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Help me find the cause of my Migraines? (Hormonal?)
Hello im new to this forum so I hope someone can help me.
I am a 29yr old female. Ive been on the Pill (different types) for around 6 years now.
I developed severe Depression around 6 years ago although I believe this was due to my circumstances rather than the Pill.
My concern is I have had Migraines for a number of years now - im unclear when exactly they started, at a guess 6 years ago also, but I would like to find out WHY I get them.
The pain is intence and clusters in my head/neck/shoulders and seems to alternate from my 'left' eye and the next migraine will then cause pain in my 'right' eye etc? I feel sick and dizzy and nothing reduces or gets rid of them, not even sleep (I can sometimes wake up with a Migraine).
I have always had one Migraine at least around my Period.
They can last upto 3 days and I have average 7 a month.
I recently suffered a total loss of my right vision for a short time before the Migraine which was scary. My eyes have been tested which are fine - although I do notice that all my life one eye sticks out slightly more than the other?
There is no obvious causes such as food, stressors etc.
I have been told I am close to being Anemic and I have had blood tests for PCOS - which showed I had more Testosterone although nothing has been 'confirmed'.
Years ago I demanded a tooth xray as a possible cause and they did discover 2 absesses on my nerves, once these were removed the Migraines did reduce although they soon returned.
Dr's do not seem interested in trying to find out the 'type' of Migraines I have nor the actual cause and to therefore treat it sucessfully.
I have recently been taking BetaBlockers and they seem to have reduced just 'slightly' BUT at the time of the month I have had a 3 day Migraine attack again - leading me to think they are related to hormones?
The reason I am still on the Pill is due to my Periods and Skin, being on the Pill ensures my periods are regular, not as painful and my skin is clear.
(My father developed MS at 35 and he sometimes gets headaches and dizzy and I do get paranoid that Id develop MS, as my balance seems to be getting worse as I get older.)
Hopefully someone will be able to shed some light on perhaps why I personally get my Migraines?
Thank you :)
I am a 29yr old female. Ive been on the Pill (different types) for around 6 years now.
I developed severe Depression around 6 years ago although I believe this was due to my circumstances rather than the Pill.
My concern is I have had Migraines for a number of years now - im unclear when exactly they started, at a guess 6 years ago also, but I would like to find out WHY I get them.
The pain is intence and clusters in my head/neck/shoulders and seems to alternate from my 'left' eye and the next migraine will then cause pain in my 'right' eye etc? I feel sick and dizzy and nothing reduces or gets rid of them, not even sleep (I can sometimes wake up with a Migraine).
I have always had one Migraine at least around my Period.
They can last upto 3 days and I have average 7 a month.
I recently suffered a total loss of my right vision for a short time before the Migraine which was scary. My eyes have been tested which are fine - although I do notice that all my life one eye sticks out slightly more than the other?
There is no obvious causes such as food, stressors etc.
I have been told I am close to being Anemic and I have had blood tests for PCOS - which showed I had more Testosterone although nothing has been 'confirmed'.
Years ago I demanded a tooth xray as a possible cause and they did discover 2 absesses on my nerves, once these were removed the Migraines did reduce although they soon returned.
Dr's do not seem interested in trying to find out the 'type' of Migraines I have nor the actual cause and to therefore treat it sucessfully.
I have recently been taking BetaBlockers and they seem to have reduced just 'slightly' BUT at the time of the month I have had a 3 day Migraine attack again - leading me to think they are related to hormones?
The reason I am still on the Pill is due to my Periods and Skin, being on the Pill ensures my periods are regular, not as painful and my skin is clear.
(My father developed MS at 35 and he sometimes gets headaches and dizzy and I do get paranoid that Id develop MS, as my balance seems to be getting worse as I get older.)
Hopefully someone will be able to shed some light on perhaps why I personally get my Migraines?
Thank you :)
I'm sorry healthcare conditions are so appalling there. I found an article (see private message) about swollen eyes and crying that may have a connection in to your migraines. While I've gotten a migraine with crying myself, I don't think my eyes get swollen. But this article says that swollen eyes can happen with crying from a rush of adrenaline that happens from being upset & it causes the many blood vessels in the eye area, where skin is thin, to swell up.
