Menstrual Migraine

[pinkmama]

Hi, anyone offer me any advice. Suffered from migraines since teenager sporadically, had dd 6 years ago started getting them every period, after birth of ds 2 years ago get them every period and the last 2 days. Have terrible PMS which seems to get worse with each child. GP unsympathetic about PMS. Prescribed Zomtig for migraine, took it this month and it worked, but migraine just came back next day, this happened 3 times. Emergency doc prescriped dihydrocodeine which made me so stoned I didn't care about the pain, but didn't take it away. Life comes to stand still. Dh has to take time off to work to look after me and kids. Currently trying for baby, and frightened as to how bad PMS/Migraines will be after 3rd. Any advice would be greatly received

Oh, we could talk for hours. I have the exact same situation. I even went to see a neurologist in London a while back to ask him how I could prevent migrains in pregnancy... he was an unsypathetic w*nker.

I too have zomig. Sumatriptan is good as well. Sumatriptan works faster and better. But it also wears off faster. Like you, my migraines always come back when the medicine wears off. You can take a second dose (but you have to wait at least two hours). And you can take a max of 2 or 3 a day (depending on the medicine and strength).

I love the triptans. They keep my life normal. The trouble is I am pregnant now and so can't take any triptans. I had to suffer through the first three day migraine a couple of weeks ago... :-( But, I'm okay now. And, if this pregnancy is like my last one, I will just have to suffer through the first trimester, but I won't get any at all in the second or third.

Another thing which I just read on another mumsnet thread (this place is full of useful stuff... if you can read between the bickering that flares up now and then). There is a thread on here somewhere about a mirena coil. And someone posted that she has one and it has completely eliminated her migranes. I tell ya, I'm gonna get one after this pregnancy. I hope it has the same effect on me! Obviously, this is of no use to you while you wish to be pregnant. But, there is light at the end of the first trimester.

Thanks, for that. My doctor actually suggested the merina coil for the future. The last two times I was pregnant my migraines actually stopped, so at least I get a few months without them. They come back, with my periods, despite verocious breastfeeding, within 3 months (which seems very unfair). None of my friends get migraines, and I think sometimes people don't understand how truly debilitating they are. I feel daft saying I have had 2 days in bed. Good to know I am not alone!

I have migraines - mine are related to ovulation - I can tell when I ovulate from migraines. For me, the mirena totally eliminated them the first time I had it. This time (have had the coil about 6 weeks so far) it hasn't yet but I think thats due to the insertion time - after ds it went in at 6 weeks, but after dd2 it was 9 months. I'm sure it will get rid of them again, though, as it was so good before. I didn't get any when I was pregnant at all - presumably as I didn't ovulate!

I always get a migraine with my period too - it's hell. Dihydrocodeine made me feel even more nauseous than I did already. Migraleve was a waste of time. GP was reluctant to prescribe a daily preventative tablet as she said "well...it's only once a month" (mmmmmmm) I didn't get them when pregnant (migraines, not periods) though I did get strange visual disturbances that were just as bad.

I also have bad PMS (damn hormones!) My migraines have improved slightly since going back on the pill after having ds2. I still get a migraine but it usually only lasts a day or two now, as opposed to over a week.

So, basically, I don't know what the answer is - but much sympathy.

I think the answer may be to take the naramig, and when it comes back take it again. Then, when you aren't pregnant, get the coil... or perhaps this is my advice for me.

And yes, loads of sympathy. I hope your DH is good to you when they strike.

I only get headaches when on period - WHY ? What causes this & does anyone know of any natural alternatives ?? I sympathise re: migraines - I've had a couple if I don't take headache tablets quick enough. Paracetamol + codeine work for me but there must be a solution !

My friend was talking about this today. he syas that Magnesium has really helped her. You can buy it in a compound with other minerals/vitamins for PMS - I think it's called Magnesium OK and you can get it in Boots. Can't do any harm to try it I guess.Good luck

Obviously that should be "She says"....

I have been getting a terrible headache on last few days before I re-start the pill, prob for last year, I wake up with pain on one side of head & while I don't think it's migraine it's worse than any other kind of headache I've had - from these posts should I assume it's normal to get these during period, or linked, & does anyone know if it is caused by the pill at all as this has been worrying me.
Hope you don't mind me asking, thread just seemed v relevant.

hello pinkmama

I got headaches when I was on pill & now I'm not & still get headaches - similar to your symptoms Eowyn - more of a localised pain around one temple.

