Top 75 Migraine and Headache Questions, #43

Full Question:
I developed menopausal migraines after my hysterectomy 1 year ago. I still have one ovary, but subsequent blood tests have shown me to be in menopause I have never had a migraine in my life prior to this. I was started on a Climara estrogen patch, which worked well to diminish the headaches. After 4 months I had more headaches and a stronger estrogen patch helped. After another 4 months the same thing but this time the stronger patch made them worse so my gynecologist decreased the dose, and feels he can no longer adjust my HRT. I will see a neurologist in 3 weeks. I had an MRI which was normal. I have Maxalt which works well. My dilemma is that I have been in some type of continuous migraine (it come back every day and is now made worse by exercise) x 1 month and have been told to not use the Maxalt too much. My family doctor prescribed Verapamil SR 120 mg. I want to try it but am concerned because by resting heart rate is 56-60 and by BP usually runs about 96/60. I am thin and a runner and prior to the migraines have been healthy except for asthma. I am eager to have any of your advice or comments or anything to ask about. This has been such a stressful time for me and time spent with doctors is always so rushed. Thank you, Debbie.

Answer:

Dear Debbie;

Unfortunately, rushed is how a lot of medicine is practiced today. Your well-described story is often true: this much estrogen helped and more did not. If you have more than one disabling migraine per week, perhaps a trial of Depakote-ER might be useful and even though weight gain is said to be a side effect, this might not be an issue in someone as active as yourself. Also, look for a headache expert to consult.

Good luck,
John Claude Krusz and Teri Robert

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