After looking at the article on swollen eyes with crying and because in the past, I read about a rare tumor called pheochromocytoma, which can emit high levels of adrenaline and or noradrenaline and can cause headache (besides symptoms of high spikes in blood pressure and sweating) as a symptom, I'm now thinking the rush of adrenaline when upset is possibly a huge contributing factor to the development of our migraines with crying!
I have a condition called postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, which has caused me to experience with a migraine before a huge surge in pain with standing as my heart raced faster. Getting a home blood pressure/pulse monitor is something you can do without the doctors and take your own measurement lying down and standing. Have you tried that?
It's been a few days since your last report on going off the birth control pills- how are you doing now with your headaches? I don't know how long it takes the body to go back to its normal self in regards to hormone production after you go off those things. I know taking female hormone pills can potentially be not good news to a migraine situation.
If you report that brief loss of vision in one eye prior to the migraine, I would HOPE even with socialized medicine, the doctor would be concerned enough to order a brain scan, even if it was a CT scan, which is cheaper than an MRI.
Additionally, if they have not thoroughly checked into your testosterone being too high, you may have an underlying condition that they should attempt to discover. Cushing's syndrome can cause high testosterone in the body. Cushing's can be brought on by an adrenal tumor or a pituitary tumor. If you have enough symptoms to think you may have Cushing's syndrome (see private message for list), you need to take a list of your symptoms and a print out of your high testosterone level and request on the basis of these things a referral to a competent endocrinologist for additional testing.
After looking at the article on swollen eyes with crying and because in the past, I read about a rare tumor called pheochromocytoma, which can emit high levels of adrenaline and or noradrenaline and can cause headache (besides symptoms of high spikes in blood pressure and sweating) as a symptom, I'm now thinking the rush of adrenaline when upset is possibly a huge contributing factor to the development of our migraines with crying!
I have a condition called postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, which has caused me to experience with a migraine before a huge surge in pain with standing as my heart raced faster. Getting a home blood pressure/pulse monitor is something you can do without the doctors and take your own measurement lying down and standing. Have you tried that?
It's been a few days since your last report on going off the birth control pills- how are you doing now with your headaches? I don't know how long it takes the body to go back to its normal self in regards to hormone production after you go off those things. I know taking female hormone pills can potentially be not good news to a migraine situation.
If you report that brief loss of vision in one eye prior to the migraine, I would HOPE even with socialized medicine, the doctor would be concerned enough to order a brain scan, even if it was a CT scan, which is cheaper than an MRI.
Additionally, if they have not thoroughly checked into your testosterone being too high, you may have an underlying condition that they should attempt to discover. Cushing's syndrome can cause high testosterone in the body. Cushing's can be brought on by an adrenal tumor or a pituitary tumor. If you have enough symptoms to think you may have Cushing's syndrome (see private message for list), you need to take a list of your symptoms and a print out of your high testosterone level and request on the basis of these things a referral to a competent endocrinologist for additional testing.
I feel a lot better recently (regarding my Depression) I did not want to take medication as I felt I knew the reason 'why' I felt that way and now I feel I suffer 'reactive' Depression.
Yes I am married, we are not trying for a child so I dont know if this would be a problem, but hopefully it wouldnt be for the future..
I havent been referred to anyone, I know the NHS here are making cut backs so its even harder now to get referred and you read so many horror stories of people dying as they were undiagnosed or mislead etc, Drs just dont have the time, hence I have decided to come on here to hopefully get an idea to take to the Dr instead.
Yes I am married, we are not trying for a child so I dont know if this would be a problem, but hopefully it wouldnt be for the future..
I havent been referred to anyone, I know the NHS here are making cut backs so its even harder now to get referred and you read so many horror stories of people dying as they were undiagnosed or mislead etc, Drs just dont have the time, hence I have decided to come on here to hopefully get an idea to take to the Dr instead.
Regarding your blood pressure, please consider going to your local pharmacy shop/drug store or wherever they sell them there and get yourself an Omron (or recommended brand there) blood pressure cuff. I imagine what you are talking about is the typical taking your blood pressure while sitting at the doctor office, not getting blood pressure readings while laying and then after standing at least a minute. Am I right? With your racing heart feeling, it might well be you have orthostatic intolerance and you might want to find out if you do.
