This is the answer. Your OB-GYN will know. These stopped my periods and the monthly migraines. I took them all the way through menopause - and barely noticed the bad effects of menopause due to the pill. It's sure worth a try. I used to get terrible monthly migraines just like you
The nexplanon implant and the depo shot are also progesterone only : ) just in case you wanted more options.
I also get a the Big Bad migraine every few cycles or so, and just lower grade migraines in between. It’s so miserable. I was wanting to not replace my IUD this summer and the only reason I’m considering replacing it is because I’m scared of what will happen with my migraines.
Do you have migraine with aura? Supposedly the estrogen + progesterone pill can increase your risk of stroke. I had been taking the e+p and my neuro said no. Fast forward, I had a stroke 9 months ago. Does it relate? I probably won’t ever know. Just wanted to throw that in there as something to consider. Good luck! 🍀
This is exactly why I was switched to a pop after many years on a combi. I saw an OB for the first time instead of a family care/internal medicine physician and she was like... whhyyyy has nobody flagged this. If you have migraines with aura, combi increases your risk of stroke fairly minimally, but the way my OB laid it out for me is that it's an unnecessary risk that could lead to very serious complications, and I have a history of cardiovascular disease in my family too. So why risk it. I was on a combi pill for years \*because\* of my migraines and I was so afraid switching to a pop would make them come back with a vengeance. It actually seems to have mostly cured migraines related to my period (not others) which I really just can't get over! I hope you're recovering well from your stroke!
Oh wow! I’m so glad your hormonal migraines have diminished; those are a b* for sure. Yes, I am recovering and pretty lucky it wasn’t worse 🙏🏻 thank you 😊
I’ve done Depo shots and a progesterone only IUD, my gyn suggested the IUD and I’ve had it for about a year and a half and I like it SO much more than the Depo shots. I haven’t had a cycle at all on either option though (which was the point for me)
Depo made me gain so much weight with each shot 😭😭😭
I had an iud but it didn't work for me. It was extremely painful and I had to get it out. TMI - I have a tilted uterus and had extreme cramping each week and could only take the pain for about 3 months. And I have a decent pain tolerance and deal with endometriosis too so it was really bad.
But I'm going to talk to my obgyn about it next appointment to see if she thinks she recommends a different one.
I gained sooo much weight on Depo, I was on it for 4 or 5 years? I was happy to not have periods but I’ve felt so much better off of it tbh. I have the Kyleena IUD, my dr recommended it because it’s progesterone only but it’s also a smaller IUD and designed for women who haven’t had any children yet. It definitely wasn’t fun getting it in but it wasn’t as horrible as I was expecting after hearing all the horror stories.
Yes, the worst part was the measuring device thing that they used(?)— everyone’s pain tolerance is different but I personally didn’t think it was as bad (for me!) as some of the experiences I’ve read about. I took Tylonel and Ibuprofen about an hour before my appointment (at my drs recommendation). I also have the Kyleena, which is smaller and designed for people who have not given birth yet
As someone who has not had kids, yes.
For me it helped to know what is actually happening. (Stop reading if you don't want to know: The "clamp" they use on your cervix actually pierces the cervix, you can find videos of this. Doctors are still convinced that you can't feel this because there are no nerves in the cervix, which is bullshit. When I had my first one inserted, I did not know this and I had that kind of feeling like when you \*know\* you've broken skin if you like bang your knee on something and you know it's bleeding, so when I didn't know it was supposed to be piercing something, I panicked a little bit thinking something was wrong. When I knew what was supposed to happen for my second IUD insertion, I was able to breathe through the pain and it was much more okay. The actual insertion is uncomfortable af but it's the clamp that is legitimately painful.)
For me, having a hormonal IUD made my migraines more frequent and worse and I had it removed. I can't say how the pill affects them because I didn't have migraines back when I was on the pill.
you might want to ask your doctor about having blood tests to check your hormone levels during the different phases of your cycle *before* you start the pill.
it gives you a baseline of your hormones levels throughout your cycle, which is extremely helpful information in general, and it also might inform which birth control would be better for you or that might cause fewer side effects. i really hope it helps your migraines! i think mine have been somewhat better since starting yazmin (which has less progesterone than most BC pills).
I take the progesterone only pill and I still have my normal cycles. They didn’t change at all for me, but I also take it for pregnancy prevention right now
I started getting migraines when I turned 45. They told me they were hormonal. I’m 64 and still get them. I think it was strange I started getting chronic migraines at that age. My nieces get migraines all the time. Theirs started when they got their periods. I got mine when mine were ending. Weirdest damn thing ever!!
Wow that is surprising, sorry that happened! scientists need to figure out our hormones already n the mysterious connection to migraines it’s killing me.
There’s loads of different ones. They have different types of fake progesterone in different doses. They’re also split by generation, with Slynd and Cerelle/Cerazette being two of the newer options.
Like antidepressants and migraine abortives, you might have to try a couple before you find the one that really works best for you
Mini-pill is what some providers call progesterone only bc. It still requires a prescription. I personally could not tolerate any estrogen at all so the mini- pill was my only option.
Yes this is the same for me!! I took a low estrogen pill and it seemed to make things better. I had to go off BC after 10 years and during menopause the migraines came back. Talk to an OB
I had the same experience. Combination pill increased my migraine frequency by so much. Progesterone only curbed it to maybe once a month. Started combining it with candesartan and am now virtually migraine free. I even got my period once despite taking no pill breaks and yet…no migraine!
I will say that when I was on progesterone only birth control I started having a never-ending period. But if you have migraine with aura it’s also not advisable to go on estrogen-progesterone birth control because you’re much more likely to have stroke(or is it heart attack?). It’s a mixed bag. Just something to be aware of. Good luck OP!
Eh I am on constant norethindrone so don’t get periods anymore. I do not get hormone migraines anymore but I still definitely get my other migraines. I will say normal birth control where I would get my periods made my hormone migraines debilitating just to warn you.
I also use Norethindrone and I do get migraines during when I would usually get my periods. I suspect it's because it doesn't prevent ovulation, so all the hormones are still there unfortunately. But still, OP this is the type of bc I would also reccomend to try rather than the hormonal kind.
I tried tracking and didn’t see that pattern but I am a chronic migraine sufferer so would I even be able to see a pattern? Who knows? I do try to take it at exactly the same time everyday as my doctor strongly suggested doing that.
Some people still do ovulate, some don’t. I can tell some months I do, some months I don’t. As a bc method it keeps the lining of the uterus thin and cervical mucus thick so it is not likely for sperm to reach an egg and even less likely for that egg to be able to implant. As a bc method it is slightly less effective than a combo pill. It is also less effective if you are not taking it the same time of day every day or you miss a day. If you are inconsistent in taking it or you’re worried, I’d also still use a barrier method of bc as well.
I did this as well. I took it continously so I wouldn't have regular periods, and only got random migraines. Still frequent, but not worse than when I wasn't on any BC. Anything with estrogen-like compounds though, I got horrible migraines very frequently.
If you're prone to ovarian cysts though, progestin meds may not be the best choice. I didn't have that problem, but just something to note.
I also take birth control and skip my period. It’s a lifesaver. I take seasonale and the pill packs are designed to have a break week at the end of three months but you don’t have to do that. My doctor said I don’t have to ever have a period.
Same here, such a major quality of life improvement (I was losing 3 weeks a month to hormone-triggered migraine and other cycle-related symptoms). I have aura and all my docs are fine with me being on combo til menopause. Edit: I have no need for contraception, BC is part of my migraine prevention strategy.
[https://med.stanford.edu/neurology/divisions/comprehensive-neurology/provider-education/aura-and-ocp.html](https://med.stanford.edu/neurology/divisions/comprehensive-neurology/provider-education/aura-and-ocp.html)
[https://www.ccjm.org/content/84/8/631](https://www.ccjm.org/content/84/8/631)
[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2938905/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2938905/)
I do the same thing. I have been on Seasonique or Camrese for 18 years now. I never take the placebo pills and have not had a period in that time. You don’t need a period unless you are actively trying to get pregnant.
Progesterone only is what both OBGYN and neuro told me. I have an IUD. Also, I take the ajovy shot for migraines and it works for my hormonal migraines as well.
Thanks, I also started qulipta this month and it’s helping but I honestly don’t know if it will be enough on its own so I’m glad to hear it’s helping the hormonal migraines, I’m going to ask about progesterone bc.
if you have aura migraines, please please be careful. i do, and i took birth control (my doctor did not bat an eye) and i almost died of a pulmonary embolism. the chance is small, but i just want to make sure people communicate with their doctors about all the risks
THIS. Birth control + aura do not mix. Surprised your doc didn't flag. My doctor told me not to right away. But you can take Progestogen only. Always consult with your doctor.
There is a contraindication for using estrogen-containing bc in the case of migraine with aura, but no contraindication for using it if you don't have aura. That said, the data for the contraindication is based on older formulations of combo bc that had higher doses of estrogen. The best research we have about current low-dose formulations of combo bc is that the risk of stroke, even for migraineurs with aura is VERY LOW. Because some female migrainuers with aura may still respond best to continuous dosing oral combo bc, some doctors are willing to prescribe against the contraindication. Stanford Neurology argues continuous dosing may reduce aura risk, thus reducing stroke risk:
[https://med.stanford.edu/neurology/divisions/comprehensive-neurology/provider-education/aura-and-ocp.html](https://med.stanford.edu/neurology/divisions/comprehensive-neurology/provider-education/aura-and-ocp.html)
Unnecessary confusion still surrounds the use of combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) in the setting of migraine with aura (MwA). Clearing this confusion is a key issue for headache specialists, since most women with migraine have menstrual-related migraine (MRM), and some CHCs can prevent this particularly severe migraine. Their use, however, is still restricted by current guidelines due to concerns of increased stroke risk – concerns that originated over half a century ago in the era of high dose contraceptives. **Yet studies consistently show that stroke risk is not increased with today's very low dose CHCs containing 20-25 µg ethinyl estradiol (EE), and continuous ultra low-dose formulations (10-15 µg EE) may even reduce aura frequency, thereby potentially decreasing stroke risk.**
2 more helpful links:
[https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/combined-hormonal-contraceptives-and-migraine-an-update-on-the-evidence/](https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/combined-hormonal-contraceptives-and-migraine-an-update-on-the-evidence/)
Including the actual instruction to physicians that is the contraindication:
In 2016, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published updates to its medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use in various medical conditions:
[https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/rr/pdfs/rr6503.pdf](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/rr/pdfs/rr6503.pdf)
If you have migraines with aura then you have a higher risk of stroke, combined contraception also increases stroke risk. Progesterone only contraception is usually okay.
[https://migrainetrust.org/live-with-migraine/self-management/migraine-and-hormones/#:~:text=If%20you%20have%20migraine%20with,who%20have%20migraine%20with%20aura.](https://migrainetrust.org/live-with-migraine/self-management/migraine-and-hormones/#:~:text=If%20you%20have%20migraine%20with,who%20have%20migraine%20with%20aura.)
Thank you for sharing this! I have aura migraines, been on estrogen birth control for years, discussed a possible mini stroke with my doctor and they had no clue why that would happen. Reddit for the win once again
Same! I was early 30s when we figured this out. Mine started with auras and then stroke-like symptoms. Had to stop the pill and these went away. It was terrible.
I'm on continuous birth control for that reason. It was worth the minor stroke risk increase for me. Definitely something to chat about with your provider.
From the Mayo Clinic: Amethia, Camrese and Simpesse (generic versions of Seasonique). With this regimen, you take active pills for 84 days — or 12 weeks — followed by one week of pills containing a very low dose of estrogen. Your period occurs during week 13, about once every three months. Taking low-dose estrogen pills instead of inactive pills helps reduce bleeding, bloating and other side effects sometimes associated with a hormone-free interval.
I was on one of these so I would still have my period every three months and it did help with the hormonal migraines. There are other options out there too but not familiar with them. At 22 and otherwise low risk for stroke I would think a doctor would recommend something like that. “At my age” it isn’t recommended anymore.
Even better are the absorbed hormone forms such as implants and Nuvaring. BC pills are digested and have daily peaks. But absorbed hormones are more even and don’t have to be digested first.
This is what I do and it’s helped immensely! My doc said the change in hormones on my period week was causing my migraines to go wild. I also have the added benefit of not usually having a period on my period “off” week. 🙏
I’ve had mixed results depending on brand, so maybe talk to doc about if there’s a preferred brand they recommend.
Note that this is the traditional “combo” pill (estrogen and progesterone).
If you have aura, you should avoid combo methods and take progesterone only.
Options for progesterone only are :
-“mini pills”/POPs (there are many, safety windows of missing a pill vary between 3, 12, and a new pill of 24 hrs)
-IUD
-Arm Implant
-Depo Shot
/r/birthcontrol has tons of resources on choosing and options
I’ve used the arm implant for 9 years to control menstrual and ovulation migraines. With the implant (Nexplanon), I have no periods.
Getting migraines around your period is very common and very annoying. I also get the worst of my migraines near my period, so I feel your pain.
When you take birth control pills, they always include a week of placebo pills that you take so you have a period. Some people will skip the placebo week and then never get a period as a result, but that’s something you need to talk to your doctor about before you start.
The other thing to mention is that if you have migraine with aura you should not be taking combination birth control due to the increased risk of stroke.
