryou:
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Back to the homeopath. The one I visited is a NHS GP as well as a homeopath so came with good qualifications etc. If you can't get a personal recommendation for someone in your area, I would recommend Jan de Vries. He has a website and does telephone consults if you are not near a centre. And he is relatively cheap. Well worth to give him a go.
Bramble
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I used to listen to Jan de Vries on the Jimmy Young Show and although sceptical, found him very informative and he didn't push his products. He talked a lot of sense.
OK girls - gently does it ……… rest and breath ;). 4 me it's all about remembering ::)
Another thing to consider is your general posture, even how hard/soft your pillow is.
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Im awake, having taken alka seltzer for the pain, discovered that works better than oaracetamol at numbing the headache. I will look into this magnesium oil, ive read magnesium mentioned in quite a few post on here so def looking at that.
I threw up a couple of days ago, on and off for an hour, which was horrendous seeing as i was on a train at the time >:( it was exactly a month ago that i did the same thing, first time it was a very sudden intense headache then vomiting, the other day it was an all day headache that just got worse as the day went on. Having looked at the dates, could this be ovulation time? Periods are around the 15th of the month at the moment, mind you thats not a guarantee! Havent had a migraine for such a long time, this knocked the stuffing out of me!
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Marras, thanks for the input on Amitriptyline, very useful and reassuring to know this as a possible route - the idea of feeling less anxious is very appealing, two for the price of one. (I have to admit though that the thought of side effects does bother me, eg. I have enough trouble already with dry mouth and lazy bowel/constipation.) I've used Cyclo (progesterone) suppositories in the past, then went back to Utrogestan 100mg v-route. Hope things continue to improve on your HRT/Amitrip regime, please do let us know how you get on - good for you finding the strength to take the initiative after suffering for so many years with meno/mig.
CLKD, thanks for the wear and tear explanation and exercise suggestions - I try to do them often and I'm always watching neck exercise tutorials on Youtube. I know that I spend way too long hunchy-like on my laptop which really doesn't help posture, a hazard of the modern world.
Sparkle, I often wonder why the migs are right sided - yin / yan of the body? Chinese medicine has a whole theory on mig - (by the way, I can wink my right eye, sorry to blow your theory/connection) and how/why do they sometimes transfer from right to left. I've managed to take a few selfies during an attack and you should see the state of it, face transformed and droopy. As a lovely adviser from Migraine Action explained to me, it's important to get the TYPE of migraine diagnosed by a Specialist Consultant (Neurologist) eg. Basilar, Hemiplegic. This information is new to me, the fact that there are different types/sub-categories of migraine, apart from what I've always known as the obvious, ie. aura and non-aura. It's a hugely complex condition. (I over-think triggers all the time: eg. I alternate estrogen patch application right to left side buttocks and wonder if this is a trigger, should just stick to one side, re: blood circulation/flow etc.) aww, 5.20am dog brek made me smile.
Bramble, great, thanks for the recommendation - I'm definitely going to check out Jan de Vries. I must admit the idea of homeopathy does appeal to me simply because I always have hyper-sensitivity reactions to any meds.
LouE, oh my goodness, how rotten for you, really feel for you as I've experienced similar. It does sound like a hormonal fluctuation pattern - maybe it could be a drop in estrogen that is the trigger, as Sparkle says, might be worth seeing your GP. And yes I've found AS to be much more effective than Paracetamol. Hope you are recovering now. Bloody hormones.
Realising just how important it is for migraneurs to try and put in place a proper migraine management plan, to find some peace of mind from this terrorising neurological condition - it is not just a headache. There are so many choices out there, guess we all have to find out - sometimes through tedious trial and error over many years - what works for us individually.
J x
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The side effects of Amitryptline being dry mouth and constipation, I agree, can be a bit of a problem. However, the dry mouth I've come to accept as something I can cope with considering the benefits. The constipation I've been able to overcome by using Golden Linseed in my breakfast cereal every morning and making sure I have plenty of water. It's my husband's 60th birthday celebrations tonight with a big function in a posh hotel so keeping fingers crossed that I will be migraine free!
