What are Migraines?

It is a headache affecting 1 side of the head and is associated with other symptoms. The Migraine Trust state that about 10 million people in the UK live with migraines. This equated to between 15-23% of the population. They are more common in women. Hmmm I wonder what could be a trigger? We’ve guessed it; our hormones!

Migraines are episodic meaning they come and go and can occur a few days a month. The causes vary from lack of sleep, sleeping in a different bed/with different pillow, dehydration, alcohol, food, being too hot, too cold, certain smells, too much light and being stress. However, there are more. Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle and menopause can really affect girls at school and working women.

Migraine symptoms, their intensity and duration can vary but the most common symptoms; are nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to lights (photophobia), headaches, neck pain or stiffness. They can come on gradually or very sudden. They significantly impact your quality of life as some migraines last for a few days and the aftereffects cause can be debilitating too.

The more significant migraine is called “Migraine with Aura” They are neurological, effecting your vision causing; flashing lights to your peripheral vision or “a tunnel” or “spot” that appears. Vision can be temporality lost but will slowly return. Facial numbness and sometimes drooping of the corner of the mouth can occur. It’s vital you call for medical advice as the symptoms are very similar to a “Stroke, Mini Stroke” or Trans ischaemic Attack (TIA). Migraine relief medication; over the counter Paracetamol, Ibuprofen are effective. Prescription only medications such as Sumatriptan are very effective. Cold or hot compresses to your forehead and neck work wonders too.

Migraines and Me.

I had been experiencing lots of migraines in the early peri menopause. They were very debilitating and like most of us, I hadn’t realised it was the menopause. I had a scary neurological migraine which led to a 999 call to ED, lots of investigations including an MRI until I received my diagnosis. However, since starting HRT, I rarely have any migraines. Headaches and Hormones.

During the Peri menopause women report an increase in the frequency, intensity and duration of migraines. As Oestrogen levels rise and fall, women who experience migraines are very sensitive to very small hormonal changes, hence Peri menopause is the stage Migraines really ramp up.

Migraines and HRT.

If women are experiencing neurological migraines; they should not be prescribed oral HRT or the oral contraceptive pill. If I find women prescribed them, I refer them back to their GP or prescribe them different medication.

Transdermal Oestrogen patches provide a slower/more controlled way of absorbing Oestrogen. During a consultation, I will understand the type of migraines that are experienced and how they’re impacting you physically, emotionally; at home and at work. I often start women are very low doses of Oestrogen and gradually increase the dose. This helps in many ways. Most women are worried starting HRT will increase their migraines (which they can). However, women report less or no migraines when I prescribe their HRT. It’s important women feel confident in my choices. Reassuring and explaining about their HRT helps women take control of their hormones, menopause and life again. The past week I have reviewed 2 ladies who haven’t reported any neurological migraines since I started prescribing their HRT. They are very happy!!!

What can you do.

• Get a diagnosis of migraine from your healthcare provider

• Understand your triggers and keep a diary. Is there a pattern?

• Take medication as soon as you notice the signs of a migraine.

• Lie down in a dark room!

• Ensure you are being prescribed the right type and dose of HRT.

• Book an appointment with me.

Need my help?

If you are taking HRT and are getting migraines or if you’ve been advised you can’t have HRT. Please talk to me! Why not book a consultation? Let me listen and I’ll explain about your migraines and your menopause. I can prescribe you the HRT that you need, “One size does not fit all”.

For more information

Please email enquiries@bourne2care.co.uk to chat or www.bourne2care.co.uk to book.

References

www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk/understanding-migraine/factsheets-and- resources/migraine-menopause-and-hrt/ (accessed 26/4/25).