Any migraine sufferers? Can't take BCP..

Meringoo · 04-30-2008, 06:27 AM

Hi all!

I've just got back from the doctor and I'm really worried. I've been suffering with migraines and bad headaches, nausea as well as very bad pain in ovaries and lower back. I've been told to stop taking Marvelon/Desogen (which up until recently seemed to be ok) and I am going back to my specialist for a review and to find a non-combined pill alternative that actually works.... Does this exist??

I'm really scared that I'll be very ill again, but understand that it's not worth the risk of having a stroke! Migraines run in my family. I never told the docs years ago that I suffered from them because I was younger and thought I was just stressed/depressed.

I'd like to hear from people with similar situations please....what do you take instead?

Thank you x x x

miracle3 · 04-30-2008, 09:01 AM

I can't take anything because of my migraines. I get them with the auras before, and lose about 1/2 of my field of vision for about 30 min before the migraine hits. I was told there was no BCP that I could take that was safe. In addition, I found out the women who suffer from migraines shouldn't use Mirena (IUD) either (I found this info on the AACOG website - this is the OB/ Gyn association -I have not heard this info directly from a doctor though.). We are left using condoms and vaginal contraceptive film. Good luck finding something that works for you!

RoaryKennedy · 04-30-2008, 03:08 PM

I started having migraines when taking Ortho Tricyclen after the birth of my dd. At my yearly appointment last week, I told my OBGYN about the migraines, and he also refused to prescribe BCPs any longer because of that.

What about an IUD? My OBGYN would've allowed that, except for the fact that I have a septate uterus that was discovered when I was pg.

Good luck with your decision!

tukeetukee · 05-07-2008, 01:31 PM

wait... do you have to stop the BCP because your doctor fears that it will have some effect on your migraines? Or do your BCPs CAUSE your migraines? I'm reading a book about different BCP's and PCOS and the doctor who wrote the book says that Mircette is a good pill for a woman with PCOS who gets migraines because it has the usual 21 pills with estrogen and progesterone, and then 5 more pills with estrogen alone, and then two sugar pills. I'm going to ask my dr to put me on this next time I go... I have migraines realllly bad on a regular basis, PLUS this pill is non-androgenic... so it should be reallllly good for me. Maybe you too, if the reason you can't take BCP's is because they exacerbate your migraines.

Meringoo · 05-07-2008, 02:40 PM

Hey,

I would have tried another BCP, but because I don't get migraines unless I am taking Marvelon or probably any other pill, he said that having migraines and taking the pill is a contraindiction.

Had a coil fitted last night (ouch!!!!) and waiting for an appointment with gynae to find an alternative way to manage my pcos...

Think the break from hormones will do me good. I have been in a lot of pain, and this coupled with the constant migraines has caused me to have depression.

Once I get settled with my IUD, I think I should feel a bit better. I'm slowly starting to feel "normal" again. I know that my pill (even though it helped my skin and weight a bit) has definitely caused me to feel totally withdrawn, like I'm not really there.

I'm not criticising BCPs as I believe they are a godsend in some cases, I just know I've had enough, and perhaps the daily migraines were a blessing in disguise!!

xx

elocinintherain · 05-07-2008, 06:20 PM

I have had migraines that were so awful that I couldn't do anything for weeks. However, I increased my folic acid intake and stopped drinking all sodas, and now I take a daily baby aspirin, and no migraines. On yaz, I did have some migraines, but have not had any with ortho tri-cyclen. Generally, docs recommend that anyone with a history of migraines should not take BCPs because they MIGHT be at higher risk for stroke and blood clots. (Some migraines are thought to be caused by poor circulation).

tukeetukee · 05-07-2008, 06:43 PM

WOAH WAIT!!!! I have migraines diagnosed by a neurologist, but i've never been told (really, i havent thought to tell my doctor that i have them.. they don't ask, and i don't think about my head when listing my gynecological problems) not to take BCP. Should I stop?

RoaryKennedy · 05-07-2008, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tukeetukee

WOAH WAIT!!!! I have migraines diagnosed by a neurologist, but i've never been told (really, i havent thought to tell my doctor that i have them.. they don't ask, and i don't think about my head when listing my gynecological problems) not to take BCP. Should I stop?

You know, I had the same thought as you: I believed that the BCP was CAUSING my migraines, so I thought it would be as easy as switching pills to fix it. I was surprised when I was told that he won't prescribe BCPs for anyone with a migraine history because of the stroke risk.

I would talk to your prescriber for your BCPs if you are at all concerned, just to see what his/her personal take on it is.

tukeetukee · 05-07-2008, 06:51 PM

kjhgksjhgjakdjha!!!!! i'm scared now!!! eek. I'll definately be calling my gyno tomorrow.

