I need help please! Any success with bio-identical natural hormones for the prevention of menstrual migraines?
Author: I have suffered from menstrual migraines monthly and have tried many pain relievers which only medicate the pain not balance my hormones at that time to prevent the imbalance that triggers it.
I tried synthetic hormones which were unsuccessful plus had many side effects from it. I have heard and read about bio-identical hormones and would really appreciate it if any one here personally has had any success with it or known someone that has. Any other alternative medicine information would be of great help also.
Thanks!
I am 42 and have had monthly (7 -10 day duration) clockwork migraines since the age of 29. I have been to physician after physician which have only prescribed various pain medications. Imitrex injections was the most effective however it is very costly and only treats the pain for about 4 hrs. (maximum dosage is 2 injections/24 hrs) so I am pain free only 8 of 24 hrs until I can take another injection.
I heard menstrual migraines could be due to lack of progesterone so I tried over the counter progesterone cream which was not effective. I then took a saliva test during a very very bad migraine and the results showed my estrogen was so extremely low it didn't register within the scale. I then tried over the counter estroven tablets which were also ineffective. Desperate and looking for some real answers I searched the net and learned of bio-identical hormone therapy ! 
I have also tried black cohosh, dong quai and evening primrose oil. I also watch my diet and eliminate migraine triggers~ chocolate, diary products, peanuts, red wine, red 40, etc and artificial sweeteners. Oldtimekid and maryhasalilly, Mary's a great name! thank you both for your help and suggestions.
Hi there! I haven't been here for weeks and something made me peek. There is a reason for everything.
I, like you had migraines every month. But most months I had more than one…a few 3 day benders in bed and missing work. It was soooo bad. For the past 7 years.
In March 07, I found a naturopathic doctor who prescribed natural bio-identicals because the prior THIRTEEN doctors (MDs) couldn't seem to figure out how to treat a simple hormone imbalance. I felt like death…until I found the ND. I actually missed work the day after the appt because of a hormone migraine and I heard the nurse in my head saying…when you get another hormone migraine, take your progesterone. I thought I was making it up so I called the nurse back and said…that was right? to take progesterone when I have a hormone migraine? Yes, she said…your body is trying to utilize progesterone and since it's not there….THAT is why you get the headache. The dose I was on (12.5mg), she said I could safely take one capsule every 30 minutes until I felt better. I could take up to 6 capsules. It was a baaaad one too. I used 5 pills to stop it. I literally haven't had a hormone migraine since I started using the ND and natural bio-identical hormones. AND NO SIDE EFFECTS!!! MOST female headaches are hormone related but most will never follow the breadcrumb trail to figure out what's causing the problem.
Be patient until you find the dose for you. While I stopped having migraines immediately, it took me 2 months to determine what dose I needed for monthly use.
I WISH YOU LUCK!!! You're on the right path.
Here's who I see (www.hotzehwc.com) in Houston.