Headaches and a hysterectomy

Hello,
I am new to this site. I have suffered from headaches for a long time, and over the past six to eight months they have gotten much more frequent, and over the counter medications don't work anymore. My doctor suggested seeing someone aobut a hysterectomy, which I did. I go back for a follow-up consultation this week. I have a lot of concerns after I have read that often times people have terrible headaches after the surgery - I am really getting confused. I had an ultrasound this week and they said I have thickening of the endometrium, which worries me, but it looks like it is common. I am 45, and facing a tough decision on what to do about surgery. When I found this site, it looked like a great resource - thanks!

Heyouamy, I am so glad you posted this question. I found this site a week or so ago to get some insights on my problems too. I am 44 and have been suffering from chronic migraines/headaches for over 10 years nor I have been to many neurologists along the east coast. I have had to stop working because of it. I finally went to several gyn's because they have been so hormonally related especially around my cycle. My 3rs gyn finally listend to me. We first tried to do some synthetic hormones but I could not tolerate them. I then went on bio-identical hRT and they worked for a while, but never got it under total control. My hormones are out of balance and I am bleeding like crazy and cannot get my cycle to stop without intervention. I had a d&c a few weeks ago with a hysteroscopy. It was found that I have chronic endometritis. I am seriously considering a full hysterectomy because I cannot think of the thoughts of living like this for 10 more years. So I too want to know if there is anyone out there who has had a significant relief of hormonal migraines after a hysterectomy. I know that after surgery the opiate medications can aggrvate migraines. And also too your cortisol levels go up to fight stress. But Please anyone out there who has had a success story, please let Heyouamy and I know them.

Thanks for the reply - the headaches are miserable, I know! I'm hoping we hear from someone that has had some success. I just scheduled a hysterectomy today.

(((Heyouamy))) Are you having your ovaries removed as well? Because I have never heard of removing the uterus (= hysterectomy) having any effect at all on headaches, while ovarian hormone levels can be a trigger for headaches.

I hope that if you are also having your ovaries removed, you'll take some time to read about the symptoms of surgical menopause. Some women find they trade one set of problems for another.

s,
-Linda

Thanks for the response, I am having my ovaries removed as well. I have been reading about everything I can these days. I really have not come up with good answers yet, but I am going to continue reading.

I have had migraines since I was 16, been to several specialist and was a guinea pig to way to many drugs. A few years back I started taking relpax, it did release my headaches but I wanted no headaches.

About 2 yrs ago I went to our wellness pharmacist. The pharmacist felt my headches although were very hormonal had a lot to do with my blood sugar also he put me on DB-7. Thereafter I maybe got 2 or 3 headches a month always during my period week and then the Hysterectomy option came up.

My mother went thru natural menapaus and her headches just disppeared. I wanted to keep my ovaries if they were healthy but unfortunately one of my tubes and ovary had to be removed during surgery but after a headache daily in the hospital. I came home, my headche released and I have not had one headache or sensation of one coming on in over 10 days.

So many things in my life happened and changed that I can't pin point what it exactly has been but I so wish you luck and lots research on your decision.

I am not saying we are different but when you suffer migraines on top of everything else there is a anxiety that tags along with everything you do , eat, change.

Please keep your Dr informed. I have researched there can be such a balancing act of getting the right combination of HRT. Some women get it right away and some have to have more patience with the process.

Good luck and sending hugs your way.

Thank you for your response. I have been really looking for someone to tell me that their headaches actually went away after the surgery! 10 days is great success without a headache, I know! Good luck!

My neurologist normally does not recommend that women have their ovaries removed to prevent migraines. He says the stats are just not on our side for that. I had considered a BSO post hysterectomy because my migraines were so out of control--hormonal and otherwise.

Have you tried a prophylactic migraine med? I finally found some relief when I started taking Keppra every single day. I also had Maxalt for when one would explode.

I would suggest talking to someone who is especially knowledgeable regarding hormones, and if you can, see a neurologist. Then make your decision about an oophorectomy.

s

Thanks for the response. I have tried quite a few prophylactic migraine meds, and they help except during my days off the pill when I get a terrible headache that lasts about a week. I have seen a neurologist in the past, but not for some time now. It was my regular doctor that suggested seeing an ob-gyn and also discussed the hysterectomy. The ob-gyn agreed. I questioned the ovaries, and she said that my body would eventually adjust. I can't seem to find enough information, but I have some time to keep researching. Thanks again!

	Quote:
I questioned the ovaries, and she said that my body would eventually adjust.

Wow. I'm glad you have time to continue to research. You might want to peruse the hormone forums here to see how well everyone is "adjusting". I think your ob/gyn is trying to paint a picture that isn't necessarily realistic.

s,
-Linda