Perimenopause, HRT and Migraine

[bellac11]

I wonder if anyone has any knowledge or advice about whether going on HRT is likely to increase migraine

Ive noticed that over the last 3 years or so, my migraines have almost disappeared completely.

I used to have crippling migraines, usually on the left eye around 3 times per week. Used to get sick a lot with them, felt like I was brain damaged or something.

I was then thankfully given sumatriptan by the GP and that was a life saver but it still meant I was taking them 3x a week and they made me dozy and gave me a cough/blocked up nose. I could also have them lasting around 3 days at a time. I was disabled by them, had so much sick leave at work

Around 3 years ago which is when I think I went into peri menopause I noticed a decrease in them and they continued decreasing until now I cant really remember the last one I had, perhaps I might get one pre menstrual but even then its not always solid thumping pain, I dont get sick anymore and sometimes it actually presents as a stomach ache rather than pain in my eye

But Im struggling with a number of other menopause symptoms such as memory, energy, lethargy, rage, emotions, dry eyes and Im mindful of the recommendations that women shouldnt delay and its good for their bones to get on HRT early, not later

My fear is, that I suspect my hormones have changed which is where the reduction in migraine has come from. If I go on something that replaces what Ive lost, will they come back. I love the fact that Im virtually migraine free

I cant talk about any of thi with the GP as they have already said they wont test me for hormones, they say well if you're around the age and your periods are changing, then you are in peri menopause, no need to do any tests.

What I would love is to know exactly what hormones I need or dont need but am worried about my migraines coming back

Any one had similar or any advice?

Were your migraines hormonal i.e. occurred just before period? I know a bit about those as have had them for over 20 years, they are thought to be caused by hormone fluctuation (some things I have read said it's progesterone fluctuation rather than oestrogen that's the cause but some say the opposite). I've been put on HRT patches to try and stop them and it hasn't made much difference so far (7 months) but I am in early perimenopause so I still have hope that eventually they will stop. I hope so because nothing works for me medication wise when I have an attack, I have to just go to bed until it stops.

I assume you have a womb (you mention periods) which means if you have HRT you will have to have progesterone as well as oestrogen and I was told patches were better for migraine sufferers because there is smoother delivery with less fluctuation. Given your other symptoms which are classic peri it's probably worth you trying HRT (they normally want you to try for 3 months before making changes) and if your migraines start up again you could always stop.

HRT didn't make my migraines any worse. I did get some headaches (not migraines) for a few weeks but they stopped.

Thanks for your reply

I dont really know if they were only hormonal but the ones before my period I would say were, because those are the ones that I continue to get now, albeit not every month and no where near the degree of severity that I used to get them.

I had so many, around 3 a week consistently that I would say they cant all have been hormonal?

I am really struggling too atm. I have had migraines for over a year, I didn’t think they were migraines, as I do not get a headache at all, but I have visual disturbance, pain in one hand, I feel sick and want to lie down, lasts about 25mins, sometimes 4 a day. I thought it was my MS playing up. Saw Neurologist for my usual check up, described it to him, he said it’s migraine with aura. No improvement so saw GP, she agreed migraine with aura, and then spoke to Neurologist to check HRT would not affect my disease Modifying drug etc. just hoping it will stop the migraines with aura and help with the other menopause symptoms. I hope you find a solution too OP. It’s miserable isn’t it.