Short menstrual cycle

[Banff]

I'm a 41 year old female and have had two chidren.  When not using BCP's, I menstrate every 18 to 19 days.  I have had exams and bloodwork and nothing ever shows up.  I've had to discontinue BCP's because they've started to give me migrains.  Is there anything that I can do or other testing I should consider?

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT]

Oral contraceptives (OCP) are known to aggravate, improve, or change migraine headaches.  More commonly, however, we see worsening or induction of migraine headaches with the pills.  We usually don';t recommend OCP to women over 35 who smoke due to the risk of blood clot, or women with stroke and cardiac risk factors, or women with severe migraines. But if this is not you, and your gynecologist feels you should be on the pill then there are some options to consider. Some people have done ok with the progestin only containing pills rather than the combination ones or those with a higher concentration of estrogen. Another thought is to take migraine meds, both preventive and abortive (to stop it acutely) along with the OCP if you need to take the OCP.  Talk to your gynecologist and see what kind of hormone preparations will be appropriate for you or if there's a specific correctable cause for your frequent periods. Consider a second gyn opinion if needed as this appears to be the primary problem and migraine the secondary one. GOod luck.