Question: Is there a link between migraines, sleeping problems and major weight gain?
Answer:
Full Question:
I have a question about weight and migraines. I didn't see anything related to this subject in any other questions. I have had migraines since I was 8 yrs. old. I am now going to be forty-three in July.
I have been on many, many, many medications through out the years. I would be put on a medication and of coarse I would eventually get immune to the med and have to be put on a stronger or a whole different med or even something added to the med I have already been taken. This of coarse has been going on for a long time.
My question is... Is there a link between migraines, sleeping problems and major weight gain? For about the past five to ten years my migraines have really gotten bad. I know that some meds make you lose weight while others make you gain. Well I'm in the area where I am gaining A LOT of weight and the losing part is a lost cause. I look terrible. I am also having a problem with sleeping I snore terribly loud and I nod off when I am on the computer or I have done this behind the wheel. I know this is not good.
I went to my Neurologist about a week ago and he said I might have sleep apnea. So I might be going to one of those sleep wellness institutes. The weight just keeps adding on. I have gone from around one hundred and ninety pounds to three hundred and fifty pounds. I have problems walking and that's the least of my problems. My Neurologist changed my meds again, and I'm telling you, I am getting tired of all of this. I don't ever want to come out of the house. My kids find me repulsive. The list just goes on and on.
I just want to know if you have heard about others with the severe migraines, the sleep problems and the major weight gain? (not to mention stress and depression are also added in this mess)
I honestly don't know what to do. I am afraid one of these days I might not wake up. Do you have any Ideas as to what I can do? I am running out of time and patience. I know you can't really give me medical advice but possibly other options that I might have not used would be greatly appreciated. Denise.
Answer:
Dear Denise;
I feel for your predicament and clinical condition. I'm glad you are seeing a sleep specialist. I would suggest getting a referral to an endocrinologist and have thyroid, sugar, cortisol and pituitary function checked. The weight gain may have an endocrine basis. Have you been treated with Topamax? Find a headache expert and discuss your problems. If you need it, there's a link below to our directory of recommended specialists.
Good luck,
Teri Robert and John Claude Krusz
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