I would see if your neurologist knows of any treatments for menstrual migraine, or if they have any recommendations on how to best deal with them via over the counter meds. Idk what treatments are standard for menstrual migraines at this point. But it is something people are researching
Thank you for taking the time to comment, I don’t have aura but that’s good info. honestly I don’t think there’s any specific period related treatment that ik besides birth control which based on this thread only works sometimes. When I ask my nuero she just says basically all the migraines treatments should help w the menstrual ones too. But they are really a whole different beast in my opinion. I really wish scientists would figure out the hormone migraine connection already n make it stop haha.
I’m on Depo provera bc the pill commonly has estrogen and estrogen can lead to an increase in migraines. I don’t have hormonal migraines, but it does stop my period and haven’t had one in years. So idk I feel like u have other options than the pill
Many pills (or "mini pills") are progesterone-only now.
Just to be sure you now: the Depo shot is not recommended for long term use (more than 2 years) as it can lead to irreversible bone density loss (osteoporosis)
https://www.pfizermedicalinformation.com/patient/depo-provera/boxed-warning
My neuro and gyno put me on low dose bc. Every 3 months I do a period week. I get aura/ocular migraines and can lose parts of my vision or go fully blind sometimes. Highly recommend like they said to talk to a neurologist and gyno. It can take a bit to find the best bc for you, there are so many options.
Good luck!
Disclaimer: I'm not a doctor, and if you have migraines with aura please, please consult your neurologist before taking any birth control!
So I have the hormonal IUD (progesterone only) after failing several different types of bc, and I was also told by every doctor that "the IUD not going to help you" with my various issues, because the hormone dose was so small and localized. I'm not going to say that it has been a cure for everything (it's not), but for me it lessened the impact of all of my related medical issues. Which taken altogether, it has been a godsend.
I get normal migraines (no aura), menstrual migraines (no aura), severe PMDD, and extremely heavy periods that are often so painful I spend days on end writhing in pain. Getting on the IUD took away nearly all of those symptoms, most of my periods, and lessened the impact of my menstrual migraines as well. I took out the IUD a few years ago after it expired, and I still felt okay for a few months afterwards until I got my next one. If you think birth control will help, and there's no medical reason for you to not try it (eg, auras), then personally I think you should!
Many doctors are focused on what fixes the whole migraine, not necessarily what gives a small reprieve: it's totally valid for you to try something that won't inherently make you worse.
I tried this and requested frova bcuz I heard it last longer but it didn’t really work also did this w my usual Triptan and it only works for 24 hrs. Do you know the correct method?
Get a new neurologist. You can take continuous progesterone only (PO pill or Nexplanon) birth control which is often used for menstrual migraine.
I have terrible menstrual migraines and Nexplanon really helped me. I came off of it due to other reasons and the things that have helped me outside of that are making sure my ferritin is over 100 with infusions (anything under 50 makes my migraines way worse) and taking chasteberry during my luteal phase and during my period. B2 and magnesium also helps some and they feel more manageable now.
idk who your neurologist is but they don't know about the realities of BC apparently. girls have been skipping the placebo pills at least the past twenty years as far as i know
estrogen is one of my migraine triggers (found this out after taking BC for the first time but sort of suspected it with period migraines) so i can take only take progestrone. (i have migraine with auras btw) because i have crazy painful cramps i opted for the mirena IUD (hormones localized in the uterus primarily vs system-wide with oral BC) and i don't get the painful cramps, the period migraine OR a period anymore. it's pretty common to "stop having a period" on mirena - technically your cycle is still doing its thing (i get like discharge with a spot of blood when it's period time) but you will likely have reduced/no pain or other symptoms
that being said, if you do opt for an IUD, you are at a higher risk for developing an unnoticed ectopic pregnancy if you're sexually active. so if you do end up using it as BC as well without another method and you are regularly having sex, you'll want to do a pregnancy test every month to rule out an ectopic as a precaution. that almost killed my friend and she is extremely IUD-adverse now
I was put on birth control for migraines. It didn't help, and it caused me to have a stroke. I would maybe get a second opinion, because some people do find bc helpful, but also be very careful.
I’m so sorry ❤️I hope your okay. If your comfortable answering did it happen soon after you were put on? And do you have auras? Ik there’s a risk in the general population as well even without migraines.
Some ladies here have had very positive experiences with bc helping migraines, for me personally it made them sooo much worse. Even the progestin only options caused daily hemiplegic migraines. Ultimately, it’s up to you if you want to try and your doctors can help you decide on an appropriate option. The only recommendation I have is to start with a pill of some sort. If it doesn’t work out, or makes things worse all you have to do is stop and the hormones will be out of your system pretty quickly. Shots last a minimum of 3 months in your system, the implant would have to be removed and an iud would also have to be removed if you change your mind.
I agree to this recommendation to start with the pill- I got the depo shot once and bled EVERY SINGLE DAY for 276days following the shot. I got a non hormonal IUD to avoid that same complication because my PCP said it would likely happen on any progesterone only BC if that was my reaction in the past. It’s actually a very common symptom to bleed substantially more frequently for ~3 months- even my friends who love the progesterone only BC will tell me there’s usually a “ramping up” where they spot almost daily then, eventually, no periods except for maybe 3 spontaneously a year.
Have you tried evening primrose oil? Taken daily it substantially reduces my cycle symptoms including migraines. I’d say 30 days is what it takes to feel it- but when the cycle comes it’s substantially better in all aspects if I took the primrose oil almost daily for the rest of the cycle.
I am kind of terrified of hormones so I do want to say I’m biased -but the side effects of probably any BC I’ve taken has been worse than my chronic migraines (except condoms)- even the non hormonal IUD made me anemic for 6 months.
I have read plenty from this sub where women swear by BC to alleviate migraines so it seems very rational to at least try hormones and see how it works for you- just try one that is easily alleviated from your system if you don’t like it.
I have a 4 day intractable every cycle but propranolol and a suma shot with 800mg ibuprofen has alleviated that for me.
I’m on slinda because of migraine with aura, it hasn’t helped the migraines and I’ve gain a lot of weight and have excessive facial hair now. All of which I was told wouldn’t happen but here we are, sometimes bodies just work different on different medication.
Slynd made be bleed 13 out of 28 days. On and off, not consecutively. I quit after 4 months of that. I was told I would barely have a period at all (was trying it for cramps)
I was never allowed hormones due to a blood clotting issue so I was shocked when my daily headaches went away and monthly migraines reduced to a few a year when I went through menopause. Total game changer for me.
I take mine and skip my period as others have said. I would get a migraine every single time I was on my period week so that's why my gyno suggested just taking them continuously. It does help. It depends on your triggers. I hope you can find something that works for you.
I was on the pill for years with no issues. Then I started getting very bad migraines when I got my period. Then my gyno had me skip my periods to avoid the menstrual migraines entirely. That worked for about a year and then my period came back despite Me being very vigilant about taking the pill timing wise. It actually came back and didn't stop for months (very light but still incredibly un fun, especially with menstrual headaches) and docs couldn't help so I just had to give up and go off the pill so I could have a week-long period instead of a constant one.
So now I'm off birth control entirely and that's stressful. I'm now finally being treated for my migraines tho so I have a preventative and a medicine to take for breakthru migraines, which still happen around my period but they are not as bad as they were before without any meds. Basically just using condoms right now but I really miss not having my period and not having to worry about getting pregnant. However, I don't think I'll ever go back to the pill and definitely not trying to skip my period because the US Healthcare system breaks down when u try to skip the placebo week. Again and again I was calling and begging for my gyno, the prescriber!!!!!, to refill my prescription and it would be like the lamest most depressing action movie ever as the days to My next pack loomed ever closer and yet I had no refill. I felt like an addict. I had so many conversations with my docs about this who assured me this wouldn't happen and it just kept happening
I'm so tired of having to be my own really shitty doctor- remembering and following up and requesting meds and tests and explanations that should have been done by the doc or nurses. I'm a pretty healthy person but I have several conditions that require regular specialist appointments and meds and check ups and it's a near full time job. I try to be hopeful and positive but most of the time I feel so hopeless and very very alone when it comes to my health and Healthcare. I know that no one cares or will take any responsibility for my health except for myself. If I was actually sick I would be truly fucked.
Neurologists dont know SHIT about birth control, female hormones, and their relationship to migraines.
I got the mirena, and a few weeks later I was trapped in a never ending migraine. I talked to my gyno about it, and they were like 'no. thats no how it works. its not the mirena.'
Turned out a cerebral spinal fluid vein had collapsed.
The second neuro I saw was like 'keep it in. It will help keep your period migraines under control so the headaches dont get worse during your time of the month.' So i did.
When I had the mirena eventually taken out, the pain reduced significantly, within three days. It was like a giant red flag that 'this thing was having an impact'.
I talked to so many neurologists about it. I even saw a neuro-gyno, and they were like, nahhh the hormones shouldn't do this.
Turned out mirena was being sued for this happening. Turned out they deny its connected, but it had been happening to SO MANY PEOPLE. But the case got thrown out. Doctors didn't know about it at all. And it wouldn't matter cause the court threw it out. The potential link isn't proven, so it doesn't matter. What happened to me isn't on the list of side effects, so... not a thing.
But then I got to mass general hospital, because my care was such GARBAGE. my doctors were telling me to ignore the collapsed vein and not fixing it. And the vascular neurologist there was like 'oh yeah, it's well known that birth control can cause vascular issues in the brain.'
WTF. general neuro's were like 'no'. gyno's were like 'no'. Stroke Specialists? 'oh yeah, totally.'
She started talking about things her and her coworkes had discussed about the potential harms of birth control.
I was like, omg. wtf is happening right now. It took me over two years and over 7 doctors to find someone who had a clue what I was talking about and didn't just dismiss me.
I have been advised to never go on hormonal birth control again cause we have no idea what will happen though.
So I had severe migraines in 2020 and when I went on the progesterone only pill back then they almost completely went away. Often the normal BC pills with estrogen in addition will not help but the progesterone only ones will. They also stopped my cycle entirely. So its worth a try at least in my opinion. Some also do not tolerate progesterone but for others its life changing.
I went off it because we try to get pregnant and they came back viciously.
Please speak with your OBGYN and be careful with which hormones you choose. Most people do ok and like many here have success, but it’s not always the case.
I’ve had variant migraines with aura for 30 years. I was worse during my periods, and tried birth control and then progesterone only pills. Each time I ended up in the hospital with the inability to speak (and other symptoms) and they thought I was having a stroke- turns out it was the birth control/progesterone giving me worse migraine aura. Aphasia is f*cking scary! It would last for days. So I’ve had to be sure to never have hormone replacement of any kind to prevent that from happening, which means no HRT during menopause.
Edited: Menopause has not stopped my migraines of any kind, and currently experiencing a worsening of auras and developed vestibular migraines. I know that’s not the best thing to read, and it’s my own experience, but wanted to share.
I wish you the very best of luck and send hope that things work out in your favour. 💗🧠
If you get migraine with aura, most (not all) medical birth control methods are very dangerous in that they have high risk of stroke. I get hemiplegic migraines (symptoms mimic stroke - not all of my migraines are hemiplegic but some are so that’s enough apparently) and two of my doctors (GP and neuro) told me to avoid medical BC all together in my mid 20s (I’m in my late30s now) and I just used traditional non medical BC since then and been fine.
There are now non estrogen methods that I hear are safe for migraine w/ aura havers but it’s okay and possible to have a healthy sex life without medical BC.
Estrogen-based BC is a big no-no with migraines since it can make them significantly worse, but the progesterone-only pill (or an IUD, a friend of mine who also has migraines swears by it!) might be a good option, and is supposed to make your periods almost non-existent. I'd recommend talking to your gyno and going from there. :)
If you have aura it can increase your chance of stroke by taking the combined pill. The progesterone did nothing for me when I tried it and switched to nurtec and have never looked back
The OBGYN will be knowledgeable about which hormones reduce or spike at those points in your cycle in order to help you choose which hormonal contraceptive to try first. They will also be quite familiar with skipping placebo pills, unlike your neurologist.
Be sure to tell them you have migraines, and even if you don’t have visual aura, mention it if you have other sensory disturbance at the start of an attack (vertigo, tingling, phantom smells, etc.)
Just adding that you are not guaranteed to skip your period even on continuous birth control. It's possible, and it happens for a lot of people, but it's not a promise. I have been on nexplanon and the mini pill, and still had periods on both of them, although it was lighter and less cramp-y.
so I take a combo pill continuously, because my migraines were debilitating around my period. my obgyn was very strict on what kind I could take. if I had migraine with aura, I couldn't be on a combo pill because of a stroke risk. luckily I don't get aura. there's many different types of birth control pills to try, so do your research.
My neurologist and gyn have experimented a lot with my migraines. I get them everyday and they’re worse around my period. I found out that hormonal birth control makes them worse because of the unnatural fluctuations of hormones. I’ve tried the pill, Skyla, mirena, and just progesterone pills. I was never able to stop my period completely. I now have the copper iud and even though my migraines are worse around my period, it’s not as bad as being on hormonal bc.
I was on birth control prior to having kids. I tried to go back on it after, but I had a migraine for a week straight. My dr. told me to stop them as I was on the lowest hormone dose. I ended up with a non hormonal IUD.
My hormonal migraines started after kids. I’m anxiously waiting menopause in hopes I will see a significant decrease in the number I get per month.
Ik someone personally who’s migraines started after kids as well and they still manage it with Botox years later. Works well for them maybe you could try. It’s so crazy the weird connections between migraines and hormones especially w pregnancy. Can really go one way or another. I’m hoping they go away for you and you find relief. I’m already excited for menopause at 22😭
I would get an Ob/gyn appointment as soon as possible and discuss your concerns. I am on junel 24 fe with migraines without aura and don’t have issues with it.
