OVULATION MIGRAINES?

I've hit the wonderous age of 46 and have noticed an increase in migraines, usually every month about 4-5 days prior to period. Now starting this month, I get one exactly two weeks after, or the time I ovulate?  Has anyone else had this and know if it is common.  I'm thinking this is all hormonal and getting worse with dear old menopause quickly approaching!

Hi noelygirl,

I am at the wondrous age of 53 and post menopausal, and I think this is a time when anything goes, a bit like when you have just had a baby!! The 'scope' of 'normal' is very broad. However, any concerns you have I would urge you to speak to your Doctor.

My migraines have got worse the older I have become!! - no sign of a let up yet here I'm afraid!!

take care

Ann

Noelygirl, yes I get migraines twice a month, once at ovulation, and the other either right before my period or right after it starts.  I tried birth control pills, because then you don't ovulate, it didn't work, in fact it made them worse.  I have an appointment this week at a pain specialist for my migraines, when I get them , they last about 4 days.  I started PT for my neck problem and the headaches have diminished down to 1 every 2 months.

about that time, just before your period, your oestrogen levels plummet, which is a known trigger for migraines. I used to get pre-menstrual migraines as a teenager. My first ever migraine that I remember coincided with a period.

Might be worth consulting a homeopath. I'm not sure about HRT either, I think that may have a stabilising effect on migraines for some women during/after the menopause, not sure, be interesting to know.

Women are such a bag of chemicals it's scary :) Like you shouldn't take certain versions of the pill if you have migraines because it increases the risk of a stroke. I believe Microgynon is a notable one, whereas Norgeston/Levonorgestrel is apparently okay.

It's really interesting that people are saying the migraines increase as they've gotten older/towards the menopause. Many women find that migraines ebb off around that time too - although a few put it down to living a healthier lifestyle and being more aware of what they eat and drink than when they were younger.

I would seriously check out some alternative therapies though - homeopathy would be a good starting point but go see a proper advisor rather than just self medicating. Holland & Barrett work on commission ;)

Best wishes,

Marion.