HysterSisters Articles for Hysterectomy
SHARING IS CARING
Hormones and Migraines
From the Menopause and Hormones Articles List
Is there a connection between hormones and migraines?
For women, there can be a connection between hormones and migraines.
Hormonal migraines can occur in conjunction with your period, when using oral contraceptives or
hormone replacement therapy (HRT), or during menopause.
You could experience a headache if your estrogen or progesterone levels are too low or from fluctuating hormone levels. The key to preventing hormonal headaches can be keeping your hormone levels steady. You may be able to keep your hormones level by using some type of hormonal treatment, but it can take some trial and error to find the right choice for you.
As with other migraines, there is no one size fits all solution for hormonal migraines. For instance, one of the
surprising facts about migraines is that while some women find oral contraceptives cause or worsen their migraines, other women find oral contraceptives work to prevent or decrease their hormonal migraines. If you choose to try oral contraceptive, there are many different options you could consider. You and your doctor will also need to determine if you should use pills which are estrogen only, progestin only, or a combination of estrogen and progestin. To eliminate the drop in estrogen while using the inactive pills, you may need to supplement with another type of estrogen. Alternatively, you could eliminate the inactive pills and use the active pills continuously.
If you choose HRT, you may need to try a variety of types and
hormone delivery systems to find one that will keep your hormone level steady. Some choices can cause levels to rise and fall as your body absorbs them, so you’ll want one with the least amount of fluctuations. You will also need to work with your doctor to determine if you should use estrogen only or combine it with progesterone/progestin.
As with other migraine treatments, treating your hormonal headache as early as possible can increase your chance for relief. If you still have your ovaries, keeping a detailed
headache diary can help you track hormonal migraines, even if you no longer have a period following your hysterectomy. This way, you can use prophylactic treatment a day or two before a hormonal migraine would begin.
This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.
07-25-2015 - 04:19 PM
SHARING IS CARING
Do you have a question?
If you have a medical support question related to this article, come JOIN US in our HysterSisters Community Forums. You will receive helpful replies to your questions from our members. See you there!
HysterSisters Articles
Diagnosis
Options to Hysterectomy
Treatment Alternatives
Pre-Op Hysterectomy
Post-Op Hysterectomy
Separate Surgeries
Hormone and Menopause
Intimacy after Hysterectomy
Pelvic Floor
Separate Surgeries
Fitness after Hysterectomy
GYN Cancer
Breast Health
Grief and Loss
Endometriosis
Uterine Fibroids
GYN Genetics
Hysterectomy Stories
Ask A Doctor
Find a Surgeon
James Kondrup, M.D.
161 Riverside Drive
Suite 109
Binghamton NY 13905
607-770-7074 |
Clifford Rogers, M.D.
The Everett Clinic, Dept. of Surgery and Gynecology
1330 Rockefeller Ave, Suite 120
Everett WA 98201
425 339 5424 |
Mayra J. Thompson, M.D.
5323 Harry Hines Blvd Dept OBGYN
Dallas TX 75290
214-645-3888 |
Caren C Reaves, M.D.
Caring for Women
2805 S. Mayhill Rd
Denton TX 76208
940-591-6700 |
Jack Ayoub, M.D.
44035 Riverside Parkway
Suite 435
Leesburg VA 20176
703.858.5599 |
Ellen Wilson, M.D.
5323 Harry Hines Blvd - Dept of OBGYN
Dallas TX 75390
214-648-4747 |
Arnold Advincula, M.D.
Columbia Ob/Gyn Midtown
51 West 51st St, 3rd FL
New York NY 10019
(855) 75-OBGYN |
Debra Richardson, M.D.
Gynecological Oncology Clinic - SW Med
2201 Inwood Road Suite 106
Dallas TX 75390
214-645-4673 |
Ted Lee, M.D.
Magee Womens Hospital
300 Halket Street
Pittsburgh PA 15213
412 641 6412 |