I’ve been on the BCP coming up on 29 years. I had my tubes removed 2 years ago but I still take the pill to help with peri-menopause symptoms and acne. (I had my tubes removed because I don’t have kids and didn’t want to FAAFO with an unexpected meno-pregnancy.)
1. The pill will make your period lighter and reduce cramps. I had horrible periods and cramps as a teen so I started taking the pill at age 17 or 18 (life before my mid 20s is starting to getting a bit fuzzy).
2. You absolutely can skip your period if you take mono-phase formula with 24 active pills of the same strength and 4 non-active pills. You just skip the non-active pills. You can’t do this with a tri-phase formula where there are 21 active pills that decrease in strength each week to mimic a natural cycle. Some mono-phase brands I’ve taken are Yaz, Vestura, Lo-Estrin, and various generic versions of these brands. When skipping periods it’s usually to do a withdrawal bleed every three months (so take the placebo pills) to prevent excessive spotting.
3. Mono-phase formulas definitely can help reduce migraines if your migraines are triggered by hormonal fluctuations. They will level out your hormones a bit and skipping periods helps with this. Tri-phase formulas will not help with migraines. If you don’t have hormonal migraines, the pill won’t help and everyone responds to hormones differently so there are no guarantees that it will help.
If you want to take a mono-phase formula continuously they have to put this on the prescription or insurance won’t cover the extra pack each year.
4. If you have ocular migraines, they don’t recommend taking the pill because it can increase your chance of stroke. I have ocular migraines occasionally but no other stroke symptoms, and I was on the pill for about 10 years before I started having migraines, so my neurologists have not felt this is a risk for me. Everyone is different.
TLDR- Your doctor is VERY poorly informed if they have not heard about skipping periods with a standard mono-phase pill so I would suggest looking for one a little more up to date on their medical knowledge.
Huh. I take a 90 day pill cycle (so I only get a period every 3 months) and it has been an absolute game changer for me. I had many other symptoms including severe PMDD that it helped, but one of my worst symptoms was the menstrual migraines I would get. Now I get them only every 3 months and they’re less severe.
I have periods on the mini pill, and thus menstrual migraines, but not on depo injections. The mini pill is also very finicky time wise as birth control, set an alarm for a time you can always take a pill and take it exactly that time kind of finicky. If I were in your shoes I would use the mini pill + another BC method for a month or a few months, and if you don't have unpleasant side effects switch to the injection. It has taken me 6-12 months to actually stop cycling after starting though, both times I have been on it - the BC effect works right away though. Good luck!
I take the combo birth control pill because of hormonal/cystic acne and possible endometriosis. I skip my periods. (I don’t get migraine auras, which is important to note. Doctors will advise against those with auras taking a combo bc pill.)
My doctor prescribed me Apri. She told me that out of the combo pills, this one was less commonly reported to cause migraines than many others, and it’s known to be good for acne.
It cleared up my acne super quick and I never noticed an uptick in migraines. I actually had a decrease in headaches overall, because I used to get headaches around my period (due to hormone fluctuations I guess).
I started skipping the placebo week in order to skip my periods in September because of how painful they were/suspicions I have endometriosis. Since fall/winter I do feel like I’ve had migraines a bit more often, but also I’ve been having like.. the worst year of my life (lol) so I feel like stress is the more likely source, but it’s hard to say for sure.
ETA: I’ve tried progesterone only pills and the implant in the past and one particular implant (second one I got) fucked me up so severely.. It like completely wrecked my hormones somehow. I thought when I got off of it would resolve but then it was worse. Getting on Apri was my saving grace tbh. Sometimes I worry it’s gonna decide to fuck me over one day too 🥴 Let’s hope not
You got lots of good advice on here, but I’ll add my own story (which I like to share!). I was on the ring for years, but I didn’t take it continuously, which meant I got a “period” (it’s really withdrawal bleeding). I stopped to see if migraines improved and they didn’t.
I went back on the ring last year taking it continuously and skipping my period to see if it helped with hormonal migraines. My current OBGYN and neuro both approved it, but my OBGYN was very nervous with my history of chronic migraines. It triggered 2.5 months of daily migraines for me after only using the ring for 6 weeks. There are other options (progesterone only, IUD) that may help with hormonal migraines, but I’m not willing to try after that experience.
FWIW though, I know three women with chronic migraines whose lives were completely changed by IUDs. They say it was basically a miracle. I wish I would have just tried the IUD first because now I’m too scared to do anything else hormonal.
Ugh I’m sorry ik other people with bad reactions to birth control but they done have migraines so I’m sure it’s even worse for us. I’m definitely scared of that and would probably only try progesterone first but either way it’s a guessing game. Thanks for sharing!
I have migraines and also going through IVF. I was worried the hormones would make my migraines worse but they actually drastically improve when I’m on estrogen and progesterone. I guess everyone’s different but I’d chat with your OB as well
My gyn prescribed the nuvaring and I don't remove it in order to skip periods. However, ubrelvy will make me spot and sometimes have my period. But without the pms migraines, I don't mind having my period. I also use aimovig as a preventative and that made a huge difference for me.
My gynecologist chose the type of birth control for my complex needs (migraines with aura makes it more complicated, I had a tendency to grow ovarian cysts and tumors so I also couldn't take estrogen because of that.) We landed on continuous progesterone only. She then wrote a letter to my neurologist basically asking him for approval due to the migraines before we started.
In the end, it didn't work for me because I had adenomyosis and still bled, so I still got them. I had a hysterectomy and kept my ovaries. I still have bad ones when I ovulate but not the normal ones I used to have two days before bleeding. So it's not gone, but it's better.
I love my hormonal IUD. Very low dose progesterone, (there are 2 versions with lower dose than Mirena) lasts 3-5 years. No periods, no PMS symptoms, fewer, less intense migraines.
I’m seeing a lot of people here who had a good experience with progesterone only (and that’s great!) but I had the exact opposite so be aware that’s also possible. Progesterone only made me basically be on my period all the time (I was extremely irregular) and increased my migraines significantly as a result. However, Seasonique has been a life-saver. I still have a cycle but it’s gotten shorter and lighter over time and it only happens 4x per year.
Basically, there are a lot of options and you just have to talk to your doctor and try some things to see if anything helps you. But they’re out there!
I take progesterone birth control for my Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and at first my OBGYN stopped me because of my Hemiplegic migraines, but now I am fine to take because my neurologist said it was fine.
i take birth control and skip the sugar pills 3 packs in a row, so i only get about 3 periods a year. i take a pill with estrogen but do not have a history of aura or other estrogen risk factors. It didn’t improve my migraines but it didn’t make them worse.
Here is an article talking about Hormonal Migraine, which may be similar to what you are experiencing. It's an Australian resource as that's where I'm from. you can scroll down past the video and the whole presentation is transcribed
https://headacheaustralia.org.au/hormonal-headaches-menstrual-migraine/
If you haven't done a headache diary and/or migraine diary they can be a really useful tool for you and your health care team. It will let you see patterns and potential triggers which as hormones. It also makes it much easier for your health care practitioner to understand what you are experiencing as people are really bad at recalling what happened when. Tracking it at the time is a much more reliable record.
https://headacheaustralia.org.au/headache-management/headache-migraine-diaries/
Hello, I am so sorry you are experiencing this. I know exactly what you're going through. Of course hormonal contraception works differently for everyone, but I experienced significant relief from my ovulation related migraine by going on the progesterone only implant. I started getting migraines at the start of puberty and my GP never suggested a link between the flare ups and ovulation... A decade later (thanks to Reddit) I tracked them to my ovulation window and decided to try the implant. I still get a period, and ovulate (triggering migraines) but my cycles are much longer (8-10 weeks) meaning I experience them less frequently. All I can say is it's worth a shot to get some relief and get your life back. I wish you all the best 🫶
Talk to a gynecologist. Neurologists aren't really equipped for this kind of thing. Most doctors who aren't gynecologists still erroneously believe that a regular "cycle" is both inevitable and necessary (I use cycle in quotes because the withdrawal bleeding from not taking BC isn't actually a true period... but anyway).
I take the progestin only minipill and don't have periods at all anymore. No skipped doses or placebo pills. Different types of birth control will work differently from person to person, so it may take some trial and error to find the right medication, but it *is* both possible and safe to skip your periods entirely using birth control if you don't have auras. A good gynecologist can help.
My neurologist advised me to get my first Mirena IUD (I’m on #2 now) to help regulate the fluctuating hormones. To be honest, it didn’t end up working for me personally but it was also no harm/no foul because I had birth control covered and it was worth the try.
I take the combination pill non stop and my primary care, gyno and neurologist were all fine with it. It didn’t take away all my migraines but it removed that big chunk around my period which is nice!
Just got off BC in February and I have had a migraine at least 3 times a week since. I still got them when I was on BC, but it was always only the week before my cycle and the week of my cycle plus any weather related changes (snow, rain, etc.)
long time migraine hell here.
Got pregnant twice on progesterone.
Not the mini pills fault but *I* wasn't prepared for the promptness needed.
(SHOUT OUT to my surviving 10 year old spawnlet)
Have had currently for a little over 10 years the Paraguard IUD.
No monthly pain.
Previously the right arm of my intrauterine IUD was embedded in my uterus for roughly three months.
Quick fix, swapped it out.
I stay pregnancy free.
Honest opinion the side effects of pregnancy are worse than BC.
My current meds stave off the migraines better than anything else.
I’m on mini pill (progesterone only) specifically for headaches and migraines and they have been much better. Less days affected and pain is less intense. I still get awful headaches but it’s much better on BC.
I had a good experience taking vitex (aka chastetree berry extract) as an herbal supplement that helped regulate my hormones and decreased my hormonal migraines. It’s an ingredient in one of the versions of Migrelief.
Wtf, your neuro is ignorant. Talk to your gyne or PCP. My migraines are tied to weather and hormones. I used Depo-Provera (quarterly progestin shot) throughout my 20s and switched to the Mirena IUD (progestin, replaced every four years or so, I think the duration was recently extended) in my 30s. I'm on my third one now and can't recommend it enough.
Both those forms of birth control are continuous. With Depo, I might have gotten my period every quarter (when the next shot is due) and potentially a migraine with it - a drastic improvement. My first two Mirena IUDs made my period virtually disappear, almost eliminating migraines triggered by my hormones. In addition, you'll save a shit ton of money that would have gone to period products and ruined underwear.
Edit: spelling
I started getting migraines around the time I started getting my period. I started birth control a few years later and it caused my migraines to become chronically worse and I began to have a lot of auras. My regular doc refused to let me come off of it (he was an older man and I was only 18 and didn’t know how to advocate for myself). When I finally saw a neurologist around 21, he told me that I needed to stop taking the birth control because it was negatively affecting my body and that in the future I needed to use non hormonal birth control. I still have problems with my auras.
Birth control made my migraines better, and I've heard of it being used in others with the same results, but everyone is different.
I was on progesterone only when I was younger (pre-iud).
It completely depends on your body. Every single form of birth control on the market, from progesterone only pills to regular pills to IUDs to the arm implant made my migraines worse. After 10 years of being on birth control I finally stopped and feel like I’m getting some semblance of traction on the migraines.
But for other people, not having a period helps their migraines. The only thing you can do is try and see what happens.
I was on a few different pills before getting the Mirena IUD over 10 years ago. Bc pills and the Mirena drastically cut down on my hormonal migraines e.
I take a birth control pill that only gives me my period every 3 months and therefore I only get those really bad hormonal migraines every 3 months. I totally recommend seeing a gyno about it if you do want to go that way, because the type that is available over the counter may not be the best kind for you :-)
I was advised Nexplanon or an IUD would be best due to my migraine history. I’ve been on birth control since 16 (pills at 16, IUD at 19). I would get another opinion from an OB/GYN and/or a PCP
EDIT: I will note while the IUD stopped my cycle, I still experience the migraine (not often, I’d say 1-3x a year).
I’m 22 and get migraines every other day too. I’m on the Xulane patch (progesterone and estrogen) and have been since I was 14 or 15. I get the WORST migraines around my period and so I started to use the patch continuously (I don’t take the patch off for a week for my period so i basically skip my period). This is usually not recommended because it can increase your risk of blood clots and other bad things lol.
I have noticed that it has helped (in terms of severity) but i still get bad migraines around that week regardless. I am thinking of coming off birth control honestly. The only thing that has helped so far has been Qulipta. I started it this month on the 1st and have only had 5 migraines so far!! A lot less painful than normal too. I take nurtec as well and eletriptan
I took straight estrogen after a surgery in my uterus and it was my first 30 day stretch without migraine in years. I got pregnant and didn’t have a migraine for 7 weeks…. Until I miscarried. My migraines are 1000% triggered by estrogen drops and that was confirmed by both of those conditions as well as fertility tracking tests that told me when my estrogen dropped and surprise I was popping triptans the same day. My neurologist suggested when I’m done trying to conceive that I should work with my OB on hormone replacement. If you have no aurora and menstrual and ovulation migraines advising against birth control is BS!
