Understanding Hormonal Migraines
**Demographics:** 33 years old, 5 feet 6 inches tall, 12 stone. My alcohol consumption is minimal, with just an occasional Baileys every four months. I don’t smoke or use recreational drugs. I try to walk daily for about 30 to 60 minutes, though my overall physical activity is limited due to frequent migraine discomfort. Since around the age of 14 or 15, I’ve been experiencing migraines, which I suspect are triggered by factors such as stress and caffeine, but I believe they’re predominantly hormonal. Previously, I would typically suffer from migraines one or two days prior to my menstrual cycle. For roughly four years, I’ve been receiving hormonal injections to manage my migraines, which have reduced the frequency to about one or two occurrences each month. Taking rizatriptan has been quite effective during these episodes. I generally prefer to avoid medications unless absolutely necessary, so I decided to discontinue the injections to assess their true impact on my health. There are concerns about potential long-term side effects from extended use. After stopping the injections in early September, I have noticed a concerning increase in my migraine frequency, now averaging one to two per week, with no menstrual cycle since the cessation. I’m cautious about exceeding the use of rizatriptan, as I fear the development of rebound headaches. Consequently, I’ve been enduring the pain as best I can. During an appointment with a doctor prior to halting my injections, she suggested that if my migraines return, a hormonal coil could be a viable option, as it regulates hormones but is reportedly less potent than the injections. My inquiry is: how long should I hold off before considering the coil? I’m uncertain whether the increase in migraine intensity is a result of discontinuing the injections—essentially revealing my baseline hormonal state—or if the withdrawal itself could be causing fluctuations in my hormonal levels, leading to these migraines. Perhaps I should wait a few months to see if the situation stabilizes on its own? In the past, I have tried amitriptyline but experienced significant weight gain without any migraine relief. One physician suggested propranolol as a preventive measure; however, I have additional hormone-related concerns, including sebaceous cysts and ulcers during specific phases of my cycle. Thus, if I pursue preventative treatment, I would prefer a method that addresses multiple issues, including my migraines.
Answers (1)
2/6/2026, 8:10:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're navigating a complex experience with your hormonal migraines, especially after discontinuing the injections. Your concerns about medication side effects and wanting to manage your migraines in a holistic manner are completely valid.
Key Points
- After stopping hormonal injections, you've noticed an increase in migraine frequency.
- You aim to understand the role of hormones in your migraines and are considering alternative treatments, such as a hormonal coil.
- You're cautious about using rizatriptan frequently due to the risk of rebound headaches.
Explanation
Hormonal migraines are indeed often influenced by fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly estrogen. It’s common for frequency and intensity to change after stopping hormonal treatments because your body is readjusting to its natural state. Your previous injections likely provided stable hormone levels, which helped in controlling migraine frequency.
The increase in migraines could be due to:
- Withdrawal Effects: Stopping hormonal injections may produce withdrawal symptoms, including increased migraine frequency.
- Baseline Hormonal Levels: Your body's natural hormonal cycle may have changed after the injection cessation, possibly leading to more migraines, especially if they are linked to the menstrual cycle.
Next Steps
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed headache diary for at least a month. Record the timing, intensity, and duration of your migraines, any hormonal changes (like cycle irregularities), and your lifestyle factors (stress, diet, etc.). This will help identify patterns and triggers.
-
Consider Timing for the Coil: While patience is key, waiting a month or two after stopping the injections before considering the hormonal coil might allow your body to stabilize. If the migraines don't improve or worsen, it may be time to explore the coil option.
-
Evaluate Lifestyle Modifications: Focus on managing stress through techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or relaxation exercises. Also, monitor caffeine intake, as reducing it may alleviate some migraines.
-
Consult on Hormonal Treatments When Ready: If migraines persist at their current frequency, revisit the conversation with your healthcare provider about the hormonal coil or any other preventative treatments. Emphasize your desire for an approach that addresses multiple issues.
