Migraines and the pill

[Ace1185]

Does anyone suffer from headaches/Migraines on the pill? I have been off the pill for many years but after a few issues with my monthly cycle the dr put me back on it for 6 months to see if that resets things. However I'm getting migraines now and headaches lasting days at a time that won't go no matter how many painkillers I take. I'm beginning to wonder if it's the pill causing them. I'm on Rigevidon

I dont think it's advised to stay on it if it causes migraines. Maybe need to try something else instead. Contact your GP ASAP

Yes me! I'd been on the same pill (mircogynon) for years apart from a break to have DC without any issues. Recently I started having really bad headaches just like you describe in the run up to my pill free days. I've just changed to the mini pill and so far so good. Definitely consider trying a different one.

It's not recommended to be on the combined pill if you have migraine with aura.

However even if you don't have aura, you may well do and just not recognise it. It took me 10 years plus of migraine to be able to recognise my aura and even then, I often only do in hindsight.

So migraine and combined pill is a no-no. You can still have the progesterone-only pill though. Will be of zero use for 'resetting a cycle' as it doesn't do that. Has been fantastic for me though for getting rid of hormonal migraines, hormonal everything.

Hormonal fluctuations (natural or from the pill) are a common trigger for migraines. Suffering from migraines is a contraindication for taking Rigevidon except under strict medical supervision. There is an increased risk of stroke. If you get aura with your migraines, you shoudn't take Rigevidon at all. Even if you don't get aura, you need to speak to your GP for advice.

www.migrainetrust.org/living-with-migraine/coping-managing/contraceptive-pill/

www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.4212.pdf

I had 1 migraine with an aura and my GP took me off the combined pill straight away as there is an increased risk of a stroke.

I went onto the mini pill which was fine. Then had a break for a while, went back on it and it was bloody awful, as was the implant. As I only ever had 1 migraine GP has temporarily agreed to the combined pill again until DP gets the snip but I know if it happens again they won't let me have it.

You can't have any combined hormonal contrception with migraines. Progesterone only is fine though so may be a case of trial and error (it doesn't agree with me so I won't have any of it now).

Same here, I switched to mini pill and was fine.

I used to get migraine with aura during the ‘pill free’ week on the combined pill. My GP at the time thought the pill was ok for me but I really don’t think it was.

The most vicious migraines were the ones related to my period (before/during) and the ones when I was on the pill.

Mini pill was fine. I do get migraines at other times but can usually manage the triggers.

As above; if you get an aura ie a warning before a migraine or headache then you should never again take the combined pill eg rigevidon. There is an increased risk of stroke and it is strictly contraindicated. It doesn't matter whether the headache is related to taking the pill or not the restriction applies.
Is it a migraine? What does your Dr think? It is really common to get headaches ( not necessarily migraines) in the pill free interval with the combined pill. If your has are associated to the pill in this way you could take the pill differently to reduce the number of PFIS ; discuss it with your doctor.