Migraines and the pill

[C1989]

Hello everyone,
In the past my GP put me on the oral pill for PCOS. I always previously suffered from migraines and headaches but once I was started on the pill they got much worse. I was on the combination pill and progesterone only pill and started having migraines with aura and pins and needles in my arm which were really frightening. My GP advised me to not use the pill again. I am in a relationship with the most respectful man for the last 3 years but because I am not on any contraception we are not having penetrative intercourse and this can be frustrating for us both. Has anyone any experience of this issue with the pill or know of any other pill option?

I had this with the pill. I was on the combined pill and was taken off it for headaches and it’s in my notes I’m not allowed it again. I went on the mini pill 3 months after having a baby and had to stop it nearly as quick as I started it because of headaches. Went back on it to see there just this month and I’m back to sore heads and currently on day 11 of bleeding (is always only usually 5 days absolute max). We are hoping to try for another baby in April anyway so I’m just staying off it and going back to the pull out method for the foreseeable

Did you try any other contraception such as the patch, implant or depot? I'm afraid to try them as you are effectively still getting similar drug just a different method of administration.

If you suffer from migraines it is advised that you do not take the pill as it increases the chances of stroke, especially if it’s migraines with aura.

Have you ever considered natural family planning? I don’t mean just calendar method but tracking your cycle using temp and ovulation sticks. I have done this for 2 and half years now and works for me but downside is that you can’t have sex for at least a week or you will have to use condoms.

You could try the copper coil although they can make your periods heavier.

The risk of stroke has increased generally due to Covid (the virus not the vaccination). So absolutely not worth the risk.

The pill started to do this to me too after about 10 years on it.

I think you're being smart avoiding piv without contraception. Even with condoms it's still a bit risky.

But do you or your partner ever want kids? If not, I'd be looking into tube tying/the snip. Both have very little side effects.

I wish I'd done it at 18 as I've never wanted kids and I regret putting hormones in my system all these years. I'm not sure I have enough sex to justify it now though 😆

My dds friend had a stroke at 21 over migraine and the pill.
It's awful. Not enough is knows about this imo.

No but I am thinking of getting my
tubes tied if us trying for a baby soon leads to a baby. For medical reasons I have to have c sections so I’m tempted to do that. Sincere apologies if this causes any offence but are you planning on trying to have children in the future?

We would both like to have children in the future and it's something we have discussed.

I had this when l was 21..( Suffered migrains scince being 5 years old). The pill gave me a mini stroke because of the migraines.. saw a neurological specials who told me never to take the pill ever again.

I have a copper coil as I don’t like hormonal contraception in general, and I get migraine with aura. I have had no problems with it and my periods don’t seem any worse- in fact after having awful period pains in my teens and twenties my periods are almost completely pain free now. It’s a very reliable form
of contraception but can be removed easily when you want to have a family.

Yep this was me (I get hormonal migraines from changing oestrogen levels, perimenopause has been fun but think I’m almost through it now)

Mirena coil was a GAMECHANGER (for me)
Its very low (like a 10th) of the Progesterone and also isn’t metabolised the same way as it bypasses the ‘first pass’ of your liver
We’re all different but I suggest giving it a try, I chose it over copper coil because I don’t like the idea of mucking with Zinc/Copper levels (I’m a nutritionist!)

My periods stopped and I felt GREAT
Only took it out as relationship ended and I wanted to see if I was still having periods (few years ago, late 40s)
only regret - not trying it sooner.