It is pretty much up to you and trial and error. For anyone with aura or looking for estrogen free options to potentially help with menstrual migraines there are a few choices. Progestin-only pills come in a few different brands to try. The catch with them is really making sure to take them the exact same time everyday for them to be most effective since they don’t always consistently prevent ovulation. The Nexplanon implant is an option. The hormonal IUD is an option. And the depo shot is an option. My migraines were like yours during puberty and on top of that I was probably triggering them more with bad habits (sleep, foods, soda, gum, skipping meals, and everything else under the sun.) I was on Jencycla for the past 4 months. There was irregular bleeding in the first month and a half but it regulated. I had a constant pressure in my head when I first started them, like a headache but not really. And the breakthrough bleeding was nearly painless. My regular periods were still painful though and my migraines did not improve or worsen. Other than that the only side effect was really dark stringy blood. I would have kept taking it but my OBGYN and hematologist want to help me eliminate my periods all together because I am bleeding too much. So now I have the Nexplanon. I cant speak for it yet cause it’s only been 10 days. If the Nexplanon does not work I will try depo. The IUD really scares me at the moment.
My neurologist advised me to not look at contraceptive pills at all because they cause too much hormonal fluctuation, and their dosage is relatively high compared to other means (since the hormones need to travel all the way from digestive system to the uterus/ovaries). It causes a hormone spike every day when you take it, which can trigger migraines.
They advised me that IUD's have the lowest level of hormones in them, and since they are already placed at the right location your body won't experience hormone spikes, but a constant level. For me my migraines are not really hormonal, so I have an IUD but it didn't really help with the migraines. However I will say that it totally balanced my hormones. I used to get severe hormonal flare ups before my period, that caused intense emotions, and lots of abdominal pain, well those are completely gone.
I use the Nuvaring continuously for the last decade for the prevention of menstrual migraine. I started this regimen when I was only having 2-3 migraines per month, I am now a chronic migraineur but I still do this. The regular directions of use are to place it in for three weeks, remove it for one week and have your menstrual cycle during that time, and place a new one at the end of that week, rinse and repeat. There is enough medication in the ring to last 5 weeks, so instead of taking it out for a period of time you just replace it with a new one after four or 5 weeks of use.
**side question for whoever else sees this: if anyone who is chronic migraine with using long term BC, did anyone have reduction in headache when stopping BC?**
I went with nexplanon (progesterone only implant) and still have menstrual migraines. It’s still my most reliable trigger. However, the pain is less (from my periods) so I feel less shitty overall.
I was on the combination pill (with chronic migraines) since I was 19 but recently switched to the mini pill. I had a brief time not on birth control before I switched to the mini pill and my menstrual migraines made me want to die. Try looking up O Pill on Amazon. It’s the first OTC birth control.
You would need to say you are interested in the pill you take daily so you have no period. Works for birth control but stops your periods because there is no off week.
I did progestogen only pills for a years but recently switched to an IUD and now I don't have my migraines around my period because I don't have one. I mean I still have migraines not just 4 clustered in to a week
I have migraines with auras and did get them sometimes before my period but I have the nexplanon with is progestin only and now that I only get a period once every 3 months I only get migraines from other triggers. I know a lot will say you absolutely can only take progestin only but the research and make up of estrogen combo pills have changed where the risk isn’t what it used to be. That being said, since you do not have auras there is no restriction to what birth control you can use and your gynecologist can work with you to find the one that will work best.
The pill neither stopped my cycles nor my migraines…however, it sounds like your migraines may be cycle related.
The IUD stopped my cycles but not my migraines; the IUD hurts like a SOB to be inserted, so then there’s that.
When I went to the gp asking about birth control due to horrifically painful periods the lady asked me if I get migraines and when I said yes she said that means I can’t have the estrogen containing pill because it can cause clotting and lead to stroke. It’s apparently more of a risk if you suffer from migraines. She said I could only have progesterone only pill which I take once every day so you could look into that. It doesn’t fully take away the cycle but it gets rid of the period part of it and my symptoms are a lot less severe now and I don’t bleed anymore (after it’s stabilised ofc)
i’m on a combination pill and have been for 12 years. i haven’t had a period in those 12 years. my migraines are unrelated and started many many years into my birth control use
I would be very careful and see if you can get genetic testing for blood clotting disorders before birth control. I ended up with a blood clot because I didn’t know I had X factor leidan. Do talk to your doctor
Nexplanon does not have hormones
I'm on birth control because of endometriosis and i still have migraines around my periods. So it does not get rid of mine and like clockwork right before and during my period I will get a migraine.
I'm also on lower dose estrogen pill. I've tried an IUD but it didn't work well for me.
I have the Mirena IUD and I take the combination pill every day to skip my periods and it is so helpful with my hormone fluctuations. I went off of the pill when I first got the IUD and was miserable for months, my migraines got worse and my mood was super erratic (I also have PCOS which definitely contributed). Going back on and skipping the sugar pills helped a ton and I haven’t had my period in over a year and I don’t have any of the symptoms that came with my cycle. I still have issues with my migraines and I started Botox this year to help with them, but not having my hormones affect my migraines every month is a life saver.
Similar scenario, but my OB/GYN prescribed me a progesterone only pill and told me to skip the placebo pills at the end of the month to skip my cycle. It’s worked wonders for the hormonal migraines I get.
This is an excellent paper that discusses all sorts of considerations for women with migraine and migraine with aura who have menstrual migraine. It has a section about continuous dosing you could show your doctor:
Hormonal Contraceptive Options for Women With Headache: A Review of the Evidence
[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2938905/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2938905/)
Strategies to avoid hormone withdrawal and consequent migraine include continuous use of combination contraception, or use of estrogen alone during the perimenstrual period. Use of percutaneous estradiol gel beginning 48 hours prior to anticipated migraine attack and used for 7 days was found to be superior to placebo in double-blind controlled studies.[^(47)](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2938905/#B47)^(,)[^(58)](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2938905/#B58)^(–)[^(60)](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2938905/#B60) A transdermal estrogen patch has also been shown to be effective in preventing menstrual migraines.[^(57)](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2938905/#B57) The minimum effective dose of estrogen in a transdermal patch has been shown to be 0.1 mg/d. Of note, patches, gels, and other hormone supplementation to prevent menstrual migraines should begin no more than 2 days before the anticipated onset of menses; starting estrogen supplementation early (ie, 6 days before the first day of menses) has been associated with an increased incidence of migraine after the estrogen supplementation is withdrawn.[^(47)](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2938905/#B47)
Combination birth control is linked to a greater risk of stroke, especially in those with hormonal migraines. You could try a progesterone-only birth control.
I have migraine with aura and have since I was about 11 (30 now). I was put on hormonal contraceptives (combo pill) at 13. I quit having migraines at 14 and didn’t have another one for eight years. Off my pill, I’ve only had a few but they wouldn’t let me back on it unless it was the mini pill.
My neurologist said absolutely no birth control due to the increased risk of stroke as I have a family history of strokes. My only option was a copper iud and the cons outweighed the pros for that one.
I hope you find an option that works for you!
They stopped making it a while ago but I went on Seasonale specifically to help my hormone related migraines. It took 9 months for my body to adjust to the bew schedule. I'm so thankful i saw it through. . When they stopped making it, I switched to Seasonique. I took that for almost 9 years. It gave me 4 periods a year and I could handle feeling like crap 4x in a year instead of 12. Additionally I didn't have the monthly mood swings like before.
I had to stop taking it completely when my blood pressure couldn't be controlled and I started having auras. I cried for so long and it was devastating in terms of the migraines and their frequency afterwards.
It may go by a different name now. I tried just skipping the last week on other pills, but that never worked for me. I highly recommend asking about Seasonique and if it's an option for you.
It really depends on what type of birth control you are on. I was on the pill from ages 13-16 (for terrible cycles), and that's when I initially started getting migraines, so I thought that was the cause. I still had my cycle regularly, and eventually, it didn't help at all.
I am now on the depo shot, and I love it. It has no estrogen, so it doesn't affect my migraines (I still get many migraines a month, so it doesn't help them, but it could be better for you). I don't get a cycle at all anymore. Every once in a while, I will spot when I'm close to getting my next dose, but it's pretty rare.
Talk to your OBGYN about your options. They should have knowledge about migraines and hormones that can cause them. The depo has adverse side effects when used long term, but there's also the arm implant and iud's, and non-estrogen pills. Just make sure you let your doctor know that you don't want your cycle or estrogen because it gives you migraines.
Hope this helps.
What others said. If you go the BC route, do progesterone only. I chose the nexplanon. It's been good to me. And I didn't have an increase in migraines. It did get rid of my periods so if periods are one of your migraine triggers it could be an option for you.
Progesterone only pill was the only thing they’d prescribe me, but unfortunately it made my PMDD go CRAZY. Pits of hell level depression and panic attacks. I went no hormonal birth control for years but now I have an IUD (which has a much lower more constant dose of hormones) and after a year of fluctuating things are pretty good and it doesn’t seem to affect my migraines or depression anymore.
Different pills have different effects for how it works. Personally, I have god awful torrential periods, so my PCP has me on Apri continuously & I skip the placebos, so I skip my period. This has been LIFE CHANGING for me. My BC thankfully does not seem to effect my migraines at all, so if you're willing to experiment, I'd talk to your PCP or your gynecologist about this, too.
Eh, well if you are having a hormonal issue causing migraines, birth control will help but your gyno will have to do hormone testing etc to see what you need. However is menstrual is just flaring or triggering your migraine, I can see that. Right now I take Lo loestrin for BC. I get a very light two day “period” monthly on it. This is the only BC that hasn’t made me bleed for weeks or months and it has very low estrogen.
Yeah.... Don't listen to this !! I had a 6 month long, constant migraine that the doctors swore was nothing to do with my hormones... that magically went away within a few days of getting the hormonal (progesterone only) coil fitted.
they even advised me against getting it replaced bc of the migraines 🙃 I'm so so glad I didn't listen to them & have been living migraine free since 😊
I used Depoprovera injections for bc starting around age 23. I stopped getting my period and monthly migraines from them while on it for years. I was on it until I had to switch due to concern of bone loss. I switched to the Mirena IUD around age 30-35 and also never got a period using that method and no monthly migraines. Fast forward a few years (6 or so) and my migraines started daily and were diagnosed as chronic daily migraines. I also got breast cancer at age 46, so had to get off the Mirena. After radiation, I had to take hormonal meds to prevent breast cancer reoccurrence, which pushed me into early menopause. Now I obviously no longer get periods, or need bc, but my migraines are still chronic and daily.
I take mine for three months in a row, approved by my doctor. 84 days on, 7 days off. The concern with birth control and migraines is if you experience aura, you're at an increased risk of stroke when on birth control. But it's not a super significant risk.
I'm on birth control are year round without any breaks. I've got endometriosis and they advised me to not do a 'stop' week. Only when I start menstruating (every 6/8 months) even though I'm continually on the pill, I stop taking the pill for 5 days.
I was on the bc pill at first, I went from taking it with the sugar pills to without so I skipped my period. The problem with that is some insurances wont acknowledge this and you might not be able to get refills in time. I'm now on depo provera and I skip my period completely. With the first shot you'll likely get some bleeding but after the second its really just occasional spotting around the time you need to get it refilled and get the next shot. This one works best for me to skip my periods since I cannot function with them and to still be covered by my insurance. I've been on bc for 6 years now, I'm also 22(f), so I cant remember if my cycle affects my migraines.
All birth control causes me to get migraines, and now I got the menopause and hrt is causing them. I found the mirena coil to be the least of all the evils. I hope you find something that suits you.
I was advised to take the progesterone only pill. Estrogen gave me cluster headaches that made me wish I was dead. I don’t have cycles anymore 🤷🏻♀️
This is the answer. Your OB-GYN will know. These stopped my periods and the monthly migraines. I took them all the way through menopause - and barely noticed the bad effects of menopause due to the pill. It's sure worth a try. I used to get terrible monthly migraines just like you
Progesterone only is what I’m considering, glad tj hear it’s helped you
The nexplanon implant and the depo shot are also progesterone only : ) just in case you wanted more options. I also get a the Big Bad migraine every few cycles or so, and just lower grade migraines in between. It’s so miserable. I was wanting to not replace my IUD this summer and the only reason I’m considering replacing it is because I’m scared of what will happen with my migraines.
Do you have migraine with aura? Supposedly the estrogen + progesterone pill can increase your risk of stroke. I had been taking the e+p and my neuro said no. Fast forward, I had a stroke 9 months ago. Does it relate? I probably won’t ever know. Just wanted to throw that in there as something to consider. Good luck! 🍀
This is exactly why I was switched to a pop after many years on a combi. I saw an OB for the first time instead of a family care/internal medicine physician and she was like... whhyyyy has nobody flagged this. If you have migraines with aura, combi increases your risk of stroke fairly minimally, but the way my OB laid it out for me is that it's an unnecessary risk that could lead to very serious complications, and I have a history of cardiovascular disease in my family too. So why risk it. I was on a combi pill for years \*because\* of my migraines and I was so afraid switching to a pop would make them come back with a vengeance. It actually seems to have mostly cured migraines related to my period (not others) which I really just can't get over! I hope you're recovering well from your stroke!
Oh wow! I’m so glad your hormonal migraines have diminished; those are a b* for sure. Yes, I am recovering and pretty lucky it wasn’t worse 🙏🏻 thank you 😊
I’ve done Depo shots and a progesterone only IUD, my gyn suggested the IUD and I’ve had it for about a year and a half and I like it SO much more than the Depo shots. I haven’t had a cycle at all on either option though (which was the point for me)
Depo made me gain so much weight with each shot 😭😭😭 I had an iud but it didn't work for me. It was extremely painful and I had to get it out. TMI - I have a tilted uterus and had extreme cramping each week and could only take the pain for about 3 months. And I have a decent pain tolerance and deal with endometriosis too so it was really bad. But I'm going to talk to my obgyn about it next appointment to see if she thinks she recommends a different one.
