Migraines caused by birth control pill???

[Hope75]

I  suffered from migraines in college and was told to stop the pill (Ortho Novum 777).  I stopped the pill and started Depo Provera injections, and the migraines ceased.  Now, 10 years later, they started again.  I have had 3 in two weeks.  Interestingly enough, I had a couple this summer (hadn't been on the pill in years).  I started the pill (Yaz) this Jan. and now the migraines have really increased in frequency.  I stopped the pill last night to see if they at least decrease in frequency.  Does any research support an increase/onset of migraines with taking the pill?  I am very tired of the migraines!  Thank you in advance for any insight!  PS...I am always stressed, this is the one constant in my life- so it is not a variable:)

[DrRakeshMD]

Hi

There is no conclusive evidence that birth control pills increase the severity and frequency of migraines. However, it is generally recommended that if the migraines occur after taking the birth control pills, they should be stopped. Also, a woman with migraine has a 4 fold increased risk of developing stroke, and this risk increases 7 fold if that woman uses a low dose estrogen containing birth control method. This is why females with migraines should not use any estrogen containing birth control methods. They should only be resorting to the progesterone containing methods like depot Provera injections that you had used. Even the pill Yaz that you are taking contains estrogen, hence you should stop this immediately, and resort to some progesterone only preparation for birth control.

Best..

[Hope75]

Thank you - I did stop taking the Yaz immediately and I still had a couple of migraines, but not as frequent.  Time will tell.  Thank you for your post.