May I ask do you know the Lord? I know what it is like to be depressed, but God helps me with my depression and helped me when I had major depression. I took medicine and this helped me to better receive the spiritual help I needed from the Lifter of my head, the Lord. If you don't have a relationship with the Saviour, and want to know more about Him, just private message me and I'd be glad to share.
You mentioned in your original post your balance is getting worse as you get older. Did you ever get referred to an ear, nose, and throat specialist to conduct vestibular (balance system) testing on you? Regarding having a child, are you married? Some people who have been properly diagnosed with endometriosis take a rather dangerous drug to try to help them conceive called depo-lupron here in the U.S.. It's a drug if I remember right originally designed for prostate cancer in men or something but gyn docs were using it short term on women. I don't recommend it because I did research. I also was not trying to get pregnant (single) but got a shot of it just days before my hysterectomy and the needle for the shot is huge and feels like a tetanus shot afterward or maybe worse.
If God has pregnancy in His plans for you, it will happen. I had to relinquish my dream of that when I was a few years older than you and know it must not have been His will for me.
May I ask do you know the Lord? I know what it is like to be depressed, but God helps me with my depression and helped me when I had major depression. I took medicine and this helped me to better receive the spiritual help I needed from the Lifter of my head, the Lord. If you don't have a relationship with the Saviour, and want to know more about Him, just private message me and I'd be glad to share.
You mentioned in your original post your balance is getting worse as you get older. Did you ever get referred to an ear, nose, and throat specialist to conduct vestibular (balance system) testing on you? Regarding having a child, are you married? Some people who have been properly diagnosed with endometriosis take a rather dangerous drug to try to help them conceive called depo-lupron here in the U.S.. It's a drug if I remember right originally designed for prostate cancer in men or something but gyn docs were using it short term on women. I don't recommend it because I did research. I also was not trying to get pregnant (single) but got a shot of it just days before my hysterectomy and the needle for the shot is huge and feels like a tetanus shot afterward or maybe worse.
If God has pregnancy in His plans for you, it will happen. I had to relinquish my dream of that when I was a few years older than you and know it must not have been His will for me.
Yes I told my Dr about my reaction to crying they didnt think it was anything. But it is definately not normal and certainly effects my life. (Taking into consideration I suffer with Depression I do a lot of crying!)
Funny you say about my pulse when standing/sitting. My heart does race when I stand up I feel like Ive ran round the block!
Blood pressure for me has always been normal (they take it every 6 months for the Pill)
There are a few herbalist shops around here I could go to?
I would be so unhappy if I had endometriosis or PCOS, this is what frustrated me with the Dr, if he says I have this and my chances of conceiving are diminishing as I get older - Id have a child now rather than waiting when I may not biologically have time!?
Funny you say about my pulse when standing/sitting. My heart does race when I stand up I feel like Ive ran round the block!
Blood pressure for me has always been normal (they take it every 6 months for the Pill)
There are a few herbalist shops around here I could go to?
I would be so unhappy if I had endometriosis or PCOS, this is what frustrated me with the Dr, if he says I have this and my chances of conceiving are diminishing as I get older - Id have a child now rather than waiting when I may not biologically have time!?
Well, the black heads are open comedones... basically pores open enough to get dirt in them. I used to get them too. If you wash your face every day with warm water, followed by a cold splash of water and a pat dry, then use the astringent witch hazel, see if that helps?
Sounds like you do need some testing because of your body's over-reaction to crying. Have you ever told your doctor about this?
It sounds like you too have a combo of muscular and migraine headaches. And you are having an orthostatic component (been there myself) with the throbbing with standing. Have you taken your pulse sitting then stand for a minute and take it again? How about your blood pressure doing the same things? Your body is likely going to take time to reset itself as far as the female hormones are concerned.
If there is a Chinese herbalist of excellent reputation where you live, you might go to them and ask if they can try to help you with your situation with acupuncture and/or herbs catered to your situation.