-
Explore Diet and Hydration: Ensure you're staying well-hydrated and eating balanced meals to help stabilize your body’s response.
-
Limit Rizatriptan Use: Use rizatriptan only when necessary to manage acute migraine pain, as overuse can lead to rebound headaches.
Your proactive approach to managing your health is commendable, and monitoring over the coming weeks will be crucial. Stay in tune with your body, and don't hesitate to reach out for more support or clarification as your situation develops.
Related Questions
Concern Over New Facial Growth - Seeking Advice
Greetings! I’m a 30-year-old woman who has developed a small bump beneath my right eye. This unusual spot emerged around January 9. Following a treatment with a chemical exfoliant mask containing AHAs and BHAs, I noticed its presence. Initially, I thought it might be my skin clearing itself out after the treatment, but it has persisted for nearly a month now. - The bump hasn’t evolved into a whitehead, so I’ve refrained from attempting to squeeze or manipulate it. - There is no itching associated with it. - It hasn’t bled, although I’m uncertain if malignant growths typically bleed spontaneously or require some form of disturbance. I have not bumped or scratched it. - The size hasn’t changed; in fact, it appears less red than it initially did. I’m feeling anxious since this bump is a new development and is clearly not an ordinary pimple. Given my family history of basal cell carcinoma, I'm particularly concerned. I've already submitted a request for an appointment with my dermatologist, but as a natural worrier, I wanted to reach out to this community for thoughts or insights (and to contemplate whether I should push for an earlier appointment).
Assessing Long-Term Consequences Following Cannabinoid Overdose
(20m, 5'11", 230 lbs) Additional medications of note include: - Sertraline: 150 mg daily - Adderall: 25 mg daily (this consists of a 15 mg extended-release dose combined with two 5 mg immediate-release doses, one taken in the morning and another alongside the second extended-release dose later in the afternoon) I find it quite awkward to share this, but about six days ago, I began using gummies that each contained 5 mg of THC, completely unaware that they also had 25 mg of CBN per gummy. The package contained 20 gummies, which I consumed over 6 days; on some evenings, I took 4 gummies, and on others, I took 3. This resulted in an average nightly consumption of roughly 83.3 mg of CBN, 16.6 mg of THC, and between 5 to 10 mg of melatonin. I’ve diligently searched for research concerning possible harmful interactions among these substances, and it appears there’s significantly less information regarding CBN compared to THC and CBD. CBN seems to have a toxicological profile akin to that of CBD. One particular research paper I found from the 1980s on PubMed suggested that daily doses of up to 1200 mg taken orally did not lead to notable toxicity. Many studies indicate that CBN might exhibit neuroprotective benefits rather than neurotoxic risks, although the quantity I consumed appears to be about three times the suggested nightly limit. Each morning, I would sleep until noon, with one instance where I remained asleep until 2 PM after taking 4 gummies. Generally, I fall asleep around 2-3 AM due to my schedule at a nearby college. Being new to usage, I merely attributed these effects to THC. From what I've noted, cannabinoids tend to possess mild anticholinergic properties, which leads me to fret that my persistent sedation may stem from this effect—an effect somewhat associated with long-term cognitive decline. However, THC does not seem to possess anticholinergic properties as pronounced as those of medications like doxylamine. This confounds me, particularly as I've begun experiencing frequent urination and an incessant urge to void, a symptom typically reported with anticholinergic drugs. I struggle with health anxiety due to OCD, which is why I’ve been prescribed sertraline. My tendency is to fixate on uncertainties, especially topics that cannot be reliably affirmed without extensive analysis… OCD thrives on ambiguity. To preempt some of the responses, I am indeed in therapy, so please don’t worry! Almost every resource I’ve accessed seems to conclude that my actions shouldn't result in any enduring cognitive impairment, but I thought it would be prudent to consult with qualified professionals who possess greater knowledge and experience than simply poring over studies on PubMed. In the long term, will these cognitive effects diminish, or is there a risk of lasting damage to my brain?
