Do I need to see a GP?

[sunshine244]

I'm 43. Over a year ago I had what I assume is my first migraine. Sore on one side of my head, nausea, metallic taste in mouth, brain fog and tiredness.

This happened again roughly every three months. But I then had one in Oct, one Dec and two Jan so the frequency is increasing. No obvious triggers, not same time in my cycle etc.

I spoke to pharmacist a while ago who recommended ibuprofen and paracetamol combo which does help. But do I also need to see a GP now frequency is increasing? Or to confirm diagnosis vs something more serious? The pharmacist didn't seem worried at all but because its all come out of nowhere in my 40s I can't help worry it might be something else. I also don't want to waste GP time if this is normal.

Yes see a gp there are other meds available

If you don't have a history of migraine you definitely need to get checked by a GP.

Yes I would, just in case. Also as PP said they could prescribe better medication

It’s definitely worth speaking to your GP if you are concerned. Do you think you may be perimenopausal? I’ve noticed an increase with my migraines in the last year or so (I’m mid 40s).

Have you been for a recent eye test - if not DO and tell them about your migraines.

Mine started age 11. I'm now 58.
Everyone else I know who suffers started very young.

As yours started at 43 I'd get checked out by GP just to rule out nothing else going on.

Also, I have never, ever been able to pinpoint a trigger in all of these years. So you have my sympathy OP💐

Yes see a GP
If it’s migraine they may prescribe something better like sumatriptan. Also if you’re on the pill they may suggest changing it as some are not prescribed to women with migraine.
Have you considered food triggers? Things like hard cheese, chocolate, wine, oranges can all be triggers, and also lights that flicker and smells. Also drops in blood sugar/being hungry or sleeping badly.

My mum had migraine all her life until she went through menopause and now rarely gets them. Also didn’t get while pregnant, so hers were likely hormonal related but not obviously linked to cycles. Mine similar but I don’t get more than say three a year luckily.

occasionally if I feel a headache coming on/tingly face/flashing lights etc I can knock it on the head with coffee and sugar (not chocolate).

Yes and start keeping a headache diary. Record dates, times, additional symptoms, severity, medication and it's effectiveness. Also track your cycle and food intake, especially the common triggers - coffee, cheese, chocolate, citrus, alcohol.

See an optician, their report will be helpful for your GP

See your GP

https://patient.info/brain-nerves/migraine-leaflet

Keep a headache diary (on your phone is fine), this is also useful for your GP

https://www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk/headache-diary/

Thanks so much everyone - I was expecting to be told I'm unreasonable to be considering taking up GPs time. I'll book an appt tomorrow.

I'm keeping a diary. Stress/poor sleep might be a factor. Perimenopause is also possible. I had an eye test about a year ago and never had any issues or need glasses but I'll book another just in case.

Thanks so much everyone - I was expecting to be told I'm unreasonable to be considering taking up GPs time. I'll book an appt tomorrow.

I'm keeping a diary. Stress/poor sleep might be a factor. Perimenopause is also possible. I had an eye test about a year ago and never had any issues or need glasses but I'll book another just in case.