Ortho-TriC & Migraines

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-10-2006
Ortho-TriC & Migraines
3
Wed, 09-13-2006 - 12:35pm

Hello!
I have been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen since about 2000 stopping to have my son in 2001-02. I also get a horrific migraine it seems the last week of taking my pills. I also get another migraine about 2 or 3 days after I stop taking the pill when my period starts because of the drop in hormones from stopping the pill. With my gyn's permission, I have been doing 3 cycles of pills then getting my period, but I always seem to get a migraine that last week of pills. Is the level of estrogen/progestin in these pills a gradual increase? I wonder if this is what causes my headaches. Do you think I would be better off with a pill that gives off an even stream instead of building then dropping. We are not planning to have any more children and I have had my tubes tied. The pill is just to regulate my periods and to help with the migraines (haha). Any suggestions of a better pill is appreciated! Thanks!
Christine

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Christine

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-12-2002
Wed, 09-13-2006 - 5:19pm

If you have hormonal migraines, you might find the pill doesn't help.

 


 


iVillage Member
Registered: 07-03-2006
Thu, 09-14-2006 - 1:10am
Look into a low dose of hormones like Mircette. There is only two days of placebo, then 5 days of an even lower does of hormone, but it will keep your period regulated.
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-10-2006
Thu, 09-14-2006 - 8:26am

Hi!
I actually noticed that the pill helped with the migraines, without it, I had more. Plus, I was having a period more often and more of the PMS symptoms before I went back on the pill after I had my tubes tied. The first 2 weeks of being on the pill are great, just that last week and the first couple of days on the placebo are tough. I have never had my hormones tested, but have had an ultrasound as I had a cyst removed a year ago so everything is OK there. I figure by the time I hit 40 I will be praying for early menopause so it is all over and done!

I was skipping periods with the Ortho TriC, and it definitely helps, but there is still the drop in hormones in the pill. Maybe a monophasic pill as you mentioned would help. I have read up on Seasonale, but I dont want the hassle of the breakthrough bleeding. Plus I dont care if it is 4 times a year of 8 times a year, as long as the migraines are less! I will ask my doc at my appointment!
Christine

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Christine