headache everyday--ahhh!!!

[lolabunny422]

For the past week and a half I've been having a headache every day and it's driving me insane! This has only happened once, a little bit before thanksgiving so I just attributed it to PMS or whatever but this is happening too soon. I woke up with a headache and feeling really nauseous and it's been constant ever since. I wake up with a headache, have a couple of headaches in the day and go to bed with a headache and the whole process repeats itself. Sometimes I'm nauseous and feel a little lightheaded. Nothing works. It leaves for a minute and than comes back with a vengeance. I guess it could be something like a rebound headache as well. I want to say certain foods help triggers the headaches but it seems like everything I eat makes my head hurt and certain smells, like spices, sharpie pens, etc.I also feel my body get really really hot.  I had thyroid cancer and for the past 2 weeks or so I had to stop taking my thyroid hormone replacement in preparation for my treatment, I'm not really sure if it's related or what but any suggestions what medicine usually helps you guys? I just want it to leave me quickly!

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? Do yous till have these headaches? One of the side effects of levothyroxine is headache along with tremors, increased heart beat, perspiration and nervousness. However, if you stopped this already, the headache should have stopped when the drug has been excreted from your system. Try not to take OTC pain relievers excessively to prevent rebound headaches. Tension headaches present as dull, non-throbbing pain, frequently associated with tightness of scalp or neck. Rest and stronger prescription medicines may be used temporarily. Take care and best regards.

[lolabunny422]

Hi, the medication that I was on is Levothyroxine 200mcg. I've been taking it for a year now since my total thyroidectomy in January. The headaches are usually in the back of my head but sometimes it's in the front of my skull and it feels like my head is in a compressor.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? Can you elaborate on the character of the headache. What medications did you discontinue? If the start of these headaches coincided with the removal of these medications, there is a high degree of suspicion that they are responsible. Although factors that you mentioned ( hormones, food, etc) can also aggregate your condition. Ice packs, pain medications and relaxation techniques such as biofeedback may help provide relief.  If OTC pain relievers do not work, you may need to see your doctor for evaluation and prescription medicine.  But remember that some OTC pain relievers may also cause rebound headaches. Take care and do keep us posted.