What's causing these migraines?

[Lenarose]

I'm late 40s. I got the mirena coil a couple of years ago so I haven't had a period in about a year. For the first time ever, I started getting what I can only describe as migraines last year, I had about 3 in the year, lasting about 24 hours.
Yesterday, I'd my worst one yet. I felt really sick with it. Before this, I'd never even had a headache!

Was recently at doc for something else and asked her do I need to go on HRT but she said not yet as it's likely the coil has stopped my periods and I've no other symptoms of the menopause.

I don't know, but I presume this onset of migraines is related to my age?

Hi @Lenarose. I'm 53 and for the past six or seven years I've been suffering with the most horrendous migraines. I think it's a menopause thing - I started having the odd one when I hit puberty, but now they've really ramped up.

I think you need to go back to your doctor and get some migraine meds as soon as possible. I'm speaking from personal experience, but also as increased migraine activity is linked to the menopause. You've already experienced how hideous they are and you want to get as much ammunition ready to fight them!

It may be helpful to keep a diary of them, to help pinpoint any potential triggers. Mine is predominantly tiredness and stress and so I have to manage my life in such a way as to minimise both of these (not easy with a demanding job and demanding family!).

Oh, and aspirin is meant to be a good first line of defence. Get a couple of soluble aspirin down you as soon as you feel symptoms and rest up.

Good luck with it all, lenarose. I hope you get treatment as quickly as possible.

@Lenarose I would echo going back to your GP - I know of two people close to me who only started getting migraines in their 40s
In both cases HRT stopped them completely !
I believe they are caused by fluctuating oestrogen levels .
It may be worth doing some research if you have the misfortune to have a GP who doesn't understand menopause.
Or see if the surgery has a menopause specialist - mine has 2 now.