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Since I've been on continuous Utrogestan (100mg daily with one pump of oestrogen) for the first time in many years I've not had a bad headache. My headaches usually lasted about 3-4 days - I felt truly awful and painkillers rarely helped. When I came off HRT for a break a couple a years ago I had 3 day headaches almost every week - I really wasn't functioning well.
When I had the Mirena with Oestrogel I still got occasional bad headaches so Utro, being bio identical, is clearly better. In the past I have been generally sceptical about the positive effects of progesterone but I now feel it clearly does have some up sides. I hasten to add, we are all different so Utro may no suit everyone. DG x
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Everything crossed Marras
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How awful :sick02: on the train, not only the movement but the feeling of a small space, being alone and the smell of metal, rattle of the tracks ……….. one of my worst nightmares :'(
I noted as I walked by a window earlier than I am really hunched over usually a sign of depression setting in, however, I'm trying to avoid anxiety ::) …….
If you are able to chart your triggers can you take preventative pain relief? I could take a bucket of Paracetamol ::) ….. what does alka-seltzer have in?
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Asprin based i think?
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AAhhhh - hence being used for hang-overs? ::)
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Marras, yes, linseeds are good, also I take Chia seeds in water. I hope you have a lovely evening and keep well, a few glasses of bubbly maybe?
DG, interesting how your headaches were worse off HRT (mine too) just shows how remedial HRT can be.
CLKD, this dark time of the year can be so depressing, how do you stave it off .... sometimes little things cheer me up, I love cosy winter lighting - lovely warm white berry fairy lights around the fireplace and colourful chinese lanterns.
The effervescence in Alka Seltzer speeds up absorption of the aspirin - they seem to be a moderately good painkiller for mig, that's if you can get it down when feeling nauseous though. I also like fizzy Andrews Liver Salts when recovering, it's a really good taste, if you like that sort of thing!
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Oh that brings back a memory ;D - always given to drink quickly through the 'fizz' when we felt unwell :o.
We have a thread about how to feel brighter, if I can remember ::)
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Sparkle, sorry to read that you've got yet another ghastly headache and feeling low.
As you know, it's trial and error finding the right HRT (or AD) - however you may want to think about dipping your toe in the water and trying a very low dose. (I'm not great on HRT by any means - but I'm much worse off it.)
Hopefully when your periods stop, you may find the headaches/migraines improve.
Hope you feel better soon, how are you today?
J x
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sparkle - Lansonprazole gave me horrid headaches - I felt really dreadful when I had to take these for 3 months to deal with awful stomach acid and burning pain!!!! I had the camera down the throat to look at my stomach and all was fine but they did advice me to keep taking the PPIs, however, when I stopped taking them I felt so much better. I have adjusted my diet so I don't need to take them - it's very boring but worth it.
If you have fibroids, cysts and endometriosis then HRT might not be the best idea without some specialist advice from a gynae. A Mirena might be a better option for you as this is often given to women with these types of complaints and will reduce any possible problematic bleeding - it will often shrink fibroids. If you had a Mirena you could then just add some oestrogen as patch or gel to deal with flushes etc.
Headaches and fatigue are definitely a side effect of PPIs so perhaps discuss this with the GP and try a different PPI or ask to see a dietician to find ways of avoiding the need to take them. DG x
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Hello Sparkle.
I've just caught up with this post and I wonder if you could email Dr. Currie and then take her advice to your GP. If' her recommendations are too complicated for your doctor to deal with you may get a quick referral to a gynecologist or a menopause clinic. At least you would learn from Dr. Currie what your particular options are.
I hope you find some answers soon. Take care.
K.
