BCP's & Migraines

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-10-2006
BCP's & Migraines
5
Thu, 03-15-2007 - 1:55pm
Hi!
I just switched from Ortho Tri-Cyclen to Microgestin FE because I was having awful night sweats. Thankfully those stopped about 2 weeks after the switch. I am almost through my 2nd pack of pills and have been having horrible migraines again. I figured the first month would be rough during the switch of pills, but I thought that it might stop during the 2nd month as my body adjusts to the lower estrogen level. I actually went through a pack of Relpax (migraine meds) pills in 3 weeks and at a $50 copay, I cant afford to do that. So, since I cant take the Ortho Tri-C, and the lower estrogen pills mess with my hormones, I was thinking of just going off the pill and seeing what happens. Maybe the migraines will just stop. I went on the pill because my cycles were so irregular a few years ago, so I dont even know if that is still happening. Tubes are tied so I know I wont get pg. What can I expect going off? I am prepared to deal with irregularity, it is still March. I have been on it so long now...think it might help? Thanks!
Christine

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Christine

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Thu, 03-15-2007 - 4:11pm

Hi nicksmommy6702, welcome!


      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-16-2003
Thu, 03-15-2007 - 4:25pm
Defiantely talk to your doctor about that soon. I am unable to do any birth control with any amount of estrogen because of the type of migranes i get. I was on Nordette for awhile, but I was having migranes all the time until eventually the entire left side of my body went numb and I lost vision for awhile. The migranes started out just a few times a week, and then elevated to lasting for days with no relief. My doctor took me off the pills immediately after the bad incident, and now no doctor will even consider any BC method with estrogen for me. I was 21 when that happened. Now two years later I am still trying to figure out what i can take, but I have my appointment on monday for an IUD. It may not be the same case for you, but you should make an appointment to figure out what was going on.
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-10-2006
Fri, 03-16-2007 - 11:50am
Hi Jill!
I have been having migraines since I can remember. I had them stabilized with the help of an anti-seizure med while I was on the Ortho-Tri C. Once I switched to the Microgestin, the migraines came back. I suspect it was because of the pill switch and my hormones being out of balance. Unfortunately if I go back to the Ortho-tric, it is too much estrogen and the night sweats may come back. I have 2 more days on this pill and I am going off to see what happens. It is actualy a week early, but I feel another headache coming on and I started spotting this morning. These pills are horrible! If this doesnt work, I will give my gyn a call and see if she has any suggestions. I figure if the migraines stop, then the worst of the battle is won! Thanks!!
Christine

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Christine

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Fri, 03-16-2007 - 2:39pm

Hi again Christine,


      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-10-2006
Fri, 03-16-2007 - 4:00pm
Hi!
I saw my neuro for a follow up visit and he agrees with stopping the bcp's too. I had my tubes tied a couple of years ago, the bcp's were just to regulate my periods. I think if the irregularity comes back like it used to be, I may ask my gyn about the ablation. We are definitely through having kids. I dont want to keep throwing my hormones out of line with the pill. Thanks for your help!
Christine

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Christine