recurring headachesm, increasing in frequency - what can I do?

[AKAmyself]

I've had headaches for as long as I can remember - probably starting in my late teens. I never could figure out whether they are migraines (they tend to be on my whole head not just one side, just above the eyes, in what feels like an-ever tightening steel cap, and while i do feel nauseous I have never been sick). Thing is, over the last few months they have become more and more frequent to the point I now get at least one a week, often lasting several days. It's really awful and while I havent missed any days at work I tend to crawl into bed the minute I get home. If I get one at the weekend I'll just stay in bed all day. I am miserable when I have them and really struggle to focus or talk.

I've mentioned this to the doctor several times but to be honest they're not very interested, "no one understands headaches" seems to be the stock answer. they gave me a migraine medication once which, however, freaked me out as I started having this tingling sensation all over my arms and generally feeling really drowsy and spaced out. So i'm basically managing this with ibuprofen but it's barely taking the edge off the pain.

What can I do? I'm really starting to feel miserable about this and now also a bit worried that there's some underlying cause of a sinister nature.

I'm almost 40, otherwise in great health (touch wood), although i do have a very sedentary lifestyle and am struggling to get any exercise. I'm on the mirena coil but i have an appointment to have it removed as i'm now paranoid it's contributing to the headaches (ive read it can be one of the side effects).

if anyone has any advice, experiences, or reassurances please let me know, I dont quite know what I should do, whether I should ask to see a specialist, or whether I need to make any lifestyle changes eg diet... thank you

[WifOfBif]

Are you more stressed than usual? Have the headaches increasing coincided with anything major happening in your life?

I would return to the GP and not be fobbed off. I know nothing about migraines but get terrible tension headaches every so often that go up my neck and make my whole head feel like it's in a vice - they can last for days but so far they're quite infrequent.

I would go back to your GP and insist on being taken seriously. Ask for a second opinion if necessary.

[WanderingTrolley1]

Could it be brought by on stress?

[mumsnit]

Have had awful frequent headaches since taking progesterone only contraceptives (I have the mirena and am also having to take cerelle ). This is most definitely the cause of my headaches which sound like yours - hardly ever got them before. Am useless at work when I have a bad one as am so drowsy and spaced out.

Hope yours improve if you do get rid of the mirena. Otherwise, agree that if they continue to be really severe they should investigate it further for you.

[wineoclockthanks]

It maybe worth getting your blood pressure checked. High bp can cause headaches.

[PalcumTowder]

It sounds like a tension headache, are you at a computer a lot at work? It's a muscular thing but I dont know much more about them - maybe Google and see if it sounds right?

Get your eyes tested too.

I'm sorry you're suffering. I have frequent headaches and migraines too but can't offer any solutions as I haven't figured out how to make mine stop! There's an ear peircing that's supposed to help but it's only anecdotal...