Question: Primary doc shrugged off menstrual migraines...cause? treatment?
Answer:
Dear Migraineur,
Many women have hormonal or menstrually associated Migraines. Menstrually associated Migraines are easy to recognize. They occur at regular times during your cycle, Your family doctor is correct that estrogen and birth control pills are helpful for some women, but make matters worse for others. A true hormone imbalance can be diagnosed with a blood test. If there is an imbalance, treatment depends on what the imbalance is.
This article about menstrually associated Migraine may be helpful to you:
Frova
for Menstrually Associated Migraine
Two studies presented at the annual meeting of the American Headache Society
showed that Frova (frovatriptan) is effective as a preventive medication for
menstrually Associated Migraine. Frova does not seem to induce rebound
headaches. It's efficacy is not affected by the use of oral contraceptives.
You may find that you'd do better with a Migraine specialist who is used to treating various forms of Migraines, including hormonal and menstrually associated Migraines. Your family doctor probably has very limited experience and education in this field. Additionally, if he "shrugged off" your questions, he doesn't seem very concerned about your wellbeing. If I were in your place, I'd be looking for a new family doctor as well.
Good luck,
Teri Robert
(Answer reviewed by Dr. Krusz)
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