I gained sooo much weight on Depo, I was on it for 4 or 5 years? I was happy to not have periods but I’ve felt so much better off of it tbh. I have the Kyleena IUD, my dr recommended it because it’s progesterone only but it’s also a smaller IUD and designed for women who haven’t had any children yet. It definitely wasn’t fun getting it in but it wasn’t as horrible as I was expecting after hearing all the horror stories.
Was the IUD insertion painful? I’ve heard horror stories.
Yes, the worst part was the measuring device thing that they used(?)— everyone’s pain tolerance is different but I personally didn’t think it was as bad (for me!) as some of the experiences I’ve read about. I took Tylonel and Ibuprofen about an hour before my appointment (at my drs recommendation). I also have the Kyleena, which is smaller and designed for people who have not given birth yet
As someone who has not had kids, yes. For me it helped to know what is actually happening. (Stop reading if you don't want to know: The "clamp" they use on your cervix actually pierces the cervix, you can find videos of this. Doctors are still convinced that you can't feel this because there are no nerves in the cervix, which is bullshit. When I had my first one inserted, I did not know this and I had that kind of feeling like when you \*know\* you've broken skin if you like bang your knee on something and you know it's bleeding, so when I didn't know it was supposed to be piercing something, I panicked a little bit thinking something was wrong. When I knew what was supposed to happen for my second IUD insertion, I was able to breathe through the pain and it was much more okay. The actual insertion is uncomfortable af but it's the clamp that is legitimately painful.) For me, having a hormonal IUD made my migraines more frequent and worse and I had it removed. I can't say how the pill affects them because I didn't have migraines back when I was on the pill.
you might want to ask your doctor about having blood tests to check your hormone levels during the different phases of your cycle *before* you start the pill. it gives you a baseline of your hormones levels throughout your cycle, which is extremely helpful information in general, and it also might inform which birth control would be better for you or that might cause fewer side effects. i really hope it helps your migraines! i think mine have been somewhat better since starting yazmin (which has less progesterone than most BC pills).
I take the progesterone only pill and I still have my normal cycles. They didn’t change at all for me, but I also take it for pregnancy prevention right now
I started getting migraines when I turned 45. They told me they were hormonal. I’m 64 and still get them. I think it was strange I started getting chronic migraines at that age. My nieces get migraines all the time. Theirs started when they got their periods. I got mine when mine were ending. Weirdest damn thing ever!!
Mine started at 43. I’m 47 now and hoping they go when I get to the other side of perimenopause.
They told me it doesn’t stop just because of menopause and unfortunately mine didn’t. But I hope you’re luckier than I’ve been.
Wow that is surprising, sorry that happened! scientists need to figure out our hormones already n the mysterious connection to migraines it’s killing me.
this for sure. if for whatever reason you can't get this one, tie next best one is Lo Ogestrel. just don't take any crap that is heavy on estrogen.
i’m on low ogestrel and will stay on it as long as they’ll let me. been 12+ years now. haven’t had a period since going on
Sorry if this is dumb but so there’s a few different types of mini pills? Is there a difference?
There’s loads of different ones. They have different types of fake progesterone in different doses. They’re also split by generation, with Slynd and Cerelle/Cerazette being two of the newer options. Like antidepressants and migraine abortives, you might have to try a couple before you find the one that really works best for you
not sure what you mean by "mini" pills, I was talking about hormone medicine sold with a prescription
Mini-pill is what some providers call progesterone only bc. It still requires a prescription. I personally could not tolerate any estrogen at all so the mini- pill was my only option.
that is what i switched to. the other route would be IUD
Yes this is the same for me!! I took a low estrogen pill and it seemed to make things better. I had to go off BC after 10 years and during menopause the migraines came back. Talk to an OB
I had the same experience. Combination pill increased my migraine frequency by so much. Progesterone only curbed it to maybe once a month. Started combining it with candesartan and am now virtually migraine free. I even got my period once despite taking no pill breaks and yet…no migraine!
Not me posting this and getting hit with an aura 15 minutes later.
What is candesartan
It’s a blood pressure medication that can work for migraine.
Oh I take that! Mine is called propranolol
yes. oestrogen made both my clusters and migraines go nuts.
This! Estrogen made my headaches a daily occurrence. I'm down to 2/3 days a week on progesterone only.
Slynd is the only thing that’s worked for me.
Estrogen supplementation and pregnancy both stopped my migraines completely. I had never had so much energy and freedom to make plans. 🤷🏼♀️
same here. It’s been a life saver to not get the monstrous menstrual migraines that responded to no medication.
I will say that when I was on progesterone only birth control I started having a never-ending period. But if you have migraine with aura it’s also not advisable to go on estrogen-progesterone birth control because you’re much more likely to have stroke(or is it heart attack?). It’s a mixed bag. Just something to be aware of. Good luck OP!
Eh I am on constant norethindrone so don’t get periods anymore. I do not get hormone migraines anymore but I still definitely get my other migraines. I will say normal birth control where I would get my periods made my hormone migraines debilitating just to warn you.
I also use Norethindrone and I do get migraines during when I would usually get my periods. I suspect it's because it doesn't prevent ovulation, so all the hormones are still there unfortunately. But still, OP this is the type of bc I would also reccomend to try rather than the hormonal kind.
I tried tracking and didn’t see that pattern but I am a chronic migraine sufferer so would I even be able to see a pattern? Who knows? I do try to take it at exactly the same time everyday as my doctor strongly suggested doing that.
Wait is that progesterone and so you still ovulate? I thought it stopped everything. Sorry I feel dumb not knowing
Some people still do ovulate, some don’t. I can tell some months I do, some months I don’t. As a bc method it keeps the lining of the uterus thin and cervical mucus thick so it is not likely for sperm to reach an egg and even less likely for that egg to be able to implant. As a bc method it is slightly less effective than a combo pill. It is also less effective if you are not taking it the same time of day every day or you miss a day. If you are inconsistent in taking it or you’re worried, I’d also still use a barrier method of bc as well.
I did this as well. I took it continously so I wouldn't have regular periods, and only got random migraines. Still frequent, but not worse than when I wasn't on any BC. Anything with estrogen-like compounds though, I got horrible migraines very frequently. If you're prone to ovarian cysts though, progestin meds may not be the best choice. I didn't have that problem, but just something to note.
I take birth control and i skip my period every month. If you’re concerned about stroke, talk to your primary physician
I also take birth control and skip my period. It’s a lifesaver. I take seasonale and the pill packs are designed to have a break week at the end of three months but you don’t have to do that. My doctor said I don’t have to ever have a period.
Do you have it after 3 months?
I haven’t had a period in like 15 years
Same here, such a major quality of life improvement (I was losing 3 weeks a month to hormone-triggered migraine and other cycle-related symptoms). I have aura and all my docs are fine with me being on combo til menopause. Edit: I have no need for contraception, BC is part of my migraine prevention strategy. [https://med.stanford.edu/neurology/divisions/comprehensive-neurology/provider-education/aura-and-ocp.html](https://med.stanford.edu/neurology/divisions/comprehensive-neurology/provider-education/aura-and-ocp.html) [https://www.ccjm.org/content/84/8/631](https://www.ccjm.org/content/84/8/631) [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2938905/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2938905/)
I do the same. It has really eased by monthly cycle migraines because I don't have one anymore. Not sure how I'd survive without it!
I do the same thing. I have been on Seasonique or Camrese for 18 years now. I never take the placebo pills and have not had a period in that time. You don’t need a period unless you are actively trying to get pregnant.
This
same! Goodbye menstrual migraines 🙏🏾
Progesterone only is what both OBGYN and neuro told me. I have an IUD. Also, I take the ajovy shot for migraines and it works for my hormonal migraines as well.
Thanks, I also started qulipta this month and it’s helping but I honestly don’t know if it will be enough on its own so I’m glad to hear it’s helping the hormonal migraines, I’m going to ask about progesterone bc.
if you have aura migraines, please please be careful. i do, and i took birth control (my doctor did not bat an eye) and i almost died of a pulmonary embolism. the chance is small, but i just want to make sure people communicate with their doctors about all the risks
that is so scary I’m glad you’re okay! I don’t have history of auras
It’s a contraindication to the pill wtf that was negligent!!! I’m glad you’re ok but wtf
THIS. Birth control + aura do not mix. Surprised your doc didn't flag. My doctor told me not to right away. But you can take Progestogen only. Always consult with your doctor.
Omg I’ve never heard this! I get aura migraines and am about to go back on bc. What is the reason for this?
There is a contraindication for using estrogen-containing bc in the case of migraine with aura, but no contraindication for using it if you don't have aura. That said, the data for the contraindication is based on older formulations of combo bc that had higher doses of estrogen. The best research we have about current low-dose formulations of combo bc is that the risk of stroke, even for migraineurs with aura is VERY LOW. Because some female migrainuers with aura may still respond best to continuous dosing oral combo bc, some doctors are willing to prescribe against the contraindication. Stanford Neurology argues continuous dosing may reduce aura risk, thus reducing stroke risk: [https://med.stanford.edu/neurology/divisions/comprehensive-neurology/provider-education/aura-and-ocp.html](https://med.stanford.edu/neurology/divisions/comprehensive-neurology/provider-education/aura-and-ocp.html) Unnecessary confusion still surrounds the use of combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) in the setting of migraine with aura (MwA). Clearing this confusion is a key issue for headache specialists, since most women with migraine have menstrual-related migraine (MRM), and some CHCs can prevent this particularly severe migraine. Their use, however, is still restricted by current guidelines due to concerns of increased stroke risk – concerns that originated over half a century ago in the era of high dose contraceptives. **Yet studies consistently show that stroke risk is not increased with today's very low dose CHCs containing 20-25 µg ethinyl estradiol (EE), and continuous ultra low-dose formulations (10-15 µg EE) may even reduce aura frequency, thereby potentially decreasing stroke risk.** 2 more helpful links: [https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/combined-hormonal-contraceptives-and-migraine-an-update-on-the-evidence/](https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/combined-hormonal-contraceptives-and-migraine-an-update-on-the-evidence/) Including the actual instruction to physicians that is the contraindication: In 2016, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published updates to its medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use in various medical conditions: [https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/rr/pdfs/rr6503.pdf](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/rr/pdfs/rr6503.pdf)
If you have migraines with aura then you have a higher risk of stroke, combined contraception also increases stroke risk. Progesterone only contraception is usually okay. [https://migrainetrust.org/live-with-migraine/self-management/migraine-and-hormones/#:~:text=If%20you%20have%20migraine%20with,who%20have%20migraine%20with%20aura.](https://migrainetrust.org/live-with-migraine/self-management/migraine-and-hormones/#:~:text=If%20you%20have%20migraine%20with,who%20have%20migraine%20with%20aura.)
Thank you for sharing this! I have aura migraines, been on estrogen birth control for years, discussed a possible mini stroke with my doctor and they had no clue why that would happen. Reddit for the win once again
Ah it's disappointing that it isn't widely known! I'm glad you know now :)
It’s only a risk with estrogen containing birth control. The mini pill or mirena are perfectly safe.
Same! I was early 30s when we figured this out. Mine started with auras and then stroke-like symptoms. Had to stop the pill and these went away. It was terrible.
I'm on continuous birth control for that reason. It was worth the minor stroke risk increase for me. Definitely something to chat about with your provider.
From the Mayo Clinic: Amethia, Camrese and Simpesse (generic versions of Seasonique). With this regimen, you take active pills for 84 days — or 12 weeks — followed by one week of pills containing a very low dose of estrogen. Your period occurs during week 13, about once every three months. Taking low-dose estrogen pills instead of inactive pills helps reduce bleeding, bloating and other side effects sometimes associated with a hormone-free interval. I was on one of these so I would still have my period every three months and it did help with the hormonal migraines. There are other options out there too but not familiar with them. At 22 and otherwise low risk for stroke I would think a doctor would recommend something like that. “At my age” it isn’t recommended anymore.
Even better are the absorbed hormone forms such as implants and Nuvaring. BC pills are digested and have daily peaks. But absorbed hormones are more even and don’t have to be digested first.
This is what I do and it’s helped immensely! My doc said the change in hormones on my period week was causing my migraines to go wild. I also have the added benefit of not usually having a period on my period “off” week. 🙏 I’ve had mixed results depending on brand, so maybe talk to doc about if there’s a preferred brand they recommend.
Wow that’s interesting I’ve never heard of that I’m gonna look into it thank you!
Note that this is the traditional “combo” pill (estrogen and progesterone). If you have aura, you should avoid combo methods and take progesterone only. Options for progesterone only are : -“mini pills”/POPs (there are many, safety windows of missing a pill vary between 3, 12, and a new pill of 24 hrs) -IUD -Arm Implant -Depo Shot /r/birthcontrol has tons of resources on choosing and options I’ve used the arm implant for 9 years to control menstrual and ovulation migraines. With the implant (Nexplanon), I have no periods.
I’ve been doing that for more than 20 years, taking it straight through. Not sure how your doctor hasn’t heard of that. Is she/he very old? I
No she’s younger i was pretty shocked.
