To ask for your hormonal migraine tips/ help?

[Polkadotpjs]

I'm getting a terrible headache GP says is hormonal migraine every period, day 1. It starts suddenly, like my head is being squeezed, cannot bear the light, feel sick, sometimes retch, usually go to bed in the evening after work- usually starts late pm, so I finish work then crash out in the dark, but cannot sleep. I believe I am peri-menopausal so have got HRT, taken first full month just gone, having stopped it because it seemed to intensify the headache but then my mood was so bad, I started back up again. Have had maybe 6 months on and off it.
Latest one hit last night, had to go to bed, felt sick, light sensitive, but couldn;t bear to wear an eye mask. Took Paramol, thought I may throw up but didn't, couldn't eat, went to bed and had restless sleep. Still feel rough today but am working (hence i wonder if it's really a migraine as I feel I might be being disingenuous to real migraine sufferers). Was prescribed Triptans, but had none left and anyway, they were so-so- worked well one time, didn't work so well another month, but got none anyway.
GP won't prescribe propanol(?) as I take something else which contra-indicates it. It's only one or 2 days, 3 most per month, so I'm reluctant to take something long term. Has anyone got similar? I'm working because I don;t think a monthly day-off is ok to take. I'm aware this isn't very well written either sorry

[veneeroftheweek]

My gp prescribed me the progesterone only pill. It took a few months but has really helped.

[NooneElseIsSingingMySong]

I started getting loads of migraines. Definitely partly hormonal from tracking my cycle. I got a referral to a neurologist because I was getting so many (at least one a fortnight) it was impacting on my life. Three things have helped - taking a magnesium supplement, GP identifying and treating low ferritin levels but the best thing has been taking a regular dose of Amitriptyline which stops them coming in the first place (or if they do come they’re not as severe).

[cheermeupifyoucan]

Migraleave pink and yellow usually helped me. You'd better check that you can take them if you're already on medication.
That and lying in bed with a cooling eye mask in the dark and just trying to sleep.
I used to find my headache would build and build until I couldn't open my eyes or stand the pain anymore, I'd then vomit and the pain would lesson slightly but I'd be exhausted and still in some pain.

[TheSandgroper]

You may need to watch yourself in the days leading up to your event as you can have a build up of little triggers that culminate on your migraine.

www.fedup.com.au/factsheets/symptom-factsheets/headaches-and-migraines

[Beachcomber74]

Migraleave
No coffee & loads of water & regular mealtimes.
Poor you. My speech is blurred and I can’t read when I suffer so you’ve done well to write your post.

[Sexnotgender]

I get these, less so now I’m on the mini pill though. You have my sympathy.

4Head is fantastic- don’t buy a generic one, I don’t know what the difference is but only the genuine one helps me.

[Polkadotpjs]

I can't take the mini pill as well as HRT I don't think but will ask about amitripto- whatsit. It's hurting so much now I can't bear the kids talking/ TV so I've left laptop and got in bed - lunch break anyway. Am going to ask for GP appt by phone. DH has bought me OTC Triptan and taken that. Might try and snooze a bit

[itsgettingweird]

I use to get hormonal headaches.

Now take mini pill and don't.

I found laying with a cold flannel on my forehead and a wheat bag on my neck helped. No idea why or of there's any scientific evidence of how - but it worked

[barnet]

I had period migraines for years, a migraine doctor prescribed the preventative Candesartan (atacand) which has got rid of them. Amazing.

[SellFridges]

I use sumatriptans for this.

[NooneElseIsSingingMySong]

Amitriptyline is an old fashioned antidepressant. It works well for some people as pain relief and headache/migraine prevention. I have them at night and then sumitriptan for when they kick in.

[PlayerOneReady]

I could have written your post, but I’m a bit further long. Some advice from someone who’s tried everything...