I was given by one acupuncturist Coptis Purgefire by Health Concerns. I thought it helped my migraine situation for awhile and later learned it contained a high amount of natural estrogen from a Chinese acupuncturist who looked at the herbal formula. This evidently explained why my hair got much thicker and grew much faster than normal while on it. But it also likely fueled the endometriosis (which I didn't know I had) in my body growing & made that situation worse. Since you have painful periods, it is very possible you have endometriosis also and you would want to tell the herbalist you suspect you may have that and why (if you decide you do suspect it). Typically, the only way to learn you actually to have endometriosis is through surgery.
Sounds like you do need some testing because of your body's over-reaction to crying. Have you ever told your doctor about this?
It sounds like you too have a combo of muscular and migraine headaches. And you are having an orthostatic component (been there myself) with the throbbing with standing. Have you taken your pulse sitting then stand for a minute and take it again? How about your blood pressure doing the same things? Your body is likely going to take time to reset itself as far as the female hormones are concerned.
If there is a Chinese herbalist of excellent reputation where you live, you might go to them and ask if they can try to help you with your situation with acupuncture and/or herbs catered to your situation.
I was given by one acupuncturist Coptis Purgefire by Health Concerns. I thought it helped my migraine situation for awhile and later learned it contained a high amount of natural estrogen from a Chinese acupuncturist who looked at the herbal formula. This evidently explained why my hair got much thicker and grew much faster than normal while on it. But it also likely fueled the endometriosis (which I didn't know I had) in my body growing & made that situation worse. Since you have painful periods, it is very possible you have endometriosis also and you would want to tell the herbalist you suspect you may have that and why (if you decide you do suspect it). Typically, the only way to learn you actually to have endometriosis is through surgery.
Thanks so much for you Message LivingInHope.
In reply to above; Yes its definately more than just a regular reaction to crying, its embarrassing to leave the house im that swelled up the 'day' after and in so much pain etc.
My bad skin wasnt the worst case of acne it was more blackheads and blemishes that I just couldnt get rid of, I eventually went on medication which cleared them but I dont want it to return now im off the Pill which seemed to help it etc.
I will first start to feel the Migraine in either my neck/shoulders or behind the eye - so thinking about it, it could well be musculor, I thought it could also be a nerve as I get a sharp stabbing (like a pin) pain in the middle of my back when I bend down. I can get cramp in my neck quite often and sometimes it does feel like a nerve pain - but again I went to the Dr and was told it could just be a rogue nerve everyone gets them nothing to worry about.
Ive noticed since stopping the Pill Ive felt on the verge of a Migraine everyday, a horrible sicky feeling and tightness in my shoulders.
Ive also noticed everytime I stand up I feel a throbbing pain in my head and a little dizzy.
Id move to the US tomorrow if I could :)
In reply to above; Yes its definately more than just a regular reaction to crying, its embarrassing to leave the house im that swelled up the 'day' after and in so much pain etc.
My bad skin wasnt the worst case of acne it was more blackheads and blemishes that I just couldnt get rid of, I eventually went on medication which cleared them but I dont want it to return now im off the Pill which seemed to help it etc.
I will first start to feel the Migraine in either my neck/shoulders or behind the eye - so thinking about it, it could well be musculor, I thought it could also be a nerve as I get a sharp stabbing (like a pin) pain in the middle of my back when I bend down. I can get cramp in my neck quite often and sometimes it does feel like a nerve pain - but again I went to the Dr and was told it could just be a rogue nerve everyone gets them nothing to worry about.
Ive noticed since stopping the Pill Ive felt on the verge of a Migraine everyday, a horrible sicky feeling and tightness in my shoulders.
Ive also noticed everytime I stand up I feel a throbbing pain in my head and a little dizzy.
Id move to the US tomorrow if I could :)
Oh, also since posture is a major factor for you, working on that, doing shoulder rolls, neck exercises and using moist heat on your neck and shoulders might be things to try regularly, as well as getting up and walking about a bit for breaks when/if you are in front of the computer for a long while. Making sure the computer and chair are ergonomically at the right height (and for chair- right back supporting type) for you can be important. Pushing your neck back to rest against the head rest/car seat when riding in the car if your head is at a forward thrust like mine is something a physical therapist recommended to me for when I'm a passenger.