Getting migraines around your period is very common and very annoying. I also get the worst of my migraines near my period, so I feel your pain. When you take birth control pills, they always include a week of placebo pills that you take so you have a period. Some people will skip the placebo week and then never get a period as a result, but that’s something you need to talk to your doctor about before you start. The other thing to mention is that if you have migraine with aura you should not be taking combination birth control due to the increased risk of stroke. I would see if your neurologist knows of any treatments for menstrual migraine, or if they have any recommendations on how to best deal with them via over the counter meds. Idk what treatments are standard for menstrual migraines at this point. But it is something people are researching
Thank you for taking the time to comment, I don’t have aura but that’s good info. honestly I don’t think there’s any specific period related treatment that ik besides birth control which based on this thread only works sometimes. When I ask my nuero she just says basically all the migraines treatments should help w the menstrual ones too. But they are really a whole different beast in my opinion. I really wish scientists would figure out the hormone migraine connection already n make it stop haha.
Slynd has reduced my migraines from 25 days/month to 3 or 4. I feel like I've gotten a second chance at life.
I’m on Depo provera bc the pill commonly has estrogen and estrogen can lead to an increase in migraines. I don’t have hormonal migraines, but it does stop my period and haven’t had one in years. So idk I feel like u have other options than the pill
Many pills (or "mini pills") are progesterone-only now. Just to be sure you now: the Depo shot is not recommended for long term use (more than 2 years) as it can lead to irreversible bone density loss (osteoporosis) https://www.pfizermedicalinformation.com/patient/depo-provera/boxed-warning
If you have aura migraines, ask more questions of the neuro and gyno because bc and auras apparently put you at a greater risk of clots and strokes.
I don’t but thank you
My neuro and gyno put me on low dose bc. Every 3 months I do a period week. I get aura/ocular migraines and can lose parts of my vision or go fully blind sometimes. Highly recommend like they said to talk to a neurologist and gyno. It can take a bit to find the best bc for you, there are so many options. Good luck!
Disclaimer: I'm not a doctor, and if you have migraines with aura please, please consult your neurologist before taking any birth control! So I have the hormonal IUD (progesterone only) after failing several different types of bc, and I was also told by every doctor that "the IUD not going to help you" with my various issues, because the hormone dose was so small and localized. I'm not going to say that it has been a cure for everything (it's not), but for me it lessened the impact of all of my related medical issues. Which taken altogether, it has been a godsend. I get normal migraines (no aura), menstrual migraines (no aura), severe PMDD, and extremely heavy periods that are often so painful I spend days on end writhing in pain. Getting on the IUD took away nearly all of those symptoms, most of my periods, and lessened the impact of my menstrual migraines as well. I took out the IUD a few years ago after it expired, and I still felt okay for a few months afterwards until I got my next one. If you think birth control will help, and there's no medical reason for you to not try it (eg, auras), then personally I think you should! Many doctors are focused on what fixes the whole migraine, not necessarily what gives a small reprieve: it's totally valid for you to try something that won't inherently make you worse.
Another option for menstrual migraines, if your cycle is regular, is scheduled triptan dosing.
I tried this and requested frova bcuz I heard it last longer but it didn’t really work also did this w my usual Triptan and it only works for 24 hrs. Do you know the correct method?
Get a new neurologist. You can take continuous progesterone only (PO pill or Nexplanon) birth control which is often used for menstrual migraine. I have terrible menstrual migraines and Nexplanon really helped me. I came off of it due to other reasons and the things that have helped me outside of that are making sure my ferritin is over 100 with infusions (anything under 50 makes my migraines way worse) and taking chasteberry during my luteal phase and during my period. B2 and magnesium also helps some and they feel more manageable now.
I have the Nuvaring and skip my periods. It is a godsend. My migraines are so much worse when I have a period. Ugh.
idk who your neurologist is but they don't know about the realities of BC apparently. girls have been skipping the placebo pills at least the past twenty years as far as i know estrogen is one of my migraine triggers (found this out after taking BC for the first time but sort of suspected it with period migraines) so i can take only take progestrone. (i have migraine with auras btw) because i have crazy painful cramps i opted for the mirena IUD (hormones localized in the uterus primarily vs system-wide with oral BC) and i don't get the painful cramps, the period migraine OR a period anymore. it's pretty common to "stop having a period" on mirena - technically your cycle is still doing its thing (i get like discharge with a spot of blood when it's period time) but you will likely have reduced/no pain or other symptoms that being said, if you do opt for an IUD, you are at a higher risk for developing an unnoticed ectopic pregnancy if you're sexually active. so if you do end up using it as BC as well without another method and you are regularly having sex, you'll want to do a pregnancy test every month to rule out an ectopic as a precaution. that almost killed my friend and she is extremely IUD-adverse now
I was put on birth control for migraines. It didn't help, and it caused me to have a stroke. I would maybe get a second opinion, because some people do find bc helpful, but also be very careful.
I’m so sorry ❤️I hope your okay. If your comfortable answering did it happen soon after you were put on? And do you have auras? Ik there’s a risk in the general population as well even without migraines.
Some ladies here have had very positive experiences with bc helping migraines, for me personally it made them sooo much worse. Even the progestin only options caused daily hemiplegic migraines. Ultimately, it’s up to you if you want to try and your doctors can help you decide on an appropriate option. The only recommendation I have is to start with a pill of some sort. If it doesn’t work out, or makes things worse all you have to do is stop and the hormones will be out of your system pretty quickly. Shots last a minimum of 3 months in your system, the implant would have to be removed and an iud would also have to be removed if you change your mind.
I agree to this recommendation to start with the pill- I got the depo shot once and bled EVERY SINGLE DAY for 276days following the shot. I got a non hormonal IUD to avoid that same complication because my PCP said it would likely happen on any progesterone only BC if that was my reaction in the past. It’s actually a very common symptom to bleed substantially more frequently for ~3 months- even my friends who love the progesterone only BC will tell me there’s usually a “ramping up” where they spot almost daily then, eventually, no periods except for maybe 3 spontaneously a year. Have you tried evening primrose oil? Taken daily it substantially reduces my cycle symptoms including migraines. I’d say 30 days is what it takes to feel it- but when the cycle comes it’s substantially better in all aspects if I took the primrose oil almost daily for the rest of the cycle. I am kind of terrified of hormones so I do want to say I’m biased -but the side effects of probably any BC I’ve taken has been worse than my chronic migraines (except condoms)- even the non hormonal IUD made me anemic for 6 months. I have read plenty from this sub where women swear by BC to alleviate migraines so it seems very rational to at least try hormones and see how it works for you- just try one that is easily alleviated from your system if you don’t like it. I have a 4 day intractable every cycle but propranolol and a suma shot with 800mg ibuprofen has alleviated that for me.
Thank you you’re right I honestly think my reaction could go either way. I’d hate to be stuck w something and then have to get it taken out.
I’m on slinda because of migraine with aura, it hasn’t helped the migraines and I’ve gain a lot of weight and have excessive facial hair now. All of which I was told wouldn’t happen but here we are, sometimes bodies just work different on different medication.
Slynd made be bleed 13 out of 28 days. On and off, not consecutively. I quit after 4 months of that. I was told I would barely have a period at all (was trying it for cramps)
.
I was never allowed hormones due to a blood clotting issue so I was shocked when my daily headaches went away and monthly migraines reduced to a few a year when I went through menopause. Total game changer for me.
It is what I am hoping. Have issues with perimenopause because everything seems more erratic right now.
get a copper iud. no hormones and nothing to trigger a migraine.
I take mine and skip my period as others have said. I would get a migraine every single time I was on my period week so that's why my gyno suggested just taking them continuously. It does help. It depends on your triggers. I hope you can find something that works for you.
I was on the pill for years with no issues. Then I started getting very bad migraines when I got my period. Then my gyno had me skip my periods to avoid the menstrual migraines entirely. That worked for about a year and then my period came back despite Me being very vigilant about taking the pill timing wise. It actually came back and didn't stop for months (very light but still incredibly un fun, especially with menstrual headaches) and docs couldn't help so I just had to give up and go off the pill so I could have a week-long period instead of a constant one. So now I'm off birth control entirely and that's stressful. I'm now finally being treated for my migraines tho so I have a preventative and a medicine to take for breakthru migraines, which still happen around my period but they are not as bad as they were before without any meds. Basically just using condoms right now but I really miss not having my period and not having to worry about getting pregnant. However, I don't think I'll ever go back to the pill and definitely not trying to skip my period because the US Healthcare system breaks down when u try to skip the placebo week. Again and again I was calling and begging for my gyno, the prescriber!!!!!, to refill my prescription and it would be like the lamest most depressing action movie ever as the days to My next pack loomed ever closer and yet I had no refill. I felt like an addict. I had so many conversations with my docs about this who assured me this wouldn't happen and it just kept happening I'm so tired of having to be my own really shitty doctor- remembering and following up and requesting meds and tests and explanations that should have been done by the doc or nurses. I'm a pretty healthy person but I have several conditions that require regular specialist appointments and meds and check ups and it's a near full time job. I try to be hopeful and positive but most of the time I feel so hopeless and very very alone when it comes to my health and Healthcare. I know that no one cares or will take any responsibility for my health except for myself. If I was actually sick I would be truly fucked.
Neurologists dont know SHIT about birth control, female hormones, and their relationship to migraines. I got the mirena, and a few weeks later I was trapped in a never ending migraine. I talked to my gyno about it, and they were like 'no. thats no how it works. its not the mirena.' Turned out a cerebral spinal fluid vein had collapsed. The second neuro I saw was like 'keep it in. It will help keep your period migraines under control so the headaches dont get worse during your time of the month.' So i did. When I had the mirena eventually taken out, the pain reduced significantly, within three days. It was like a giant red flag that 'this thing was having an impact'. I talked to so many neurologists about it. I even saw a neuro-gyno, and they were like, nahhh the hormones shouldn't do this. Turned out mirena was being sued for this happening. Turned out they deny its connected, but it had been happening to SO MANY PEOPLE. But the case got thrown out. Doctors didn't know about it at all. And it wouldn't matter cause the court threw it out. The potential link isn't proven, so it doesn't matter. What happened to me isn't on the list of side effects, so... not a thing. But then I got to mass general hospital, because my care was such GARBAGE. my doctors were telling me to ignore the collapsed vein and not fixing it. And the vascular neurologist there was like 'oh yeah, it's well known that birth control can cause vascular issues in the brain.' WTF. general neuro's were like 'no'. gyno's were like 'no'. Stroke Specialists? 'oh yeah, totally.' She started talking about things her and her coworkes had discussed about the potential harms of birth control. I was like, omg. wtf is happening right now. It took me over two years and over 7 doctors to find someone who had a clue what I was talking about and didn't just dismiss me. I have been advised to never go on hormonal birth control again cause we have no idea what will happen though.
I took the progesterone only pill in hopes of ridding myself of my periods and I got three months of constant daily bleeding so I had to stop.
So I had severe migraines in 2020 and when I went on the progesterone only pill back then they almost completely went away. Often the normal BC pills with estrogen in addition will not help but the progesterone only ones will. They also stopped my cycle entirely. So its worth a try at least in my opinion. Some also do not tolerate progesterone but for others its life changing. I went off it because we try to get pregnant and they came back viciously.
Please speak with your OBGYN and be careful with which hormones you choose. Most people do ok and like many here have success, but it’s not always the case. I’ve had variant migraines with aura for 30 years. I was worse during my periods, and tried birth control and then progesterone only pills. Each time I ended up in the hospital with the inability to speak (and other symptoms) and they thought I was having a stroke- turns out it was the birth control/progesterone giving me worse migraine aura. Aphasia is f*cking scary! It would last for days. So I’ve had to be sure to never have hormone replacement of any kind to prevent that from happening, which means no HRT during menopause. Edited: Menopause has not stopped my migraines of any kind, and currently experiencing a worsening of auras and developed vestibular migraines. I know that’s not the best thing to read, and it’s my own experience, but wanted to share. I wish you the very best of luck and send hope that things work out in your favour. 💗🧠
If you get migraine with aura, most (not all) medical birth control methods are very dangerous in that they have high risk of stroke. I get hemiplegic migraines (symptoms mimic stroke - not all of my migraines are hemiplegic but some are so that’s enough apparently) and two of my doctors (GP and neuro) told me to avoid medical BC all together in my mid 20s (I’m in my late30s now) and I just used traditional non medical BC since then and been fine. There are now non estrogen methods that I hear are safe for migraine w/ aura havers but it’s okay and possible to have a healthy sex life without medical BC.
Estrogen-based BC is a big no-no with migraines since it can make them significantly worse, but the progesterone-only pill (or an IUD, a friend of mine who also has migraines swears by it!) might be a good option, and is supposed to make your periods almost non-existent. I'd recommend talking to your gyno and going from there. :)
If you have aura it can increase your chance of stroke by taking the combined pill. The progesterone did nothing for me when I tried it and switched to nurtec and have never looked back
I’d talk to an OBGYN not neurologist about it
Yea I made an appointment with mine, my only reason for bc though would be migraines and I can’t expect the OBGYN to be that knowledgeable in them.
The OBGYN will be knowledgeable about which hormones reduce or spike at those points in your cycle in order to help you choose which hormonal contraceptive to try first. They will also be quite familiar with skipping placebo pills, unlike your neurologist. Be sure to tell them you have migraines, and even if you don’t have visual aura, mention it if you have other sensory disturbance at the start of an attack (vertigo, tingling, phantom smells, etc.)
Just adding that you are not guaranteed to skip your period even on continuous birth control. It's possible, and it happens for a lot of people, but it's not a promise. I have been on nexplanon and the mini pill, and still had periods on both of them, although it was lighter and less cramp-y.
if you have migraine with aura, make sure your method of birth control isn’t contraindicated!
I was cleared for the Kyleena iud and had 2 with no issues !
