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Menopause

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Original poster

Hideous headaches - help!

39 replies

Loubilou09 · 24/07/2018 14:56

I have just been put into HRT mainly for the most hideous headaches. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on natural remedies to help me whilst I wait for the HRT to work as they are debilitating - no painkillers work!

OP posts:

shropshirelass51 · 29/07/2018 21:09

I have just been put on HRT for exactly the same reason and I went to see a specialist menopause doctor and that she advised patches or gel for headaches which she suggested were due to lower oestrogen levels. I had previously been prescibed mefanic acid, which doesn't work atall for the headaches but works to control heavy periods and also a very low dose antidepresent that is used to treat migraines (just made me sick) . My headaches feel like they are in my sinuses but have had the all clear for nothing wrong with them but I do find using a steroid nasal spray helps a bit (may be hay fever aggravated)
If you find any magic solutions please share. I haven't taken the HRT as too anxious as it says a side effect is headaches! Good luck

Original poster

Loubilou09 · 31/07/2018 07:40

Shropshirelass. How interesting...I too was prescribed mefanamic acid over a year ago for really heavy periods but I never had to take one. I would get 1 really heavy painful period about once a year, it would make me physically throw up and cry in pain (my husband even tried to get me to A&E once as it was so so bad). However since the doctor prescribed the acid I haven't had a painful period since! My headaches also feel like they are in sinuses and just feel like my head is in a vice. Interestingly my headache finally lifted on Sunday which was when my last period properly stopped...they are definitely cyclical.

I have had the HRT on for a week now so going to be fascinated to see how this month goes and whether the headaches start up again mid cycle. I too was worried that the HRT side effects say headaches but I have read an awful lot that says it can stop the headaches so definitely going to give it a go!

I am also seeing a private specialist menopause doctor on Thursday just to check that what I have been given by the GP is right for me.

OP posts:

shropshirelass51 · 31/07/2018 11:14

Your headaches sound just like mine! Many doctors Ive spoken to don't seem to realise there's a connection between hormones and headaches so it's definitely worth going to see a specialist. I was lucky my Dr referred me to the NHS regional centre menopause clinic when I asked him to. The dr said if the headaches are related to lowering estrogen as she suspects they will get better with HRT if they are migraines they wont. I want to start taking the HRT asap as I have been feeling sick / hot / dizzy plus bad head again today but I don't know when to start taking it as it says within 6 days of a period and I haven't had any proper periods for 10 weeks and just slight bleeding 10 days ago (which is probably when I should have started them). Good luck and anyone out there with any advice about when to start taking the HRT (its' evoril conti for 14 days then evoril 50 for 14 days) I'd be really grateful.

Original poster

Loubilou09 · 31/07/2018 11:50

I would assume that the slight bleeding 10 days ago was a period and start taking the conti now and only keep it on for 10 days as you have missed 4 days and then take the evoril 50 for 14 days and then back to the conti for 14 days.

Good luck and let me know how you get on, I will be over the moon if the HRT works and fixes my headaches. I have never had a migraine so praying that they are just hormonal headaches and not caused by something else.....

OP posts:

shropshirelass51 · 31/07/2018 15:08

Let me know how you get on. I've always had hormonal headaches but worse lately, I'm 56 and still peri so I guess it's to be expected. My mother has been concerned that I have a brain tumor but I reassured her I would be dead by now if that was the case! Interestingly, she has just told me that she used to get regular bad migraines that more or less cleared up after the menopause. I think that is an indication that there's hope for us!
Good luck with your appointment and keep in touch.

Original poster

Loubilou09 · 31/07/2018 17:25

Yes my husband also thought I had a brain tumour! I have really worried him.

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YaLoVeras · 01/08/2018 07:32

Check out menopause taylor on youtube. She has so many clips. So much info

Original poster

Loubilou09 · 10/08/2018 16:34

Update. So GP put me on Oestrogen and Progesterone patches 2.5 nearly 3 weeks ago. After I saw her, I also went to a private GP recommended by Louise Newson and a specialist in menopause. She prescribed the same as the GP but in a gel (Sandrena) for the Oestrogen and a tablet for the progesterone. I switched over to these on Thursday this week and am now 18 days into my cycle. Headaches usually start about day 14 and on day 14 I got what I thought was the start of a headache but it disappeared in 20 minutes or so and I haven't had one since! Feel calmer already and happier so watching this space with interest to see what happens in the next 10 days will bring as typically the 10 days leading up to my period are hell with the headaches...

Everything is crossed!!

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shropshirelass51 · 15/08/2018 11:19

Hope you are still headache free. Having started evorel sequi 14 days ago I have had a constant muzzy head and slight headache behind my left eye. I'm guessing this is a side effect as it's not my usual symptoms. Hopefully things will settle down. It's not too bad anyway. Let us know how you get on

Original poster

Loubilou09 · 15/08/2018 12:11

Still headache free Shropshire and feeling great! It is day 23 for me and I would usually be at full peak of pain by now but nope, nothing there! Interested to see how the next couple of days go as by about day 25-28 I am very cranky, eating everything in sight, feeling heavy, bloated and fairly miserable.... at the moment I feel great :)

Hopefully you will feel the benefits too, fingers crossed.

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Original poster

Loubilou09 · 22/08/2018 09:17

Day 30 for me now and still no headaches. Stopped the progesterone 5 days ago and just now discovered I am bleeding a bit. No huge pre period bloating, no eating absolutely everything in the house in the run up. Admittedly I am on holiday so eating more anyway but I do feel more in control of food. I am also more tolerant (living in a house with 4 other women and 8 children in total), usually I would be ready to kill someone by now but I feel much much calmer. I am liking HRT very much!!

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nadine6301 · 22/06/2023 22:15

@Loubilou09 I know this is an old thread but wondering how you are now? Are you still headache free?
This is me now, headaches most days...urrgh...definitely perimenopause

Original poster

Loubilou09 · 27/06/2023 09:32

nadine6301 · 22/06/2023 22:15

@Loubilou09 I know this is an old thread but wondering how you are now? Are you still headache free?
This is me now, headaches most days...urrgh...definitely perimenopause

I have changed my username but yes completely headache free, and all my other symptoms have gone. I am now 5 years on HRT and never going back....I never get those hideous headaches anymore.

OP posts:

nadine6301 · 27/06/2023 12:27

That's great to hear, gives me hope 🙏 I can also get rid of these terrible headaches.
So glad to hear you are symptom free!

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