Need BC but have migraines

Avatar for lucky30605
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Need BC but have migraines
9
Tue, 09-21-2004 - 12:49pm
I have cystic ance that can be controlled with BCP. However, in the past, I have had terrible migraine attacks after stopping the last pill. Always into day 2 of the placebo. I am scared to death to start these pills. I don't wan't migraines, but I don't want acne, either.

My other option is Accutane but they make you use TWO forms of bc during treatment because Accutane causes birth defects. I guess I could get an IUD instead. Do they contain hormones?

Also, what about taking pills back to back with no placebo. I remember doing this years ago. I wonder if it would help with my migraines since I only seem to get them during the first few days of my period.

Any help would be appreciated. I have an rx for ortho tricyclin lo but am too chicken to start. I also remember the pill causing morning hypoglycemia, almost like morning sickness. Are there any out there that do NOT do this?

Thanks,

Lucky (38yo married mom of 6yo ds)

ps, I have a luteal phase defect and can't have any more babies without some extreme medical intervention. My cycles are 24 days and heavy and painful. Any thoughts?

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-08-2004
Tue, 09-21-2004 - 1:48pm

Have you considered spironolactone?


CL for Acne

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-08-2004
Tue, 09-21-2004 - 1:50pm
Forgot to mention you aren't supposed to get pregnant on spiro but its nothing like Accutane.


CL for Acne

Avatar for lucky30605
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Tue, 09-21-2004 - 4:15pm
See, this is only part of my problem. I have a bad heart arrhythmia and can't take anything that can raise or lower my potassium. Yasmin and spiro both do that.

I can't take migraine meds because of the heart side-effects. I am trying to convince my derm that I can't take any kind of hormone but I still want the Accutane.

I have also tried Nicomide for acne. While it hasn't helped my acne, it has definately helped my cramps. What do you think of that? It's got Zinc, Folic Acid, and some other stuff.

I really don't think bcp's are for me. I am just getting over a migraine and I don't want to feel like this every single month.

Lucky



ps, do cervicle caps have hormones?

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-08-2004
Tue, 09-21-2004 - 4:41pm

Hmmmm yeah no spiro.


CL for Acne

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Tue, 09-21-2004 - 9:10pm
Hi lucky30605, welcome!

Have you thought about an IUD? An IUD is very low maintenance, very effective and long lasting. The Mirena http://www.mirena-us.com/ is effective for 5 years and the ParaGard (Copper-T) http://www.paragard.com/ is effective for 10 years. The Mirena continuously releases a tiny bit of progestin that usually lightens and shortens the user's periods. ParaGard is non-hormonal with the active element being copper. ParaGard sometimes makes periods heavier so you would want to discuss the pros and cons of both with your doctor.

Neither diaphragms nor cervical caps use hormones and if properly fitted and correctly used they can be as effective as condoms, but they do require discipline to use correctly and consistently. I've been using a cervical cap between my periods and a diaphragm during them for contraception and flow control for more than 2 years and I haven't had any scares at all. If you are interested in these options there is more about IUDs and diaphragms and caps in the FAQs folder. Let us know what you decide, ok?

Good luck and hugs,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-21-2004
Tue, 09-21-2004 - 11:00pm
I have always gotten migraines with my periods when on the pill. My Dr. gave me an estrogen patch (.1mg) to put on the week of my period. Some months I don't get a headache at all, others I get a small one that is quickly treated with my migraine meds and gone the same day (usually they would have lasted 3 days). I tried a few different levels of hormone patch before I found the right one. Hope this helps.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Wed, 09-22-2004 - 12:39am
Hi iflora1, welcome!

>> I tried a few different levels of hormone patch before I found the right one.

I think Ortho Evra, the only patch available in the U.S., comes in just one strength. What was the name of the patch you tried and what were the strengths?

Thanks,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-21-2004
Wed, 09-22-2004 - 8:37am
Climara is the name of the patch. It is an estrogen only patch that is actually for hormone replacement therapy. Because your body is naturally still producing estrogen, it doesn't have the risks associated with that. Plus, it is such a tiny amount of estrogen compared to the amount you are getting with the pill.

iflora1
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-21-2004
Wed, 09-22-2004 - 8:40am
ps.

It seems that the drop off of estrogen is what causes the migraines in some people. This seems to make the drop off not so severe, but I still get a regular period. Hope this helps.

iflora1