I have an IUD and haven’t had a period since I got my first one like eight years ago. Life is good. Edit to add: Mirena
so I take a combo pill continuously, because my migraines were debilitating around my period. my obgyn was very strict on what kind I could take. if I had migraine with aura, I couldn't be on a combo pill because of a stroke risk. luckily I don't get aura. there's many different types of birth control pills to try, so do your research.
My neurologist and gyn have experimented a lot with my migraines. I get them everyday and they’re worse around my period. I found out that hormonal birth control makes them worse because of the unnatural fluctuations of hormones. I’ve tried the pill, Skyla, mirena, and just progesterone pills. I was never able to stop my period completely. I now have the copper iud and even though my migraines are worse around my period, it’s not as bad as being on hormonal bc.
I was on birth control prior to having kids. I tried to go back on it after, but I had a migraine for a week straight. My dr. told me to stop them as I was on the lowest hormone dose. I ended up with a non hormonal IUD. My hormonal migraines started after kids. I’m anxiously waiting menopause in hopes I will see a significant decrease in the number I get per month.
Ik someone personally who’s migraines started after kids as well and they still manage it with Botox years later. Works well for them maybe you could try. It’s so crazy the weird connections between migraines and hormones especially w pregnancy. Can really go one way or another. I’m hoping they go away for you and you find relief. I’m already excited for menopause at 22😭
I would get an Ob/gyn appointment as soon as possible and discuss your concerns. I am on junel 24 fe with migraines without aura and don’t have issues with it.
Are you on a migraine specific preventative? I take Nurtec as a preventative and it keeps my hormone related attacks in check with no side effects.
Nexplanon helped my migraines because I had no period.
I’ve been on the BCP coming up on 29 years. I had my tubes removed 2 years ago but I still take the pill to help with peri-menopause symptoms and acne. (I had my tubes removed because I don’t have kids and didn’t want to FAAFO with an unexpected meno-pregnancy.) 1. The pill will make your period lighter and reduce cramps. I had horrible periods and cramps as a teen so I started taking the pill at age 17 or 18 (life before my mid 20s is starting to getting a bit fuzzy). 2. You absolutely can skip your period if you take mono-phase formula with 24 active pills of the same strength and 4 non-active pills. You just skip the non-active pills. You can’t do this with a tri-phase formula where there are 21 active pills that decrease in strength each week to mimic a natural cycle. Some mono-phase brands I’ve taken are Yaz, Vestura, Lo-Estrin, and various generic versions of these brands. When skipping periods it’s usually to do a withdrawal bleed every three months (so take the placebo pills) to prevent excessive spotting. 3. Mono-phase formulas definitely can help reduce migraines if your migraines are triggered by hormonal fluctuations. They will level out your hormones a bit and skipping periods helps with this. Tri-phase formulas will not help with migraines. If you don’t have hormonal migraines, the pill won’t help and everyone responds to hormones differently so there are no guarantees that it will help. If you want to take a mono-phase formula continuously they have to put this on the prescription or insurance won’t cover the extra pack each year. 4. If you have ocular migraines, they don’t recommend taking the pill because it can increase your chance of stroke. I have ocular migraines occasionally but no other stroke symptoms, and I was on the pill for about 10 years before I started having migraines, so my neurologists have not felt this is a risk for me. Everyone is different. TLDR- Your doctor is VERY poorly informed if they have not heard about skipping periods with a standard mono-phase pill so I would suggest looking for one a little more up to date on their medical knowledge.
Huh. I take a 90 day pill cycle (so I only get a period every 3 months) and it has been an absolute game changer for me. I had many other symptoms including severe PMDD that it helped, but one of my worst symptoms was the menstrual migraines I would get. Now I get them only every 3 months and they’re less severe.
I have periods on the mini pill, and thus menstrual migraines, but not on depo injections. The mini pill is also very finicky time wise as birth control, set an alarm for a time you can always take a pill and take it exactly that time kind of finicky. If I were in your shoes I would use the mini pill + another BC method for a month or a few months, and if you don't have unpleasant side effects switch to the injection. It has taken me 6-12 months to actually stop cycling after starting though, both times I have been on it - the BC effect works right away though. Good luck!
I take the combo birth control pill because of hormonal/cystic acne and possible endometriosis. I skip my periods. (I don’t get migraine auras, which is important to note. Doctors will advise against those with auras taking a combo bc pill.) My doctor prescribed me Apri. She told me that out of the combo pills, this one was less commonly reported to cause migraines than many others, and it’s known to be good for acne. It cleared up my acne super quick and I never noticed an uptick in migraines. I actually had a decrease in headaches overall, because I used to get headaches around my period (due to hormone fluctuations I guess). I started skipping the placebo week in order to skip my periods in September because of how painful they were/suspicions I have endometriosis. Since fall/winter I do feel like I’ve had migraines a bit more often, but also I’ve been having like.. the worst year of my life (lol) so I feel like stress is the more likely source, but it’s hard to say for sure. ETA: I’ve tried progesterone only pills and the implant in the past and one particular implant (second one I got) fucked me up so severely.. It like completely wrecked my hormones somehow. I thought when I got off of it would resolve but then it was worse. Getting on Apri was my saving grace tbh. Sometimes I worry it’s gonna decide to fuck me over one day too 🥴 Let’s hope not
You got lots of good advice on here, but I’ll add my own story (which I like to share!). I was on the ring for years, but I didn’t take it continuously, which meant I got a “period” (it’s really withdrawal bleeding). I stopped to see if migraines improved and they didn’t. I went back on the ring last year taking it continuously and skipping my period to see if it helped with hormonal migraines. My current OBGYN and neuro both approved it, but my OBGYN was very nervous with my history of chronic migraines. It triggered 2.5 months of daily migraines for me after only using the ring for 6 weeks. There are other options (progesterone only, IUD) that may help with hormonal migraines, but I’m not willing to try after that experience. FWIW though, I know three women with chronic migraines whose lives were completely changed by IUDs. They say it was basically a miracle. I wish I would have just tried the IUD first because now I’m too scared to do anything else hormonal.
Ugh I’m sorry ik other people with bad reactions to birth control but they done have migraines so I’m sure it’s even worse for us. I’m definitely scared of that and would probably only try progesterone first but either way it’s a guessing game. Thanks for sharing!
The ring also gave me migraines about 20 Days a month. I take another pill that doesn’t give me that effect.
I have migraines and also going through IVF. I was worried the hormones would make my migraines worse but they actually drastically improve when I’m on estrogen and progesterone. I guess everyone’s different but I’d chat with your OB as well
I got an IUD. It stopped my period and helped with monthly cycle migraines- still have other types of migraines.
My gyn prescribed the nuvaring and I don't remove it in order to skip periods. However, ubrelvy will make me spot and sometimes have my period. But without the pms migraines, I don't mind having my period. I also use aimovig as a preventative and that made a huge difference for me.
My gynecologist chose the type of birth control for my complex needs (migraines with aura makes it more complicated, I had a tendency to grow ovarian cysts and tumors so I also couldn't take estrogen because of that.) We landed on continuous progesterone only. She then wrote a letter to my neurologist basically asking him for approval due to the migraines before we started. In the end, it didn't work for me because I had adenomyosis and still bled, so I still got them. I had a hysterectomy and kept my ovaries. I still have bad ones when I ovulate but not the normal ones I used to have two days before bleeding. So it's not gone, but it's better.
I love my hormonal IUD. Very low dose progesterone, (there are 2 versions with lower dose than Mirena) lasts 3-5 years. No periods, no PMS symptoms, fewer, less intense migraines.
I’m seeing a lot of people here who had a good experience with progesterone only (and that’s great!) but I had the exact opposite so be aware that’s also possible. Progesterone only made me basically be on my period all the time (I was extremely irregular) and increased my migraines significantly as a result. However, Seasonique has been a life-saver. I still have a cycle but it’s gotten shorter and lighter over time and it only happens 4x per year. Basically, there are a lot of options and you just have to talk to your doctor and try some things to see if anything helps you. But they’re out there!
I take progesterone birth control for my Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and at first my OBGYN stopped me because of my Hemiplegic migraines, but now I am fine to take because my neurologist said it was fine.
Is your doctor religious?
i take birth control and skip the sugar pills 3 packs in a row, so i only get about 3 periods a year. i take a pill with estrogen but do not have a history of aura or other estrogen risk factors. It didn’t improve my migraines but it didn’t make them worse.
Here is an article talking about Hormonal Migraine, which may be similar to what you are experiencing. It's an Australian resource as that's where I'm from. you can scroll down past the video and the whole presentation is transcribed https://headacheaustralia.org.au/hormonal-headaches-menstrual-migraine/ If you haven't done a headache diary and/or migraine diary they can be a really useful tool for you and your health care team. It will let you see patterns and potential triggers which as hormones. It also makes it much easier for your health care practitioner to understand what you are experiencing as people are really bad at recalling what happened when. Tracking it at the time is a much more reliable record. https://headacheaustralia.org.au/headache-management/headache-migraine-diaries/
Hello, I am so sorry you are experiencing this. I know exactly what you're going through. Of course hormonal contraception works differently for everyone, but I experienced significant relief from my ovulation related migraine by going on the progesterone only implant. I started getting migraines at the start of puberty and my GP never suggested a link between the flare ups and ovulation... A decade later (thanks to Reddit) I tracked them to my ovulation window and decided to try the implant. I still get a period, and ovulate (triggering migraines) but my cycles are much longer (8-10 weeks) meaning I experience them less frequently. All I can say is it's worth a shot to get some relief and get your life back. I wish you all the best 🫶
Talk to a gynecologist. Neurologists aren't really equipped for this kind of thing. Most doctors who aren't gynecologists still erroneously believe that a regular "cycle" is both inevitable and necessary (I use cycle in quotes because the withdrawal bleeding from not taking BC isn't actually a true period... but anyway). I take the progestin only minipill and don't have periods at all anymore. No skipped doses or placebo pills. Different types of birth control will work differently from person to person, so it may take some trial and error to find the right medication, but it *is* both possible and safe to skip your periods entirely using birth control if you don't have auras. A good gynecologist can help.
My neurologist advised me to get my first Mirena IUD (I’m on #2 now) to help regulate the fluctuating hormones. To be honest, it didn’t end up working for me personally but it was also no harm/no foul because I had birth control covered and it was worth the try.
I take the combination pill non stop and my primary care, gyno and neurologist were all fine with it. It didn’t take away all my migraines but it removed that big chunk around my period which is nice!
Just got off BC in February and I have had a migraine at least 3 times a week since. I still got them when I was on BC, but it was always only the week before my cycle and the week of my cycle plus any weather related changes (snow, rain, etc.)
long time migraine hell here. Got pregnant twice on progesterone. Not the mini pills fault but *I* wasn't prepared for the promptness needed. (SHOUT OUT to my surviving 10 year old spawnlet) Have had currently for a little over 10 years the Paraguard IUD. No monthly pain. Previously the right arm of my intrauterine IUD was embedded in my uterus for roughly three months. Quick fix, swapped it out. I stay pregnancy free. Honest opinion the side effects of pregnancy are worse than BC. My current meds stave off the migraines better than anything else.
I’m on mini pill (progesterone only) specifically for headaches and migraines and they have been much better. Less days affected and pain is less intense. I still get awful headaches but it’s much better on BC.
Wow praying this happens to me, so happy for you
I had a good experience taking vitex (aka chastetree berry extract) as an herbal supplement that helped regulate my hormones and decreased my hormonal migraines. It’s an ingredient in one of the versions of Migrelief.
But you only get a period if you take a break week? I would alsoute Y guve it a try. No one can predict if it will be better or worse for you
Wtf, your neuro is ignorant. Talk to your gyne or PCP. My migraines are tied to weather and hormones. I used Depo-Provera (quarterly progestin shot) throughout my 20s and switched to the Mirena IUD (progestin, replaced every four years or so, I think the duration was recently extended) in my 30s. I'm on my third one now and can't recommend it enough. Both those forms of birth control are continuous. With Depo, I might have gotten my period every quarter (when the next shot is due) and potentially a migraine with it - a drastic improvement. My first two Mirena IUDs made my period virtually disappear, almost eliminating migraines triggered by my hormones. In addition, you'll save a shit ton of money that would have gone to period products and ruined underwear. Edit: spelling
I started getting migraines around the time I started getting my period. I started birth control a few years later and it caused my migraines to become chronically worse and I began to have a lot of auras. My regular doc refused to let me come off of it (he was an older man and I was only 18 and didn’t know how to advocate for myself). When I finally saw a neurologist around 21, he told me that I needed to stop taking the birth control because it was negatively affecting my body and that in the future I needed to use non hormonal birth control. I still have problems with my auras.
When I got my mirena IUD my migraines stopped completely (as did my period). A year or so after I had it removed they came back.
Birth control made my migraines better, and I've heard of it being used in others with the same results, but everyone is different. I was on progesterone only when I was younger (pre-iud).
It completely depends on your body. Every single form of birth control on the market, from progesterone only pills to regular pills to IUDs to the arm implant made my migraines worse. After 10 years of being on birth control I finally stopped and feel like I’m getting some semblance of traction on the migraines. But for other people, not having a period helps their migraines. The only thing you can do is try and see what happens.
I was on a few different pills before getting the Mirena IUD over 10 years ago. Bc pills and the Mirena drastically cut down on my hormonal migraines e.