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Sparkle, are you getting lots of meno symptoms - apart from the migraines - to make you feel that you'd like to try HRT. If it is possible for you to take it, some low dose estrogen/prog may help your general well being. I'm on 3/4 of lowest patch strength - Estraderm 25 and 6 weekly progesterone.
That's a good suggestion to email Dr C - and/or maybe then ask GP for a referral for specialist advice regarding possibility of HRT re: endometriosis. Guess you'll get to find out from there if HRT is / isn't a possibility.
Thanks for asking, I've been migraine free since last week - in the meantime, while I'm researching migraine/homeopathy etc etc, I'm going to ask at GP appt (tomorrow) for a Triptan called Maxalt Melt Wafers - apparently some people use them by breaking into quarters - even at this low dose it can stop the mig in its tracks and not give too much of a zonked out side effect.
Can't imagine that your GP will mind you being proactive, getting advice from Dr C - mine is usually receptive to suggestions that I've researched.
J x
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Sparkle, you're feeling a bit better, that's good. I so know what you mean about going round in circles, can relate to that. Hopefully you'll enjoy more good days, headache free as your hormones settle.
Wishing you well.
J x
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Fellow migraneurs - just bringing this thread back to life with this article:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3410299/Why-menopause-bring-migraine-misery-women-Hormone-changes-trigger-crippling-headaches-10-DAYS-month.html#comments
From the article:
"Simple treatments which adjust hormone levels - including oral contraceptives - could easily solve the problem, the researchers said."
Yeh right. Sadly it's not always that simple, however for some women, it can be - this posted comment is informative:
"I started getting migraines when my oestrogen levels dropped. I started using the oestrogen gel and they went away completely. I saw a hormone specialist and a migraine specialist and both agreed that low oestrogen levels are the only cause of my migraines and I will have to use the gel for life. I am happy to take the very small risks because the health benefits I get are so enormous. I recommend the gel, it really is life changing."
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Ladies, how are you coping - improvements / worse?
Mine seem to be getting worse, so I'm going to try upping my estrogen patch from 25 to 37.5 - still only take Utro 100mg x 12 nights every 6 weeks (due to progesterone intolerance) 6 monthly endo scans - the menopause clinic recommended this recently. Although I have been on 50, 75 and 100 previously and still had migraines ... so we shall see. You know how it is, round and round in circles. Medium / higher dose doesn't necessarily eliminate migraine, some ladies still get them -guess the estrogen replacement is never going to be the same as what the body used to produced naturally.
Still worth a try though! At different stages / ages of meno, the body may react differently.
Confused, as ever ...
J x
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Hi Sparkle, let's hope you've turned a corner and that things settle - more so when your periods stop altogether. I've probably already said this upthread, most information about meno / migraines says that for the majority, they get better post-meno.
Sorry to hear that you had horrid ones in December, it really is the pits when it ruins occasions. I too had one on Christmas Day evening and Boxing Day - brought on by drinking ONE small glass of Prosecco - what a lightweight I am! OH and Dad had to cater for themselves on Boxing Day - Dad got the hump! Then a week or so back, another mega mig on top of a horrid cold, that was one of my worst ever, excruciating 3 day-er.
You probably know this - if the pain is so bad A&E can give a Triptan injection - as yet I haven't done this though as I can't bear the thought of waiting for hours when feeling beyond ghastly.
Recently I rang Jan de Vries Healthcare advice line (as recommended on this thread) and they're sending me some information about a homeopathic remedy for £15 - I may give it a try.
Also waiting for a referral to Kings College Hospital Neurology/Migraine Clinic. I have been seen before at another hospital however this clinic is more migraine specific.
Hope you keep well, S.
J x
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I simply wouldn't cope :'(
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CLKD, truth is, I don't cope at all, I'm a total wreck when having a migraine attack and OH has to help me, it's 100% debilitating. On top of hideous meno, the migraine has totally ruined me - a great fear is being like my dear departed Mum and suffering as she did with migraine into my very old age, eurgghhhh!
