Migraines and hormones

[bubbup]

Hello, I have had menstrual migraines for over 30 years and as I get closer to menopause, things are getting worse.  I had a hysterectomy last July and have been taking.25mg estradiol gel every night and when I first started taking it, it seemed like the headaches were not so bad.  Now I am wondering if I should bump it up to .50 because not only do I seem to be constantly battling a headache (that may or may not turn in to a migraine) but I am really depressed to the point where I can feel my body ache from it.  I am 5;5", 132lb and feel hopeless.  Anybody have any ideas about whether bumping the estrogen might be good?  Thank you!

[sara12345]

C,

That's great.  Thanks so much for responding back.

Sara

[bubbup]

Thank you Sara.  I am seeing a Naturopath that upped my estrogen so hoping that works.  I'll keep in mind what you said about the patch.  Giving this a try.  Thanks so much!...C

[sara12345]

Several of my friends after menopause said that taking estrogen replacement helped or completely stopped their headaches.  But I've heard it can go either way.

I never got any estrogen in my system from the estradiol gel.  You should instead wear an estrogen patch.  And your depression is very likely from the lack of estrogen.  

Don't mess around with depression.  It is tied to a number of physical diseases, such as osteoporosis.  If the estrogen doesn't help or you don't want to take it, I would definately consider getting an anti-depressant.  

Take care.

Sara