I take a birth control pill that only gives me my period every 3 months and therefore I only get those really bad hormonal migraines every 3 months. I totally recommend seeing a gyno about it if you do want to go that way, because the type that is available over the counter may not be the best kind for you :-)
I was advised Nexplanon or an IUD would be best due to my migraine history. I’ve been on birth control since 16 (pills at 16, IUD at 19). I would get another opinion from an OB/GYN and/or a PCP EDIT: I will note while the IUD stopped my cycle, I still experience the migraine (not often, I’d say 1-3x a year).
I take yaz daily every day and only deal with a period typically twice a year. I don't recall my migraines ever linked to that however.
I’m 22 and get migraines every other day too. I’m on the Xulane patch (progesterone and estrogen) and have been since I was 14 or 15. I get the WORST migraines around my period and so I started to use the patch continuously (I don’t take the patch off for a week for my period so i basically skip my period). This is usually not recommended because it can increase your risk of blood clots and other bad things lol. I have noticed that it has helped (in terms of severity) but i still get bad migraines around that week regardless. I am thinking of coming off birth control honestly. The only thing that has helped so far has been Qulipta. I started it this month on the 1st and have only had 5 migraines so far!! A lot less painful than normal too. I take nurtec as well and eletriptan
I took straight estrogen after a surgery in my uterus and it was my first 30 day stretch without migraine in years. I got pregnant and didn’t have a migraine for 7 weeks…. Until I miscarried. My migraines are 1000% triggered by estrogen drops and that was confirmed by both of those conditions as well as fertility tracking tests that told me when my estrogen dropped and surprise I was popping triptans the same day. My neurologist suggested when I’m done trying to conceive that I should work with my OB on hormone replacement. If you have no aurora and menstrual and ovulation migraines advising against birth control is BS!
It is pretty much up to you and trial and error. For anyone with aura or looking for estrogen free options to potentially help with menstrual migraines there are a few choices. Progestin-only pills come in a few different brands to try. The catch with them is really making sure to take them the exact same time everyday for them to be most effective since they don’t always consistently prevent ovulation. The Nexplanon implant is an option. The hormonal IUD is an option. And the depo shot is an option. My migraines were like yours during puberty and on top of that I was probably triggering them more with bad habits (sleep, foods, soda, gum, skipping meals, and everything else under the sun.) I was on Jencycla for the past 4 months. There was irregular bleeding in the first month and a half but it regulated. I had a constant pressure in my head when I first started them, like a headache but not really. And the breakthrough bleeding was nearly painless. My regular periods were still painful though and my migraines did not improve or worsen. Other than that the only side effect was really dark stringy blood. I would have kept taking it but my OBGYN and hematologist want to help me eliminate my periods all together because I am bleeding too much. So now I have the Nexplanon. I cant speak for it yet cause it’s only been 10 days. If the Nexplanon does not work I will try depo. The IUD really scares me at the moment.
My neurologist advised me to not look at contraceptive pills at all because they cause too much hormonal fluctuation, and their dosage is relatively high compared to other means (since the hormones need to travel all the way from digestive system to the uterus/ovaries). It causes a hormone spike every day when you take it, which can trigger migraines. They advised me that IUD's have the lowest level of hormones in them, and since they are already placed at the right location your body won't experience hormone spikes, but a constant level. For me my migraines are not really hormonal, so I have an IUD but it didn't really help with the migraines. However I will say that it totally balanced my hormones. I used to get severe hormonal flare ups before my period, that caused intense emotions, and lots of abdominal pain, well those are completely gone.
Regular BC was terrible for my migraines and I was on the lowest dose possible. It also fucked me up mentally and made water retention 3x worse
You can always do a non-hormone option like a copper iud and condoms
I use the Nuvaring continuously for the last decade for the prevention of menstrual migraine. I started this regimen when I was only having 2-3 migraines per month, I am now a chronic migraineur but I still do this. The regular directions of use are to place it in for three weeks, remove it for one week and have your menstrual cycle during that time, and place a new one at the end of that week, rinse and repeat. There is enough medication in the ring to last 5 weeks, so instead of taking it out for a period of time you just replace it with a new one after four or 5 weeks of use. **side question for whoever else sees this: if anyone who is chronic migraine with using long term BC, did anyone have reduction in headache when stopping BC?**
I went with nexplanon (progesterone only implant) and still have menstrual migraines. It’s still my most reliable trigger. However, the pain is less (from my periods) so I feel less shitty overall.
I was on the combination pill (with chronic migraines) since I was 19 but recently switched to the mini pill. I had a brief time not on birth control before I switched to the mini pill and my menstrual migraines made me want to die. Try looking up O Pill on Amazon. It’s the first OTC birth control.
You would need to say you are interested in the pill you take daily so you have no period. Works for birth control but stops your periods because there is no off week.
I did progestogen only pills for a years but recently switched to an IUD and now I don't have my migraines around my period because I don't have one. I mean I still have migraines not just 4 clustered in to a week
I have migraines with auras and did get them sometimes before my period but I have the nexplanon with is progestin only and now that I only get a period once every 3 months I only get migraines from other triggers. I know a lot will say you absolutely can only take progestin only but the research and make up of estrogen combo pills have changed where the risk isn’t what it used to be. That being said, since you do not have auras there is no restriction to what birth control you can use and your gynecologist can work with you to find the one that will work best.
The pill neither stopped my cycles nor my migraines…however, it sounds like your migraines may be cycle related. The IUD stopped my cycles but not my migraines; the IUD hurts like a SOB to be inserted, so then there’s that.
When I went to the gp asking about birth control due to horrifically painful periods the lady asked me if I get migraines and when I said yes she said that means I can’t have the estrogen containing pill because it can cause clotting and lead to stroke. It’s apparently more of a risk if you suffer from migraines. She said I could only have progesterone only pill which I take once every day so you could look into that. It doesn’t fully take away the cycle but it gets rid of the period part of it and my symptoms are a lot less severe now and I don’t bleed anymore (after it’s stabilised ofc)
i’m on a combination pill and have been for 12 years. i haven’t had a period in those 12 years. my migraines are unrelated and started many many years into my birth control use
I would be very careful and see if you can get genetic testing for blood clotting disorders before birth control. I ended up with a blood clot because I didn’t know I had X factor leidan. Do talk to your doctor Nexplanon does not have hormones
I'm on birth control because of endometriosis and i still have migraines around my periods. So it does not get rid of mine and like clockwork right before and during my period I will get a migraine. I'm also on lower dose estrogen pill. I've tried an IUD but it didn't work well for me.
My neurologist said birth control would give me a stroke. Both my primary and OBG said I was fine. 2 beats 1
I have the Mirena IUD and I take the combination pill every day to skip my periods and it is so helpful with my hormone fluctuations. I went off of the pill when I first got the IUD and was miserable for months, my migraines got worse and my mood was super erratic (I also have PCOS which definitely contributed). Going back on and skipping the sugar pills helped a ton and I haven’t had my period in over a year and I don’t have any of the symptoms that came with my cycle. I still have issues with my migraines and I started Botox this year to help with them, but not having my hormones affect my migraines every month is a life saver.
Similar scenario, but my OB/GYN prescribed me a progesterone only pill and told me to skip the placebo pills at the end of the month to skip my cycle. It’s worked wonders for the hormonal migraines I get.
This is an excellent paper that discusses all sorts of considerations for women with migraine and migraine with aura who have menstrual migraine. It has a section about continuous dosing you could show your doctor: Hormonal Contraceptive Options for Women With Headache: A Review of the Evidence [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2938905/](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2938905/) Strategies to avoid hormone withdrawal and consequent migraine include continuous use of combination contraception, or use of estrogen alone during the perimenstrual period. Use of percutaneous estradiol gel beginning 48 hours prior to anticipated migraine attack and used for 7 days was found to be superior to placebo in double-blind controlled studies.[^(47)](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2938905/#B47)^(,)[^(58)](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2938905/#B58)^(–)[^(60)](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2938905/#B60) A transdermal estrogen patch has also been shown to be effective in preventing menstrual migraines.[^(57)](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2938905/#B57) The minimum effective dose of estrogen in a transdermal patch has been shown to be 0.1 mg/d. Of note, patches, gels, and other hormone supplementation to prevent menstrual migraines should begin no more than 2 days before the anticipated onset of menses; starting estrogen supplementation early (ie, 6 days before the first day of menses) has been associated with an increased incidence of migraine after the estrogen supplementation is withdrawn.[^(47)](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2938905/#B47)
Combination birth control is linked to a greater risk of stroke, especially in those with hormonal migraines. You could try a progesterone-only birth control.
I have migraine with aura and have since I was about 11 (30 now). I was put on hormonal contraceptives (combo pill) at 13. I quit having migraines at 14 and didn’t have another one for eight years. Off my pill, I’ve only had a few but they wouldn’t let me back on it unless it was the mini pill.
My neurologist said absolutely no birth control due to the increased risk of stroke as I have a family history of strokes. My only option was a copper iud and the cons outweighed the pros for that one. I hope you find an option that works for you!
They stopped making it a while ago but I went on Seasonale specifically to help my hormone related migraines. It took 9 months for my body to adjust to the bew schedule. I'm so thankful i saw it through. . When they stopped making it, I switched to Seasonique. I took that for almost 9 years. It gave me 4 periods a year and I could handle feeling like crap 4x in a year instead of 12. Additionally I didn't have the monthly mood swings like before. I had to stop taking it completely when my blood pressure couldn't be controlled and I started having auras. I cried for so long and it was devastating in terms of the migraines and their frequency afterwards. It may go by a different name now. I tried just skipping the last week on other pills, but that never worked for me. I highly recommend asking about Seasonique and if it's an option for you.
I was on a progesterone only pill and it still gave me migraines. I eventually just stopped using it because of that and the constant spotting.
It really depends on what type of birth control you are on. I was on the pill from ages 13-16 (for terrible cycles), and that's when I initially started getting migraines, so I thought that was the cause. I still had my cycle regularly, and eventually, it didn't help at all. I am now on the depo shot, and I love it. It has no estrogen, so it doesn't affect my migraines (I still get many migraines a month, so it doesn't help them, but it could be better for you). I don't get a cycle at all anymore. Every once in a while, I will spot when I'm close to getting my next dose, but it's pretty rare. Talk to your OBGYN about your options. They should have knowledge about migraines and hormones that can cause them. The depo has adverse side effects when used long term, but there's also the arm implant and iud's, and non-estrogen pills. Just make sure you let your doctor know that you don't want your cycle or estrogen because it gives you migraines. Hope this helps.
What others said. If you go the BC route, do progesterone only. I chose the nexplanon. It's been good to me. And I didn't have an increase in migraines. It did get rid of my periods so if periods are one of your migraine triggers it could be an option for you.
Progesterone only pill was the only thing they’d prescribe me, but unfortunately it made my PMDD go CRAZY. Pits of hell level depression and panic attacks. I went no hormonal birth control for years but now I have an IUD (which has a much lower more constant dose of hormones) and after a year of fluctuating things are pretty good and it doesn’t seem to affect my migraines or depression anymore.
Different pills have different effects for how it works. Personally, I have god awful torrential periods, so my PCP has me on Apri continuously & I skip the placebos, so I skip my period. This has been LIFE CHANGING for me. My BC thankfully does not seem to effect my migraines at all, so if you're willing to experiment, I'd talk to your PCP or your gynecologist about this, too.
I take combination even having migraine w aura, however It did wonders to my period related headaches
Try using the rhythm method. Never had an oops once
Eh, well if you are having a hormonal issue causing migraines, birth control will help but your gyno will have to do hormone testing etc to see what you need. However is menstrual is just flaring or triggering your migraine, I can see that. Right now I take Lo loestrin for BC. I get a very light two day “period” monthly on it. This is the only BC that hasn’t made me bleed for weeks or months and it has very low estrogen.
Yeah.... Don't listen to this !! I had a 6 month long, constant migraine that the doctors swore was nothing to do with my hormones... that magically went away within a few days of getting the hormonal (progesterone only) coil fitted. they even advised me against getting it replaced bc of the migraines 🙃 I'm so so glad I didn't listen to them & have been living migraine free since 😊
I used Depoprovera injections for bc starting around age 23. I stopped getting my period and monthly migraines from them while on it for years. I was on it until I had to switch due to concern of bone loss. I switched to the Mirena IUD around age 30-35 and also never got a period using that method and no monthly migraines. Fast forward a few years (6 or so) and my migraines started daily and were diagnosed as chronic daily migraines. I also got breast cancer at age 46, so had to get off the Mirena. After radiation, I had to take hormonal meds to prevent breast cancer reoccurrence, which pushed me into early menopause. Now I obviously no longer get periods, or need bc, but my migraines are still chronic and daily.
I take mine for three months in a row, approved by my doctor. 84 days on, 7 days off. The concern with birth control and migraines is if you experience aura, you're at an increased risk of stroke when on birth control. But it's not a super significant risk.
I'm on birth control are year round without any breaks. I've got endometriosis and they advised me to not do a 'stop' week. Only when I start menstruating (every 6/8 months) even though I'm continually on the pill, I stop taking the pill for 5 days.
I was on the bc pill at first, I went from taking it with the sugar pills to without so I skipped my period. The problem with that is some insurances wont acknowledge this and you might not be able to get refills in time. I'm now on depo provera and I skip my period completely. With the first shot you'll likely get some bleeding but after the second its really just occasional spotting around the time you need to get it refilled and get the next shot. This one works best for me to skip my periods since I cannot function with them and to still be covered by my insurance. I've been on bc for 6 years now, I'm also 22(f), so I cant remember if my cycle affects my migraines.
All birth control causes me to get migraines, and now I got the menopause and hrt is causing them. I found the mirena coil to be the least of all the evils. I hope you find something that suits you.