How likely is it that too much estrogen (Minivelle patch) is causing my headaches?

[tmwalk]

I've had my female organs removed one at a time with a LSH in 2006, left oopheractomy in 2007 and right oopheractomy just two months ago in 2014. I awoke from my last surgery with a patch on and have used it as directed since. I use to get hormonal headaches every other month or so and was able to successfully treat them with one or two prescription pain pills for headaches.  Now I'm getting headaches just about every day and some of them are so bad I cannot function at all for as long as 24 hours. This lead me to go to my GP who ordered blood work as she thinks I'm getting too much estrogen. I'm awaiting the results. I'm currently on the .1 per day minivelle patch. While having a severe headache yesterday my husband insisted I remove my patch and not put it back on until I hear from my GP and she says it's okay to do so.  The thing is my headache is getting better.  It's still here and comes and goes somewhat,  but definitely much better than it was yesterday.  Could all of this really be linked to my hormone levels?  And if so where can I find reliability information on this topic?

[old_before_my_time]

Just to clarify - There are Estrace tablets (name brand and generic) that are used for systemic estrogen and there is also an Estrace vaginal cream to treat vaginal atrophy. I use the tablets. Both forms require a prescription in the U.S.

I have been using the tablets since early 2013. However, after stopping the patch, I used a different form which got my estrogen level up. I then switched to the tablets which do a good job of maintaining my level.

It is hard to say if you are getting too much or too little since symptoms can be similar. However, I have read that the patch does a poor job of "filling up" the estrogen tank so to speak. So if your level is low, it may be impossible to get enough with the patch.

[tmwalk]

Thanks for your reply,  OBMT. I hadn't thought of the fluctuation of the patch.  Is Estrace otc or prescription?  How long have you been taking it and how long before you started feeling better after you started taking it?

[old_before_my_time]

Oh definitely - headaches can be caused by ovarian hormone changes. Since your only ovary was removed two months ago, you may still have some of your body's own estrogen and the patch may be giving you too much. Or the fluctuations of the patch may be the cause of your headaches. The problem is that every woman who has hormonally triggered headaches is different and what works for one may or may not work for another. So it is a matter of trial and error to find what works best.

I also had a hysterectomy and oophorectomy. I haven't had headaches but have had a whole list of other problems. The patch was horrible for me, I believe because of the fluctuations / drop in estrogen on patch change days which was 2x per week. I now use generic Estrace tablets and feel much more even keeled on them.