Menopausal headaches - what can I do to ease them

[BanditsOnTheHorizon]

I'm 50 and no idea what's going on with my body right now, I feel a wreck. My periods became irregular a while ago and stopped for ages, then I got vaginal atrophy and started using topical oestrogen cream (from my go), since then my periods have started, a 1 to 2 day period from hell, regular each month now but the cramps are awful. I also get a period migraine which can put me in bed for the day once a month, and now I'm getting daily headaches, not bad but make me feel sick and they hurt! Trouble is tablets just don't work, I'm so fed up with these daily headaches. I've tried cutting out sugar, then alcohol, then processed food thinking it might be related but it's just not working and it's really getting me down. I don't know it it is menopause (although the atrophy definite is).

You could try HRT.
Menopausal headaches are often caused by low progesterone in the 2nd half of the cycle. (That's why they tend to occur before a period.)
I used to get those. Now, after being on HRT for years, I don't get any migraines except very occasionally.

HRT patches have made a huge difference with my migraines that were often hormonal. I was also in bed a day a month but now if I take painkillers at the first sign of an attack I'm usually ok. My amount of general headaches has also reduced. Definitely have a chat with your doctor. I think HRT levels out your hormones and stops the highs and lows which can trigger migraines.

Can you still take HRT even if you get periods? Sorry stupid question I know.

Yes you can start HRT even if you are still having periods. If you are perimenopausal (and it sounds like you definitely are) your hormones are starting to go a bit wappy (genuine medical term!) and HRT regulates things.

No questions are stupid!

Thank you all for the responses. I honestly feel like I'm losing the plot at the moment. Headaches are driving me crackers, weight gain, anxiety through the roof, itchy ears, monster period pains, tinnitus add that to lack of sleep and I'm about to jump out the window (or sell the house, buy a camper van and run off to become a surfer - although I've put that much weight on I'll look like a badly packed sausage in a wetsuit)

Hi @BanditsOnTheHorizon sorry to hear you are struggling - every single one of house symptoms are attributable to peri menopause -maybe do some reading and get to the GP for a chat about HRT

One of my friends has just started it and can't believe she hasn't had a
Single headache since !

This is an official NHS symptom checker you can use if it helps.

Watch the Davina programme if you haven't already - you are not losing the plot your hormones are shifting .

Struggling to add photo on app !

peoplefirst.nhsbt.nhs.uk/NHSBT-DOCUMENT-LIBRARY/HSW/Self-Menopause-Symptom-Checker.pdf

Try this !

@BanditsOnTheHorizon
So sorry you are struggling, I'm also having horrendous headaches, also daily but at their worst the week before my period. Off to see my GP soon to discuss HRT. Can't offer much advice but offering a hand hold. x

I'd try HRT.

Every time I get a hot flush I get a migraine. A lot better on HRT but I think I need to go up a dose.