About the crying (didn't see that before): crying is a migraine trigger for me as well. Are you talking something different than the blotchiness, which is normal for many after a cry? I think the swelling and trouble breathing probably has to do with your sinuses and being upset (but you might check with your doc on that). You might want to get tested for asthma about the breathing part.
I'm sorry you are stuck with the national health care system and am hoping they overturn Obamacare in our U.S. Supreme court. I have a sibling living in the Czech Republic and socialized medicine is the pits.
Anyway, your migraine diary, if it is a decent one, should have triggers listed on it and also you can document what you were eating/doing prior to the onset of your migraine. That way, you can try to avoid foods/preservatives in food- ones you find are triggers for your migraines, excessive stress, crying when you can, change of sleeping patterns, too much sun, second hand cigarette smoke, perfume, excessive computer/tv watching- whatever you discover may have set one off.
About your painful periods- it is very possible you have endometriosis. I had a severe case of it myself and wound up with a hysterectomy in my early thirties. The bad skin- are you referring to acne/pimples? If so, you might want to alternatively, if you don't already, do something I've been doing since I was a lot younger- wash face nightly with hot water, do a cold water rinse and pat face dry. You might even put on a little witch hazel astringent afterward in areas of blemishes. Also, you might try to avoid foods that tend to set them off, like donuts, potato chips, and for some in my family, chocolate.
Acne has been typical in the past for me and in my siblings with time of month- figure it has something to with hormones. I learned less than two years after my hysterectomy I had a pituitary tumor. It is very possible that had something to do with my menstrual irregularities in timing, while the endometriosis caused extra bleeding and lots of pain.
Acne and irregular periods as well as depression and headache can also be symptoms of Cushing's syndrome (see private message). If your current doctor refuses to refer you to an endocrinologist when you ask him/her to based on your symptoms and your high testosterone levels, can you switch doctors there? And they should be willing to refer you to a neurologist who treats migraine patients too!
When the doctor thought you might have a blood clot, did they not give you any kind of medicine because of their suspicion? I have a sibling after having a baby, who was sent home with an IV with heparin in it, I think, because, if I remember right, of a blood clot on the leg. I'm sorry for the awful state of health care there for you!
It used to be I think about 8 out of 10 headaches would come on the right, the other 2 on the left, but after acupuncture I had them ping-ponging from one side to another a lot more. I was told this meant they were cycling faster, which was supposed to be a good sign. Do they have any Chinese acupuncturists around there?
I'm sorry you are stuck with the national health care system and am hoping they overturn Obamacare in our U.S. Supreme court. I have a sibling living in the Czech Republic and socialized medicine is the pits.
Anyway, your migraine diary, if it is a decent one, should have triggers listed on it and also you can document what you were eating/doing prior to the onset of your migraine. That way, you can try to avoid foods/preservatives in food- ones you find are triggers for your migraines, excessive stress, crying when you can, change of sleeping patterns, too much sun, second hand cigarette smoke, perfume, excessive computer/tv watching- whatever you discover may have set one off.
About your painful periods- it is very possible you have endometriosis. I had a severe case of it myself and wound up with a hysterectomy in my early thirties. The bad skin- are you referring to acne/pimples? If so, you might want to alternatively, if you don't already, do something I've been doing since I was a lot younger- wash face nightly with hot water, do a cold water rinse and pat face dry. You might even put on a little witch hazel astringent afterward in areas of blemishes. Also, you might try to avoid foods that tend to set them off, like donuts, potato chips, and for some in my family, chocolate.
Acne has been typical in the past for me and in my siblings with time of month- figure it has something to with hormones. I learned less than two years after my hysterectomy I had a pituitary tumor. It is very possible that had something to do with my menstrual irregularities in timing, while the endometriosis caused extra bleeding and lots of pain.
Acne and irregular periods as well as depression and headache can also be symptoms of Cushing's syndrome (see private message). If your current doctor refuses to refer you to an endocrinologist when you ask him/her to based on your symptoms and your high testosterone levels, can you switch doctors there? And they should be willing to refer you to a neurologist who treats migraine patients too!
