Menstrual migraines

[Deckthehallswith]

Which have got worse since I started antidepressants for pnd
What can I do to help with this?

[GetOffTheTableMabel]

How old is your baby?
I have suffered with menstrual migraine my whole adult life. As you probably know, at its simplest, menstrual migraine is your body’s response to fluctuating oestrogen levels - specifically the drop in oestrogen that naturally occurs right before your period.
Any big hormonal swings can set them off. Mine were so crippling during the first 3 months of each pregnancy (when you can’t even take a painkiller) that I felt utterly desperate. They settled to once a month but recently went bonkers again became I’m 49 and my hormones are up and down becoming I’m approaching menopause.
Things you could consider

1. If you’ve recently given birth, the migraines may settle soon as your hormone levels return to normal (are you breastfeeding?)
   
2. You could talk to your GP about going on the pill. This helps some people as it can stabilise your hormone levels (doesn’t work for everyone though)
   
3. Have you been prescribed a triptan drug for your migraine?
   
4. Check out the website of the National Migraine Centre. It has a lot of information and is a charity. You can even self-refer and see a migraine specialist for free.
   
5. Listen to the Heads-Up podcast (especially the episode about about triptans). It tells you all about the different triptan drugs and discusses menstrual migraine in particular.
   

Migraine is punishing. It’s made worse by disrupted sleep which mother’s usually have and it will make you feel more depressed. I’m sorry you’re are going through this but it is worth pushing forward to get a new prescription for this. It will help your whole wellbeing. It will get easier with time though as your hormones and sleep patterns normalise. Don’t despair.

[Deckthehallswith]

Thanks for the detailed reply, it's just what I needed

Yes I've had it for my whole adult life but it's just worse since starting the antidepressants. It's been 3 months and baby is 6 months now.
Funnily I suffered horrifically with it in my first pregnancy, but my second pregnancy I was fine.

I will speak to my gp about going on the pill. I haven't considered it before but it is definitely worth trying.
I'll also get a prescription for migraine meds to be prepared if it happens again. Usually over the counter meds work along with sleep, but it's just not working now.

I'll look at the national migraine centre and listen to the heads up podcast.

Thanks again.