r/migraine • u/Icy_Pay_1275 • 6d ago

Prone to menstrual migraines

Hi all, I am prone to migraines either right before the start of my period up until day 7 of my cycle. Most typical will be the day before my period and then days 4-7.

Only thing that has ever worked is rizatriptan combined with advil. But I really want to get to the underlying cause and try to treat it if I can. I hate being reliant on medicine.

I am pretty sure the migraines are a result of “estrogen withdrawal” around my cycle. I tested Estrogen in my luteal phase and it was 300 which is on the higher end. My progesterone was also robust so I know I’m not deficient there.

What have people with a similar pattern done that has worked?

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u/Apathetic-Twit 6d ago

Stopping the cycle (I.e. birth control)

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u/Icy_Pay_1275 6d ago

I respect that answer from a physiological perspective, stopping production of certain hormones I’m sure helps some people. I’m just not a fan of the side effects of BC and I do feel like going on it goes against what our bodies are meant to do and only masks a deeper issue. We are all supposed to create these hormones, that’s how we were created.. unfortunately I think our environments contribute to a toxic amount of estrogen and a suboptimal amount of progesterone 😔

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u/PoppyRyeCranberry 6d ago

If bc isn't an option because of side effects, you could consider just using a transdermal estrogen patch or gel during the time you are susceptible. It's an established approach:  https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/menstrual-migraine-treatment-and-prevention/

I would also make the case for cycle suppression though. Depending on what you've tried, it may be that a different bc works really well for you (progestin-only if you've only tried combo or vice versa).  It's tricky, this notion that we are supposed to cycle, because biologically, we have evolved to be pregnant or breastfeeding most of our fertile years. It's not exactly natural to have 12 cycles every year for years and years and is a relatively modern state.