RoaryKennedy · 05-07-2008, 10:08 PM

My gyn made it seem like it wasn't the actual headache part that was a big deal, but the neurological symptoms that I get with them, like yawning and auras and sound sensitivity.

Let us know what you find out when you call!

rockingirl · 05-09-2008, 01:18 AM

I find that I get a migraine after two days off the active pills (yasmin) I have been able to proactivly avoid it by taking an nsaid before it stars. But I still have a bit of it.

04-30-2008, 06:27 AM	#1 (permalink)
Meringoo Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 26 My Mood: Points: 2,287.30 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 2,287.30 Donate	Any migraine sufferers? Can't take BCP.. Hi all! I've just got back from the doctor and I'm really worried. I've been suffering with migraines and bad headaches, nausea as well as very bad pain in ovaries and lower back. I've been told to stop taking Marvelon/Desogen (which up until recently seemed to be ok) and I am going back to my specialist for a review and to find a non-combined pill alternative that actually works.... Does this exist?? I'm really scared that I'll be very ill again, but understand that it's not worth the risk of having a stroke! Migraines run in my family. I never told the docs years ago that I suffered from them because I was younger and thought I was just stressed/depressed. I'd like to hear from people with similar situations please....what do you take instead? Thank you x x x

04-30-2008, 09:01 AM	#2 (permalink)
miracle3 Blessed! Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 132 My Mood: Points: 225.31 Bank: 2,643.56 Total Points: 2,868.87 Donate	I can't take anything because of my migraines. I get them with the auras before, and lose about 1/2 of my field of vision for about 30 min before the migraine hits. I was told there was no BCP that I could take that was safe. In addition, I found out the women who suffer from migraines shouldn't use Mirena (IUD) either (I found this info on the AACOG website - this is the OB/ Gyn association -I have not heard this info directly from a doctor though.). We are left using condoms and vaginal contraceptive film. Good luck finding something that works for you! __________________ Me (Stephanie) & DH 7/17/99 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Nov '02 -Surprise BFP at about 14 wks!! May '03 Tori- 9lbs 11oz 20 in March '06 50mg Clomid -BFN May '06 100mg Clomid -BFP!!! It's twins! January '07 Jack-8lbs 2 oz 21in & Anna -8lbs 3 oz 21in To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

04-30-2008, 03:08 PM	#3 (permalink)
RoaryKennedy This...is...Serious! Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Northern Minnesota Posts: 1,355 My Mood: MyEbay : Points: 15,986.92 Bank: 38,788.21 Total Points: 54,775.12 Donate	I started having migraines when taking Ortho Tricyclen after the birth of my dd. At my yearly appointment last week, I told my OBGYN about the migraines, and he also refused to prescribe BCPs any longer because of that. What about an IUD? My OBGYN would've allowed that, except for the fact that I have a septate uterus that was discovered when I was pg. Good luck with your decision! __________________ Me (I'm Jen!): 30 DH (Jason): 33 PCOS diagnosis 02.07.06 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Ambien CR, 12.5 mg. Yep, I'm an addict! Effexor XR, 150 mg. Metformin, 1000 mg. One round 50 mg Clomid cd 5-9 + 500 mg Met = SURPRISE BFP after being told O hadn't happened!!! Aidyn Charlotte was born via planned c-section on February 7, 2007--exactly one year to the day after my diagnosis! To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

05-07-2008, 01:31 PM	#4 (permalink)
tukeetukee Rx Queen Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 124 My Mood: Points: 9,136.08 Bank: 18,066.62 Total Points: 27,202.69 Donate	wait... do you have to stop the BCP because your doctor fears that it will have some effect on your migraines? Or do your BCPs CAUSE your migraines? I'm reading a book about different BCP's and PCOS and the doctor who wrote the book says that Mircette is a good pill for a woman with PCOS who gets migraines because it has the usual 21 pills with estrogen and progesterone, and then 5 more pills with estrogen alone, and then two sugar pills. I'm going to ask my dr to put me on this next time I go... I have migraines realllly bad on a regular basis, PLUS this pill is non-androgenic... so it should be reallllly good for me. Maybe you too, if the reason you can't take BCP's is because they exacerbate your migraines. __________________ DXed: September 10, 2007 PCOS with insulin resistance, Pelvic Congestion Syndrome, IBS, Asthmatic, Chronic Sinusitis, Depression, Anxiety currently being tested for: Fibromyalgia, Endometriosis, Hypothyroidism (Just what I need!!) Meds:L-Lysine, Nexium, Metformin, spiro, Ovcon-35 (SUCKS), Melatonin. Trying HARD to lose some weight!!! Putting TTC off until I get some more weight off. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