J x
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:bighug:
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Sparkle, I'll post about the outcome of visit to Kings - apparently the wait time for an appointment is about 3 months. Migraine Action adviser said it's important to get a diagnosis of the actual type of migraine (mine have changed a lot over the years and from when I was a child/teen). Think I would like to try the occipital nerve block injection (in the neck).
Poor Mum, yeh I feel so sad for her, she had so many serious health issues and then migraine on top of everything to bring her down further. Mum's migs started in her late 50s and were of a different type to mine - they weren't as violent or long lasting. She only ever took paracetamol as she was on so many other types of strong medication. We both had/have one similarity - very droopy right eye during an attack. I remember she had one a few weeks before she passed away (at age 83), breaks my heart how much she suffered.
Sorry for the depressing post.
I'm never touching alcohol of any description again - gutted as I absolutely love a glass of fizz. hey ho. argggggggggh!!!!
Keep well!
J x
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Yep, such a waste of life - days completely lost, weeping in agony with the curtains closed - then 'the hangover' days and struggle to recover - and often it happens on special occasions to spoil things for you and everybody else - and as discussed upthread, that awful feeling of lack of control, hopelessness.
Think there's a possibility I may have inherited the gene from Dad's side too as he suffered terribly with neck knots/headaches/vomiting when younger, although never diagnosed.
Thinking about having a daith piercing on the right ear or both maybe. Have you heard of this, Sparkle. Apparently some people have reported success with it or reductions in length of time / pain.
J x
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You both have my deepest sympathy - I didn't know that what I suffered was migraines until I was pregnant and I went from just the nausea and headache of my teens and early twenties to migraine with aura. Thought I was having a stroke on several occasions and it was a few years post pregnancy before they abated and mostly went back to ones without aura. As I've hit peri the aura has started up again - seems to run in the family as mum has been diagnosed with opthalmic migraine and son had one at school in his sixth form when he went blind temporarily in one eye. As you say it's not only the debilitating nature of the attack itself, but the wondering if it's going to come on, and the washed out feeling afterwards. I've never found anything that helps other than a warm bath and giving into it and trying to sleep it off. I'm just glad I no longer vomit with them. X
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Coldethyl, sorry to read that you're another sufferer of this dreadful affliction, it really is the pits. Do you ever take Triptan at the start of one - I find sometimes it works, other times not, I only take a half to start with though as it knocks me sideways.
Sparkle, I've got an appointment tomorrow at Kings College Neurology / Headache Services - it must be a cancellation, I rang to say I had been waiting for some time (GP had not attached a letter so the referral was not processed) - then I received the appointment promptly - so maybe I'll get a diagnosis of the type of migraine.
Migraine Action told me about this specialist, Professor Anne MacGregory who specialises in hormonal migraine - the website has some good information, including a link to a migraine App and some books:
http://www.annemacgregor.com/Anne_MacGregor/Welcome.html
Migraine Action also offer a service whereby you can speak to a Specialist Nurse for £30 I think.
Migraine Trust have just updated their website:
http://www.migrainetrust.org/
I also received the information from Jan de Vries Healthcare about the homeopathic remedy for migraines and headaches - it's called Migraine Echtroplex imported from Germany, £15.02 for 50ml. Apparently they've received good feedback from users. It contains 10 different homeopathic ingredients, one of which is:
Strychnos nux-vomica dil D4 5ml - alleviates headaches, aching muscles, indigestion and vomiting. Also eases irregular menstruation and associated hormonal upset.
I may try this, just thinking about it. I could Procrastinate / Dither for England though when deciding what I should do next with both migraine and HRT treatment - and in general!
Guess we can live in hope that the migraines will eventually get less and less ...
Hope you're all keeping well.
J x
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Migraine: Menopause and Midlife
http://www.migrainetrust.org/about-migraine/trigger-factors/menopause-and-midlife/