Understanding My Past Experiences
At the age of 20, standing 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 140 pounds, I still reflect on some alarming experiences from my childhood. Between the ages of 9 and 13, I encountered these dreadful "episodes" that I struggle to articulate, except to say they were extremely distressing. I could sense an episode approaching when I felt a peculiar sensation in my nose while breathing, leading to an onset that was genuinely unbearable. During these episodes, I was left in a state of turmoil, unable to stabilize my thoughts or emotions. I distinctly recall the first instance when I was about 9 years old; it was a particularly harrowing experience that included visual and auditory hallucinations, severe vomiting, and an intense headache. Following that initial episode, the only lingering issue was persistent headaches. The sensations I experienced during those episodes remind me of the overwhelming feelings one might get after consuming an excess of THC edibles. I remember vividly at around the age of 5, I stumbled upon what I believed to be regular chocolates in my mother's car and consumed three of them. It turned out they were cannabis-infused, and the effect was strikingly similar to what I would later encounter during those episodes. Now, as I begin to notice those premonitory sensations once again, I feel a sense of dread; it’s been several years since I last experienced an episode, and I am apprehensive about going through that torment once more. My curiosity about understanding what these episodes were and what triggered them continues to linger.
Mild Hydronephrosis Case at Age 39
Weight: 85 kg; Height: 177 cm This is my first time sharing my experience here. I was born with a single kidney, which has resulted in it being noticeably larger compared to a typical paired set. About a year and a half ago, I began experiencing sporadic discomfort on my right side, where my kidney is located. After a series of blood tests revealed an eGFR of 61 (a decrease from 67 in 2013, likely influenced by my lifestyle), I sought further advice from my general practitioner. Eventually, I was referred to specialists in nephrology and urology. Following three ultrasounds and a CT scan, I was diagnosed with mild hydronephrosis. This condition may have stemmed from a urethral stricture dating back over 30 years, resulting from a surgical procedure. Thankfully, I have never had issues with urination and there were no stones detected. Just over two weeks ago, I underwent a procedure to dilate the stricture. Leading up to it, my discomfort was minimal, but post-surgery, I've been experiencing increased pain and occasional stinging sensations. I have brought this up with both my nephrologist and urologist and am currently awaiting their feedback. I had hoped that resolving the stricture would eliminate my previous aches, but perhaps that expectation was unrealistic. Does recovery usually take time? Also, I was somewhat frustrated by my urologist's dismissive reaction to my mention of prostatitis. I'm interested in hearing your opinions or any similar experiences you might have had.
Inflammation and Discomfort in Finger Joints
Experiencing inflammation in your finger joints? I’m a 29-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 2 inches and weighing 58 kilograms. I live with diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, as well as mental health challenges including PTSD and depression, alongside autism. My current medication regimen includes venlafaxine, novorapid, and tresiba, with no additional supplements. Recently, I have been dealing with discomfort in my knuckle joints, particularly over the past few weeks. It began with my middle finger, which has shown some improvement in swelling over the last few days, though the pain persists, resembling a deep bruise. Meanwhile, the issues have shifted primarily to my pointer finger, where the symptoms are currently quite pronounced. Unusually, there’s noticeable indent where my ring typically rests, which has never occurred before as it usually fits loosely and twists without issue. It's hard to tell how prominent the issue might appear to others, but I’ve noticed a small, painful red bump on my pointer finger that stands out as particularly sensitive—it presents more of a prickly, itchy sensation compared to the rest of the finger. The redness observed at the tips of my fingers seems to stem from my biting habit, which I’ve had throughout my life, and that discomfort generally doesn’t extend beyond the edges, remaining localized to the knuckle areas. There have also been spell of extreme itchiness, during which cold compresses have provided some relief. Given my generally weak immune system, I’m accustomed to my body exhibiting peculiar symptoms; however, this situation feels entirely new and different. Should I be concerned? Is this something that would typically resolve on its own? Thank you for any insights you can provide.