Eowyn, I would take a trip to your GP and mention it - especialy as it may be linked to your pill. How long have you been on it and have you had your blood pressure checked recently? Maybe you need to try another make of pill. Btw, one sided and worse than an ordinary headache sounds like migraine to me.

Thanks, when last saw GP i mentioned it & hadn't at the time tied it up to periods, he said to note when they occurred which has made me realise. Now dh has forever been saying he'll get the snip but as pill is otherwise convenient I don't want to make him unless I'm sure it is that causing them. My blood pressure has been high since having dd 4.5 yrs ago, tho was normal enough for last year or so. Just so much easier to stick with what you know contraceptive-wise.

I assumed they weren't migraines as don't get lights or lines or whatever, just v v bad head.

You don't have to have visual disturbances for it to be a migraine - I usually don't. Get him snipped - who cares if it's not the pill causing it ?

me too everybody: headache/migraine (not always as bad as a migraine, but they last three days whatever) with every ovulation and period. that's a week a month laid low with headache or worse...i hate it. have stopped breastfeeding a couple of weeks ago in the hope that it will help (ds was 11 months...i reckon i'd paid my dues)

What causes it? Good question. I read everything I can find on the web about migraines. There appear to be a million and one triggers. An, obviously, as we have all noted your menstrualy cycle is a common one. I read an article a while back that suggested it was the drop in estrogen which occurs just after ovulation as well as just before your period. However, my migraines tend to come just before that, so my own person theory for mine are that it may be the surge in progesterone that preceeds the drop in estrogen. And I THINK (though I'm no medical professional) that the first trimester of pregnancy is also ridden with a surge of progesterone. That's also what causes "morning" sickness.

The sad and frustrating truth is that no one knows exactly what causes migraine. You just have to sort out for yourself what you think it triggering yours. Another thing about triggers is that it's usually a combination of triggers, and not just one single thing. For example, if bright light is a trigger, red wine is a trigger, and your period is a trigger then just one of those things will probably not initiate a migraine. But, if you go out to a very bright club, drink a few glasses of red wine, and get your period the next day... well then it's time for the handy triptan drugs.

Also, regarding the pill, if you get aura with your migraine it is generally risky business to take the combination pill (although the mini pill is supposed to be okay). The reason for this is that aura is associated with the blood vessels in your brain constricting, and if you also take the pill, it increases your risk of storke. So, if you are on the pill and you think you get migraines, DEFINITELY DISCUSS WITH YOUR GP. And if your GP doesn't know that that's a bad combination, then go to another one or do some research of your own on the web.

A good source of more information is Migraine Action Association

of course headaches are caused by many different things... localised pain to one side could be caused by sinuses, perhaps. or maybe you need a new pillow... the one you have could be not supportive enough, mind you, if it were that, i'd expect to wake every morning with a head ache.

stress is another contributory factor and we arent always aware of the stressor or indeed that we are suffering from stress.

and then, yes, hormone imbalances. trouble is, of course, post natally and for some time, hormones are shot to pieces!

if the pill is a probable cause, how about thinking of having a coil... doesnt have to be the hormone one.

and then we come to complementary therapies. i practise refelxology and have had good results with women and their dodgy hormones. i think its worth a try... see if it helps. mind you, you will need 3-4 goes to see a difference and decide if its for you. too many people just see it as a pamper session... it is, but on a very superficial level. its whats going on underneath that, that is of true benefit.

When they first came back after birth of ds, I tried osteopathy. Worked an absolute treat for a year, then gradually they started coming back. Went back for another go, and it relieved it again for a while, but came back much quicker. Osteo was at a loss of what else to do. However would highly recommend it even if it only gives you a years break from them.

Hi Hoxtonchick!

you hooked yet PM?

Pinkmama ? was that cranial osteopathy, or just the normal osteopathy (and did they have to crunch your neck, because I hate that).

Tried reflexology. Did nothing for me. But I did enjoy the foot massage. So I would say there is really nothing to lose. Drugs of course have side effects which reflexology does not have. maybe it will work for you... didn't for me :-(

Hi Frieda
She tried both. I didn't have the neck crunching, sounds nasty!

(Yes, Hoxtonchick, and its all your fault!)