05-07-2008, 06:20 PM	#6 (permalink)
elocinintherain I've Got Issues Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: USA Posts: 255 My Mood: Points: 5,147.26 Bank: 29,100.83 Total Points: 34,248.09 Donate	I have had migraines that were so awful that I couldn't do anything for weeks. However, I increased my folic acid intake and stopped drinking all sodas, and now I take a daily baby aspirin, and no migraines. On yaz, I did have some migraines, but have not had any with ortho tri-cyclen. Generally, docs recommend that anyone with a history of migraines should not take BCPs because they MIGHT be at higher risk for stroke and blood clots. (Some migraines are thought to be caused by poor circulation). __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

05-07-2008, 02:40 PM	#5 (permalink)
Meringoo Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 26 My Mood: Points: 2,287.30 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 2,287.30 Donate	Hey, I would have tried another BCP, but because I don't get migraines unless I am taking Marvelon or probably any other pill, he said that having migraines and taking the pill is a contraindiction. Had a coil fitted last night (ouch!!!!) and waiting for an appointment with gynae to find an alternative way to manage my pcos... Think the break from hormones will do me good. I have been in a lot of pain, and this coupled with the constant migraines has caused me to have depression. Once I get settled with my IUD, I think I should feel a bit better. I'm slowly starting to feel "normal" again. I know that my pill (even though it helped my skin and weight a bit) has definitely caused me to feel totally withdrawn, like I'm not really there. I'm not criticising BCPs as I believe they are a godsend in some cases, I just know I've had enough, and perhaps the daily migraines were a blessing in disguise!! xx

05-07-2008, 06:43 PM	#7 (permalink)
tukeetukee Rx Queen Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 124 My Mood: Points: 9,136.08 Bank: 18,066.62 Total Points: 27,202.69 Donate	WOAH WAIT!!!! I have migraines diagnosed by a neurologist, but i've never been told (really, i havent thought to tell my doctor that i have them.. they don't ask, and i don't think about my head when listing my gynecological problems) not to take BCP. Should I stop? __________________ DXed: September 10, 2007 PCOS with insulin resistance, Pelvic Congestion Syndrome, IBS, Asthmatic, Chronic Sinusitis, Depression, Anxiety currently being tested for: Fibromyalgia, Endometriosis, Hypothyroidism (Just what I need!!) Meds:L-Lysine, Nexium, Metformin, spiro, Ovcon-35 (SUCKS), Melatonin. Trying HARD to lose some weight!!! Putting TTC off until I get some more weight off. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

05-07-2008, 06:51 PM	#9 (permalink)
tukeetukee Rx Queen Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 124 My Mood: Points: 9,136.08 Bank: 18,066.62 Total Points: 27,202.69 Donate	kjhgksjhgjakdjha!!!!! i'm scared now!!! eek. I'll definately be calling my gyno tomorrow. __________________ DXed: September 10, 2007 PCOS with insulin resistance, Pelvic Congestion Syndrome, IBS, Asthmatic, Chronic Sinusitis, Depression, Anxiety currently being tested for: Fibromyalgia, Endometriosis, Hypothyroidism (Just what I need!!) Meds:L-Lysine, Nexium, Metformin, spiro, Ovcon-35 (SUCKS), Melatonin. Trying HARD to lose some weight!!! Putting TTC off until I get some more weight off. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

05-07-2008, 10:08 PM	#10 (permalink)
RoaryKennedy This...is...Serious! Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Northern Minnesota Posts: 1,355 My Mood: MyEbay : Points: 15,986.92 Bank: 38,788.21 Total Points: 54,775.12 Donate	My gyn made it seem like it wasn't the actual headache part that was a big deal, but the neurological symptoms that I get with them, like yawning and auras and sound sensitivity. Let us know what you find out when you call! __________________ Me (I'm Jen!): 30 DH (Jason): 33 PCOS diagnosis 02.07.06 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Ambien CR, 12.5 mg. Yep, I'm an addict! Effexor XR, 150 mg. Metformin, 1000 mg. One round 50 mg Clomid cd 5-9 + 500 mg Met = SURPRISE BFP after being told O hadn't happened!!! Aidyn Charlotte was born via planned c-section on February 7, 2007--exactly one year to the day after my diagnosis! To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

05-09-2008, 01:18 AM	#11 (permalink)
rockingirl Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 10 My Mood: Points: 419.68 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 419.68 Donate	Migraine I find that I get a migraine after two days off the active pills (yasmin) I have been able to proactivly avoid it by taking an nsaid before it stars. But I still have a bit of it.

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