I've been taking birth control for the past 7 or 8 years (I'm 26) and somehow never made a connection between the medication and my migraines. I've been getting migraines more frequently lately, but I forgot to take my pills last Friday and Saturday (which were the only two consecutive pain-free days i've had in a while without taking any Maxalt). So i doubled up on my ortho tri-cyclen lo yesterday and my head hurt so bad today i had to stay home from work. coincidence????
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Q: How bad is taking ortho tri-cyclen lo (or a generic) for someone with migraines?
Answers (2)
3/ 8/10 10:18pm
Hi Liz,
Birth control is a very personal matter and a discussion for you and your doctors. Both Migraines and oral contraceptives increase risk of stroke, so many doctors recommend that women with Migraine not use hormonal birth control methods.
Certainly, there are birth control methods that aren't hormonal, and they should be possibilities. If you're being treated by different doctors for Migraine and birth control, it could be helpful to have those doctors consult, preferably with you participating in the consultation.
I hope this helps,
Nancy
4/17/10 4:15pm
I agree with Nancy that you should discuss it with your doctor. For some migraines are actually triggered by hormone imbalances, and birth control actually helps. for others like myself, my doctor said I shouldn't be taking birth control ( I have migraine where I have trouble speaking, numbness and tingling on one side and lose peripheral vision). So for me systemic hormonal birth control isn't an option- and after the unexpected pregnancy of my daughter I am the proud owner of an IUD. Birth control, as with ALL medications should always be discussed with your doctor. And if your missed 2 in a row- be careful!
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By Liz— Last Modified: 12/26/10, First Published: 03/08/10
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