Hrt!! Migraines

As I approached the menopause, I used to get a terrible headache before my period, which had never happened before.
I can remember the same happening to my mum..

Unfortunately Citalopram did not help me sleep which started to be a problem aged 55!

As a life long severe migraine sufferer I was told I wasn’t allowed to take HRT.
I took low dose Citalopram instead and was fine. Ironically, migraine medication (naratriptan and stemetil) were not allowed to be taken with Citalopram, but for the first time since aged 13 my migraines eased. I suffered with them aged 13-55, exactly matching the years I was having periods.
Now aged 61 I maybe get a moderate to severe migraine once every couple of months

I never had really bad migraines, but I did get them, and have [touch wood] not had them since the menopause.

Thanks everyone for your input... there does seem to often be a link doesn’t there... hormones have a lot to answer for!!.... next thing is what to expect as I head into the MENOPAUSE??!!! Answers on a postcard please!!

I agree that hormones with MissA that hormones do affect migraines for some of us. Mine were mostly when I had another trigger when I had a period. They became worse after being sterilised. They improved a lot after menopause, even though I took HRT. Retiring and cutting stress and bright office fluorescent lights has meant migraines are both mild and rare.

I have a couple of friends who are blood donors and say they don’t suffer from their dreadful migraines for several months after giving blood.

I think anything which messes with your hormones makes migraines much more likely.
I saw a neurologist some many years ago, as I was suffering with migrainous neuralgia (otherwise known as the suicide headache) and he could find no reason.
I was on all kinds of different painkillers prescribed by my gp, and beta blockers, none of which helped.
I changed gp, and my new doc said "Its the pill that's causing it".
I was quite indignant, so he advised me to at least try stopping the pill, which I did
No more suicide headaches!

I went on HRT just after my migraines had become totally debilitating and at the same time as starting on a prophylactic to prevent migraines. It's been like a miracle and I got my life back. I'm on Pizotifen and it's like a wonder drug for me - no more migraine pain!

Yes. I never had a migraine until started HRT. My migraines were so bad I just wanted to bang my head against a wall. They lasted for a full 24 hours.

I stopped HRT and they went away almost immediately.

Yes, my hrt was also after hysterectomy....they have been getting worse and worse..I'm hoping for the best now then..as it worked for you it gives me hope ??

May not be relevant, as not been on HRT. However I started having awful migraines in my 40s, with sickness all day. Eventually a new doctor tried atenol, a blood pressure medicine, and it worked.

I never suffered from migraines until I started taking HRT after my hysterectomy. Stupidly, it took me 4 years to make the connection, and as soon as I stopped taking it, the migraines stopped.

Thanks Stella 1949. I may have to think about that if this doesn't help.

I haven't heard of HRT making migraines worse , but I guess anything is possible. I used to get migraines that ruined my life - but have had acupuncture for them about once a year for many years now, and they are much less frequent and less intense. I get a course of 6 treatments each time, from my own doctor who is trained in it. It might help you - anything is worth a try when the migraines are debilitating like yours are. Good luck.