BC pills and migraines?

Izzygrim · January 2010

I know this is something I need to ask my dr, but just wanted to get some opinions. I've (most recently) been on the pill for about 5 years. We talked, and I am seriously considering going off of it and then using FAM. Mostly I want to see if going off the pill can help with my migraines. I usually do get cycle-related migraines, but definitely during the rest of the month as well. My migraines got worse after I started the pill, but not sure if that's just a coincidence.

Anyone have any experiences with migraines and going on/off the pill?

mariedaigle · January 2010

I actually stopped having migraines when I got on the pill. It may have been coincidence, but I think the BCP had something to do with it.

AF_EOD_wife · January 2010

My MIL is an OB/GYN and I told her about my hormonal migraines and the pill. I had asked my regular doc and he said birth control should help them. It did, but when i went off I still would get one. Not a bad one, but they're no fun. Yaz is too low dose for me and I don't get a period, but because of the shortened time of being "off," I wouldn't get a migraine. So she had me start only taking three or four days "off" before starting a new pack. I have found that four is my magic number. So I went "off" on Sunday, and will go back "on" tomorrow, Wednesday. That way I don't get a migraine. I would ask your doc about your options though, I know how bad migraines suck!

Sabrina121 · January 2010

Mine are actually better since I started the pill...didn't completely go away, but definitely noticed a difference.

broccolitree · January 2010

Mine got generally more infrequent when I went off the pill, but then I started the pill when I was 15 or so... it could be that my hormones just finally 'righted' themselves, so to speak.

Cipolla2Be · January 2010

Some pills can actually make your migraines worse. I used to be a Patient Educator at PP. Anyone who experienced migraines especially with vision changes could only be prescribed certain kinds of birth control due to the fact that most can make your migraines worse. Some women couldn't even get on BC because of their migraines...def. tell your doctor. Smile

lilitaliangirl · January 2010

I was on BCP for 10 years and suffered from migranes. I never put 2 and 2 together until one doc suggestioned not taking them for a couple of months. Since, we wanted to get pregnant, I figured what the heck. Turns out that is what was causing them. I'm a curious as to what my birth control plan is once LO is here - because I'm not going back on the pill (that's for sure)

emmypants · January 2010

When I first started taking bcp, I was on Ortho Novum and I got migraines. I was switched and they quit and I haven't gotten any since. They started around week two and I finished the pack and had four total. Once I went on Ortho Tri Cyclen, I never got another one. I hope you feel better, they suck! Excedrine Migraine is amazing though.

Honeydewchestnut · January 2010

I've been on BCP for 5 years or so and I've gone between a handful of different pills and Depo. The first few gave me horrible migraines, but then my doc switched me to a BCP that you only get AF every three months so my migraines would decrease. It was wonderful but really expensive so I switched to Depo. I don't get AF with Depo so no migraines

Jenni232323 · January 2010

I used to get them every so often (mostly monthly). I was on Orthotricyclen for about 5 years. 7 months ago I switched to Micronor (POP/minipill) and haven't had one since. My doc switched b/c my blood pressure was getting high and that seemed to be the factor too. Only downside to Micronor for me is breakouts, which I'm hoping to see a derm about.

pamfr12 · January 2010

When I first started on BC I was on the patch and would get migraines at the beginning of the week off. Then I switched to a BCP with a lower dose of estrogen and the migraines stopped. I recently switched to a BCP with a higher dose of estrogen because I was having issues with my last BCP and the migraines have started up again.

MRSR08 · January 2010

I had really, really bad migraines before I went on BCP, along with a lot of headaches. I had been to a neurologist, etc. I have to be treated differently for my migraines and headaches and BCP. I still get migraines, usually one a month and it goes with AF. But that is the best it has ever been. Yaz made them worse, I would have 7-10 a month and they would last for days. I think mine is Mircocette and I have to check in with my doctor every so often to make sure they are ok

Krissimarie · January 2010

When I switched pills from Lo Orval, I started getting migraines fairly often for the first 2 months so my gyno switched me back.

rachnjosh09 · January 2010

I never associated my migraines with BC! I am so glad I saw this. I have been getting awful migraines with major visual disturbances and a migraine hangover the next day. I am totally making an apt. on Mon. with my OB/GYN. I saw lots of suggestions on the board of good pills, lets hope one works!

cinderellabride81 · January 2010

My migraines got worse after I switched from tri cyclen to trivora, but I had underlying problems. I had high blood pressure and I also found out I am hypoglycemic and have thyroid problems. You should voice your concerns to your doc.

Izzygrim · January 2010

Thanks for all the feedback! It definitely sounds like everyone can have a different experience. I did talk to my dr and she said I should go ahead and stop the BC pills and then see what happens. I just stopped a few days ago, so hard to tell so far. She also put me on amitriptyline for the migraines, so hopefully between stopping the pill and taking that new medication I will get some relief! Thanks again.

S&N062009 · January 2010

I get them when I am on my white pills (the time of the month for me) The dr. gave me maxalt 10 and it really has helped. I guess I was getting them due to a withdrawl from the PC

BC pills and migraines?

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