When the doctor thought you might have a blood clot, did they not give you any kind of medicine because of their suspicion? I have a sibling after having a baby, who was sent home with an IV with heparin in it, I think, because, if I remember right, of a blood clot on the leg. I'm sorry for the awful state of health care there for you!
It used to be I think about 8 out of 10 headaches would come on the right, the other 2 on the left, but after acupuncture I had them ping-ponging from one side to another a lot more. I was told this meant they were cycling faster, which was supposed to be a good sign. Do they have any Chinese acupuncturists around there?
Thanks for your comments!
LivingInHope; My Dr doesnt refer me anywhere, the only medication im on at the moment is Beta Blockers...All my Dr's do is try different pills on me they dont even attempt to 'think' about the cause, they tell me to note a Migraine Diary - so I did and when I take it to show them they dont have time to look at it. (This is NHS Dr's in the UK)
Yes I am going to stop taking the Pill now (although I am dreading the painful/irregular periods and bad skin returning)
I was reading the Pill packet this morning warning of Blood Clot symptoms and Migraines - I sometimes have a stabbing pain in my chest and calf ache, I went to the emergency clinic after having the pain for 3 days and they said it could be a warning sign of a blood clot but then they sent me home?
Yes I have always had bad posture, when I get a Migraine and try a massage I can end up screaming in pain (and I am pretty good with pain levels!)
I dont know how I could get referred for a hormone examination etc? I tried to get definate answers about PCOS but all they say is 'we will when you want to get pregnant otherwise theres no point'.
I wonder what causes the alternate eye pain from each Migraine??
LivingInHope; My Dr doesnt refer me anywhere, the only medication im on at the moment is Beta Blockers...All my Dr's do is try different pills on me they dont even attempt to 'think' about the cause, they tell me to note a Migraine Diary - so I did and when I take it to show them they dont have time to look at it. (This is NHS Dr's in the UK)
Yes I am going to stop taking the Pill now (although I am dreading the painful/irregular periods and bad skin returning)
I was reading the Pill packet this morning warning of Blood Clot symptoms and Migraines - I sometimes have a stabbing pain in my chest and calf ache, I went to the emergency clinic after having the pain for 3 days and they said it could be a warning sign of a blood clot but then they sent me home?
Yes I have always had bad posture, when I get a Migraine and try a massage I can end up screaming in pain (and I am pretty good with pain levels!)
I dont know how I could get referred for a hormone examination etc? I tried to get definate answers about PCOS but all they say is 'we will when you want to get pregnant otherwise theres no point'.
I wonder what causes the alternate eye pain from each Migraine??
Something you can do yourself to help with the migraine.Drink warm water and avoid cold drinks. Follow the two techniques twice a day ,everyday. When you can do anulom vilom for more than 15 minutes, come back, tell me your progress, and then I will suggest some more.
Anulom Vilom pranayam –
Build up your timing gradually.If you feel tired or dizzy, stop and resume after one minute.
Close your right nostril with thumb and deep breath-in through left nostril
then – close left nostril with two fingers and breath-out through right nostril
then -keeping the left nostril closed deep breath-in through right nostril
then - close your right nostril with thumb and breath-out through left nostril.
This is one cycle of anulom vilom.
Repeat this cycle for 20 to 30 minutes twice a day.
Children under 15 years – do 5 to 10 minutes twice a day.
You can do this before breakfast/lunch/dinner or before bedtime or in bed.Remember to take deep long breaths into the lungs.You can do this while sitting on floor or chair or lying in bed.
Bhramri Pranayam -Close eyes. Close little flap of ears with thumb,place index finger on forehead, and rest three fingers on base of nose touching eyes. Breathe in through nose. And now breathe out through nose while humming like a bee.
Repeat this 5 to 21 times.
May 10 ,2012
Anulom Vilom pranayam –
Build up your timing gradually.If you feel tired or dizzy, stop and resume after one minute.
Close your right nostril with thumb and deep breath-in through left nostril
then – close left nostril with two fingers and breath-out through right nostril
then -keeping the left nostril closed deep breath-in through right nostril
then - close your right nostril with thumb and breath-out through left nostril.