1. try triptans again. There are different and better ones than Sumatriptan- this is the drug of first choice for GPs because it’s cheap, but the newer ones like Zolmitriptan and Frovatriptan are better. They are the best painkillers by a mile for migraines, but aspirin can help too.
   
2. If you can, pay to see a migraine specialist. Youll be waiting forever on the nhs.
   
3. Consider supplementing with progesterone over your susceptible days. Ideally bio-identical. You’ll Need to have this prescribed (I guess by the doctor above).
   
4. the big lifestyle change that really helped me was the keto (low carb) diet. It evens out your blood sugar and your hormones over the long term and can make a big difference but it takes a lot of commitment.
   
   Good luck OP. Migraines are horrendous and life-ruining so do push to get a good solution for you.

[PlayerOneReady]

Ps I also second the poster who recommended Amitryptyline, this helped me too. Start at a low dose (10mg) and work your way up to see how you get on with it.

[PlayerOneReady]

Last one - sorry ! Crucial to the effectiveness of Triptans is Timing - you must take them as soon as you feel the first signs of a migraine coming. This Sign may be unique to you - for example mine is ringing in my left ear. For lots of people it’s visual disturbances (aura). If you take triptans fast they will work MUCH better.

[Sunflowersok]

I’m really sorry you are struggling. Mine has been so bad this time around I have been sleeping for days my moods all over.

The only thing that helps me is sinutab it’s been a life saver since I found it. I try not to take too much though for too long.

[greathat]

I take pizotifen as a preventer and a triptan as treatment. No over the counter stuff was ever any good

[Shoppingwithmother]

I get this day 1 or the day before if every period. I find pink Migraleve usually works, and stops the sickness as well as the headache. Sometimes I have to go to sleep for a while too.

[MrsBush]

Hormonal migraines are horrible. Mine started as a teen and have got worse with peri menopause. I've tried several triptans after migraleave had no affect anymore. I currently take sumatriptan but you can't take that with antidepressants (which I used to take). I use HRT gel and I have a Mirena coil for the progesterone. I talked to a couple of GPS at my surgery last year and they both recommended the coil as it is a slow even release of the hormone. Seven months down the line, I still get migraines but they gave improved a lot and the triptan helps when needed. Keep going back to your GP until you find something that works for you as we're all different. The menopause matters website is useful as you can also chat on there with others going through it.

[MrsBush]

Forgot to say that when I was taking any progesterone tablets, either mini pill or for hrt, definitely made the migraines worse

[Thecazelets]

Agree that going low carb really helps. It is the only thing that has made a lasting change for me - have had hormonal migraines for nearly 20 years. Early on (before prescribing triptans) my GP suggested taking ibuprofen in prophylactic doses prior to symptoms emerging and this did help a bit.

[Polkadotpjs]

Thanks all I had to admit defeat and go to bed after writing as I was blurry and in pain. Texted my boss and took an OTC sumotriptan. It lifted enough to work again by 3 and now I'm just knackered but way better. I'm going to ask for a review of the HRT and the triptan and see if I can try maybe gel instead. I will also get a script in for some more triptans and take sooner. Mine started with a couple of distinctive squeezes yesterday so maybe o could've warded it off sooner. Thanks v much everyone
I know supplements and homeopathic stuff gets a mixed reception here but anyone take anything else?

[Pipperleen]

I would agree with a PP - try another triptan when you get the chance.
Sumatriptan did nothing for me, rizatriptan made me feel very drunk and then the pain just came back, but 2.5mg zolmitriptan with a cocodamol tablet is the one! Magic for me.
Good luck, and hope you feel better soon. I feel your pain.

[DreamingofSunshine]

Mine are definitely linked to hormones.
Amyltriptyline didn't help my migraines but I'm on lamotrigine which has made a huge difference, I've gone from 2 a week to one every three months.

I'd echo seeing a specialist, mine has been brilliant and is relentless in pursuing different options.

[blubellsarebells]

Contraceptive implant.
Ive only had one migraine in nearly 3 years.
I was having them almost monthly before.