migrains after my period

[sleepbeauty]

Oh, first I am so glad I found this web site!

I have suffered with terrible migrains, but only AFTER my period has ended. My Docters have tryed many
different drugs and nothing has helped.

I self medicate myself with muscle relaxers just to get some sleep and a little relief.

I am going through menopause and think it might be hormone related.

any input is greatly appreciated.

[rudyhorse]

Marilee hit the nail on the head for me also, magnesium really helps.  My sister has gone through menopause now and her migraines are much better, so maybe that will help in the end. I hope so.  

Prevention is the key, because otherwise, like you said it just wears you out.
Keep us posted,
Tracy

[marileew]

Hi sleepbeauty!

Just so we don't suggest things you've already tried before, can you tell us about the different types of drugs your doctors have tried before? What sorts of acute medications have your doctors prescribed in the past (I am specifically curious about which triptans and which NSAIDS). Also, what preventative medications have your doctors prescribed in the past (what classes of medications have you tried: antidepressant/anticonvulsant/betablockers/botox/etc.? and within those classes of medications, which specific medications have you found unhelpful in the past?)

There are specific triptans that are geared more toward hormonally triggered migraines, such as Frova (brand name) / Frovatriptan (generic name). Out of all of the triptans, I would personally suggest talking to your doctor about Frova, as it has been proven to be the most helpful when it comes to stopping an acute migraine attack triggered by hormones in women. If the Frova does not work to abort your acute migraine attacks, then I would also suggest talking to your doctor about taking Naproxen (a prescription NSAID) at the same time as taking the Frova. In addition to this, I would suggest talking to your doctor about taking Metoclopramide (a prescription antiemetic that has been proven to increase the pain killing effects of migraine medications) at the same time as the Frova and Naproxen. Using a combination acute treatment plan such as this is statistically quite effective, specifically combining a triptan with Naproxen or combining a triptan with Metoclopramide OR combining a triptan with Naproxen and Metoclopramide. It is also very important to take these medications at the first signs of a migraine.

I would also suggest looking into preventative treatments, although first I would like to know if your doctors have ever talked to you about preventative treatments and if you have ever tried any preventative treatments in the past? If so, which preventative treatments have you tried?

A good non-prescription preventative treatment for hormonally triggered migraines is the supplement Magnesium @ 400mg to 600mg daily. Start at a lower dose, such as 400mg daily, as higher doses can cause stomach upset. If you find that even 400mg of Magnesium causes stomach upset, then reduce the dose until you have no side-effects and then slowly increase the dose on a daily basis in a way that can be tolerated. This must be taken every day of the month, even though your headaches only happen right after your period has ended. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting Magnesium daily as this supplement can mix badly with other medications and other health issues, it is always important to check with a doctor or pharmacist prior to taking any sort of medication or supplement.

Keep in touch!

- marilee