This is one cycle of anulom vilom.
Repeat this cycle for 20 to 30 minutes twice a day.
Children under 15 years – do 5 to 10 minutes twice a day.
You can do this before breakfast/lunch/dinner or before bedtime or in bed.Remember to take deep long breaths into the lungs.You can do this while sitting on floor or chair or lying in bed.
Bhramri Pranayam -Close eyes. Close little flap of ears with thumb,place index finger on forehead, and rest three fingers on base of nose touching eyes. Breathe in through nose. And now breathe out through nose while humming like a bee.
Repeat this 5 to 21 times.
May 10 ,2012
Taking the hormone pills can make a migraine situation worse, and I hope you will discontinue those! The pain in your neck and shoulders sounds like you have a muscular component contributing to your headaches. Poor posture, stressors, and certain activities can contribute to muscular tension headache. I get a combo myself of migraine and muscular according to a neuro doc I saw some years back.
The pain ping ponging from one eye to another eye is also something that happens to me with migraines. I've had a hysterectomy, but when I was getting menses, around the time of month was one of the worst times for getting the hugest of migraines. You get a dip in estrogen right before you start your period that can set the ball in motion.
Being anemic can cause headaches, and while iron can be hard on the liver and consequently, the head according to an acupuncturist I used to go to, you need to be taking iron and Ester C vitamin together to try to get your iron up (if source of anemia is iron deficiency which often happens in menstruating females because of blood loss). Does your doctor have you on an iron taken w/at least 250 mg of vitamin C regime?
Further, if you have not yet had one of these, the doctor should have ordered a brain CT scan or MRI (I prefer MRIs because of radiation concern) for your headache and visual disturbance to rule out some serious causes. Additionally, you say your testosterone is high, so I recommend you get to an endocrinologist for a thorough hormonal evaluation. Some people (about 1 in 5) have pituitary tumors and some of those can emit too much hormone. At times, adenomas on the pituitary can contribute to migraines, so you want to get abnormal pituitary function ruled out.
Are you seeing a neurologist for your migraines?
The pain ping ponging from one eye to another eye is also something that happens to me with migraines. I've had a hysterectomy, but when I was getting menses, around the time of month was one of the worst times for getting the hugest of migraines. You get a dip in estrogen right before you start your period that can set the ball in motion.
Being anemic can cause headaches, and while iron can be hard on the liver and consequently, the head according to an acupuncturist I used to go to, you need to be taking iron and Ester C vitamin together to try to get your iron up (if source of anemia is iron deficiency which often happens in menstruating females because of blood loss). Does your doctor have you on an iron taken w/at least 250 mg of vitamin C regime?
Further, if you have not yet had one of these, the doctor should have ordered a brain CT scan or MRI (I prefer MRIs because of radiation concern) for your headache and visual disturbance to rule out some serious causes. Additionally, you say your testosterone is high, so I recommend you get to an endocrinologist for a thorough hormonal evaluation. Some people (about 1 in 5) have pituitary tumors and some of those can emit too much hormone. At times, adenomas on the pituitary can contribute to migraines, so you want to get abnormal pituitary function ruled out.
Are you seeing a neurologist for your migraines?
Sorry to add! > another strange symptom I have is I always will have a 24hr Migraine after I cry.
When I cry the bridge of my nose swells up terribly along with my eye lids - I look like ive been punched in the face it is that dramatic, and the pain is intence the following day.
When I was younger I also used to get a blotchy red rash when I cried and trouble breathing. Could this be related to the Migraines?
When I cry the bridge of my nose swells up terribly along with my eye lids - I look like ive been punched in the face it is that dramatic, and the pain is intence the following day.
When I was younger I also used to get a blotchy red rash when I cried and trouble breathing. Could this be related to the Migraines?
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Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
In this special Missouri Medicine report, doctors examine advances in diagnosis and treatment of this devastating and costly neurodegenerative disease.
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.
Discover some of the causes of dizziness and how to treat it.
Discover the common causes of headaches and how to treat headache pain.
Two of the largest studies on Alzheimer’s have yielded new clues about the disease
