I have always suffered with migraines, sinus pain and headaches but since being peri-menopausal I have noticed that they have changed. It alternates between migraines, sinus pain and daily headaches and it is becoming so debilitating. I work full time and I struggle to cope with the pain. It is always worse when I get my period and I never know when that will show up! I just wondered if anyone else suffered like this.
– Linda, London
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Beverly5 years ago
That was me to a tee and add in when my monthly cycle was not manageable time wise or flow wise, we tried birth control pills to get me over the hump and the estrogen made things much worse. So off BCP, went to a neurologist and went on low dose amitriptyline with usual migraine rescue meds, still not cutting it, so added Topomax and had a reaction to that. Started on Ajovy monthly injections and that has truly saved my life! Still on the low dose amitriptyline and will try going off that in December. My migraines went from 18 (with usual headaches adding in maybe 5-8 more days) down to about 2 worse case scenario if stressed but have gone a whole month without any migraines a few times. The key was going to a migraine specialist and charting your symptoms/triggers. Made all the difference for me! Best of luck to you
Natasha5 years ago
I had 2 sleep deprived seizures when my eldest was nursing. He NEVER slept, and would not take a bottle. He weighed 30 lbs at 9 months old! I made high fat milk! I also was dangerously underweight because I couldn’t keep up to his need, I was put on Topamax, for 11 years. I did not have one headache in 11 years! I am half tempted to ask my doctor if we could try that!
Tara5 years ago
Hi Linda, I also am getting really awful headaches that at times I have to go and lay down they are so bad and feel like my head is going to split. I am 49 and over the last year have been getting quite a range of the different symptoms.
Lucy5 years ago
My migraines and headaches are worse now but I am wondering if this is to do with the fact that I am anaemic. I have read that it could be.
Anne5 years ago
I just recently began having migraines with aura, having never had migraines before. At this point they are more distressing than painful, but I worry they will worsen as I get farther into menopause.
Jas5 years ago
I never used to have headaches and then out of the blue i started getting migraines a few years ago. Never really understood why until I noticed they always started just before my periods. Some months are worse than others. Life has all of a sudden become about tracking every little change you experience, yet I don’t always have the mental or physical energy to deal with these see changes.
val5 years ago
Since early days menopause I have suffered allergies more sinus problems vertigo migraines my gp & asthma nurse prescribed antihistamine taken daily for 7 yrs & nasal & tablet form think all these began at age of 45 now 59 have all year round rintinitus allergies to dust & pollen spores pet hairs & even food allergies that bring all this on ☹️ medication & diet AIP has helped me.
Barbara5 years ago
I also developed allergies to something I assume dust about 4 years ago and just use an over the counter antihistamine but it is a pain especially at the moment as it makes me cough and sneeze. I have just learned to live with all the different issues menopause has brought as I don’t want it to affect my life completely. I get headaches, aches and pains, gained weight, low mood, constipation etc etc but I still live a full and happy life.
Shaz5 years ago
My daughter and son have had migraines from 4 & 6 years respectively. My daughter is now 32yrs and although not near peri menopause she is very aware of her migraines also kick in at ovulation time (mid cycle). So if you have a daughter who has migraines this may be of benefit to know, as it’s menstrual associated.
Wendy5 years ago
Yes, migraines it’s awful. Every month (8 days) I have this phantom period symptoms with the worst hot flashes ever, just seconds before a hot flash the pain in my head gets worse and as if I can't breathe through my nose, I feel like it clogs up and my right eye hurts a lot, feel like a bubble in my ears and this brain numb sensation for like a second it’s the most freaky symptom ever. You can’t imagine I’m always wondering if this is really peri or something really bad happening in my body and doctor doesn’t have a clue about what I have.
Mandy5 years ago
Wendy, I literally am the same and my male doctor asked (no, suggested) it was physchosamatic.... needless to say I was furious as the pain is very very real
Renée5 years ago
Thank you! I am new to this. I had a hysterectomy at 42 but kept my ovaries. I have been suffering daily headaches for about the last 6 weeks. Hot flashes started about a month ago but not enough to associate the 2 together. Now I think I understand what is going on.
Lea5 years ago
I’m in the process of going through multiple migraines a month that affect my quality-of-life. Would love some guidance in this area as well.
Simone5 years ago
I hear you. Mine come in the middle of the night which doesn’t help with the poor sleep quality that I already have. I used to have them while taking the break on BCP. My doc told me to take BCP without interruption for up to 9 months. It was paradise! Didn’t have them nor mood swings. I wish I had a recipe to share...
Melinda5 years ago
Have always had headaches & Migraines but they have increased in frequency. HRT seemed to help but made me bloated, increased appetite along with stomach problems so I quit taking it after 2 mos. Now headaches have returned. I have year round allergies which doesn’t help. It’s hard to pinpoint the trigger with so many issues happening at once.
Amy5 years ago
I have always gotten migraines and headaches since young, and somewhat cyclically during periods when cycling. When perimenopause first started they got SO MUCH WORSE, terrible debilitating headaches. But, I’m happy to say that now that I’m past that initial stage of perimenopause and a few years in, (but still not quite done) the headaches are actually fading, not nearly as intense and less frequent. And my mom says once she was into actual menopause, they went away almost completely.
Claire5 years ago
I’m 54, 18 months without periods and then 3 again this summer. My migraines have become chronic this year (2/3 a week) and pain killers (triptans) provide initial relief then make them worse. I have tried preventative treatments but get lots of side effects. I have invested in a Cefaly machine in desperation (it’s a tens machine for heads, costs £300 plus) which has really reduced the frequency and intensity of my migraines and reducing my sick days and pain killer reliance. I use it 20 mins a day as prevention.
Natasha5 years ago
You have my deepest sympathy. I am a newer migraine sufferer, and I have every gadget available from Amazon to try to deal with it. Sometimes, in the shower, with hot, then cold water I want to bang my head on the wall to see if that may help! I only get migraines with my periods or under above average stress. I will say that now my periods are scattered and on no set schedule, it is about quality of life. I currently work part time from home, and I hate knowing that is about all I can do right now. I have tried a number of meds, and so far Sumatriptan is helpful. I did blood pressure meds for 3 months and all it did was make me beyond fatigued.
Melissa5 years ago
I used to have migraines maybe once a year for the past 4 years but I turned 50 in February and they now come like clockwork at my period. They’ve been so debilitating that I’ve had to call out from work for at least 2 of them - it’s not just the migraines though, it’s the body aches, periods like cramping, sensitivity to light and extreme nausea. My doctor started me on Emgality (monthly injectable) just last month and oral Imitrex. I still had a 2 crazy bad migraines this month (I’ve been told the Emgality might take 2 months to kick in). I tried to stave off the second migraine with the oral Imitrex (take one pill and then take a 2nd if no relief in 2 hours from the first pill) and the meds knocked me out all day. When I woke up I thought I had overdosed I felt so loopy. I’ve never felt so terrible on medication in my life! I’ve also been recently diagnosed with Hashimoto’s and I’m going to see a specialist for evaluation and treatment. I hope he can help with the migraines as well.