Placebo week symptoms

I take a low dose bcp for borderline menopause (high fsh, doc says
I've got "some" estrogen left). During the placebo week I've got
blinding migraine, and more anxiety. I already take an Rx for
migraine, just gets worse during this time. I'm wondering what can be
done. Does anyone ever take a bcp continually without a placebo
week? I want my estrogen 24/7!

thanks,
mc

On Wed, 7 May 2008 06:33:35 -0700 (PDT), mc <mcsquared65@netzero.net>
wrote:

>I take a low dose bcp for borderline menopause (high fsh, doc says
>I've got "some" estrogen left). During the placebo week I've got
>blinding migraine, and more anxiety. I already take an Rx for
>migraine, just gets worse during this time. I'm wondering what can be
>done. Does anyone ever take a bcp continually without a placebo
>week? I want my estrogen 24/7!
>
>thanks,
>mc

My pcp gave me some trail estrogen patches for that kind of migraine
behaviour, although I admit I haven't take bcp for some time. Stick
one on 5 days before your period starts and it's supposed to help
level things out somehow. I don't have much to report yet but it
might be something to ask about

hth

Kay

mc wrote:
> I take a low dose bcp for borderline menopause (high fsh, doc says
> I've got "some" estrogen left). During the placebo week I've got
> blinding migraine, and more anxiety. I already take an Rx for
> migraine, just gets worse during this time. I'm wondering what can be
> done. Does anyone ever take a bcp continually without a placebo
> week? I want my estrogen 24/7!
>
> thanks,
> mc

Hi, mc, and welcome to asm!

I don't know if this will help - there are a lot of ifs, ands,
and buts w/r/t taking bcps and migraine.
http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=295744

Did you get migraines before starting on bcps? Do you get an
"aura" (visual disturbances) before the headaches begin, or any
other neurological disturbances, like tingling somewhere on your
body? If so, you may want to look further into the safety of
bcps, since there is some indication that you may be at higher
risk of stroke if you take bcps. (This is old data, and I don't
know if it applies to current bcp formulations, but I'd sure
check into it if I were you.)

Be aware that FSH tests aren't all that good for indicating
menopausal status. FSH levels can fluctuate rapidly.

Having had migraines for many years myself, I certainly sympathize!

W/r/t estrogen... yes, as your body slows down its estrogen
output, it can be a very trying time, more so for some women than
others. But it's easy to overcompensate, too, and too much
estrogen, especially if not opposed by progesterone, can cause
endometrial cancer. (Voice of experience - you do NOT want this
cancer!)

Getting through perimenopause is not for sissies, and the siren
song of estrogen/progesterone to ease the transition is very
powerful. But inform yourself about the potential side effects of
hormone therapy, too. And be aware that if you do take estrogen
to help you through the throes of peri, for some women it's a
matter of pay now or pay later: unless you stay on estrogen for
the rest of your life (not recommended), your body will still
have to 'withdraw' and may go through perimenopause-like period
when you do stop taking estrogen in the future.

Meanwhile, we at asm are going through or have been through
menopause, and we're here to advise and support and commiserate
and chat about lots of mid-life related things.

FurPaw
--
The plural of anecdote is not proof.

To reply, unleash the dogs

On May 7, 5:51*pm, Kay <apn100279...@forteinc.com> wrote:
> On Wed, 7 May 2008 06:33:35 -0700 (PDT), mc <mcsquare...@netzero.net>
> wrote:
>
> >I take a low dose bcp for borderline menopause (high fsh, doc says
> >I've got "some" estrogen left). *During the placebo week I've got
> >blinding migraine, and more anxiety. *I already take an Rx for
> >migraine, just gets worse during this time. *I'm wondering what can be
> >done. *Does anyone ever take a bcp continually without a placebo
> >week? *I want my estrogen 24/7!
>
> >thanks,
> >mc
>
> My pcp gave me some trail estrogen patches for that kind of migraine
> behaviour, although I admit I haven't take bcp for some time. *Stick
> one on 5 days before your period starts and it's supposed to help
> level things out somehow. *I don't have much to report yet but it
> might be something to ask about
>
> hth
>
> Kay

Thank you, I am just hearing about this, I will definitely be
ask...otherwise I may add have to add Imitrex to my Topamax for that
week which I really don't want to...those 9 pills are expensive!

mc

On May 7, 7:50*pm, FurPaw <furrealpaw...@gmaildog.com> wrote:

> Did you get migraines before starting on bcps?

No, been on them for many years...only since getting closer to
menopause have they kicked in.

*> "aura" (visual disturbances) before the headaches begin, or any
> other neurological disturbances

No.

> Be aware that FSH tests aren't all that good for indicating
> menopausal status. *FSH levels can fluctuate rapidly.

Yes, definitely know that! I've had several tests over the years, I'm
infertile, diagnosed with advanced ovarian reserve at 31. (Now mid
40's, making sense that I'm experiencing what women in their 50's
usually do.).

> Having had migraines for many years myself, I certainly sympathize!

Thanks I certainly feel for those who have them lifelong

> W/r/t estrogen... yes, as your body slows down its estrogen
> output, it can be a very trying time, more so for some women than
> others. *But it's easy to overcompensate, too, and too much
> estrogen, especially if not opposed by progesterone, can cause
> endometrial cancer. *(Voice of experience - you do NOT want this
> cancer!)

I think that's why low dose bcp is the way to go...will filling in the
placebo week make a risky difference?

> Getting through perimenopause is not for sissies, and the siren
> song of estrogen/progesterone to ease the transition is very
> powerful. But inform yourself about the potential side effects of
> hormone therapy, too. And be aware that if you do take estrogen
> to help you through the throes of peri, for some women it's a
> matter of pay now or pay later: unless you stay on estrogen for
> the rest of your life (not recommended), your body will still
> have to 'withdraw' and may go through perimenopause-like period
> when you do stop taking estrogen in the future.

Good to know.

> Meanwhile, we at asm are going through or have been through
> menopause, and we're here to advise and support and commiserate
> and chat about lots of mid-life related things.

Thanks I've actually been here a few years under other email, I love
you guys, very helpful!

mc

On May 8, 7:15*am, mc <mcsquare...@netzero.net> wrote:
> On May 7, 5:51*pm, Kay <apn100279...@forteinc.com> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > On Wed, 7 May 2008 06:33:35 -0700 (PDT), mc <mcsquare...@netzero.net>
> > wrote:
>
> > >I take a low dose bcp for borderline menopause (high fsh, doc says
> > >I've got "some" estrogen left). *During the placebo week I've got
> > >blinding migraine, and more anxiety. *I already take an Rx for
> > >migraine, just gets worse during this time. *I'm wondering what can be
> > >done. *Does anyone ever take a bcp continually without a placebo
> > >week? *I want my estrogen 24/7!
>
> > >thanks,
> > >mc
>
> > My pcp gave me some trail estrogen patches for that kind of migraine
> > behaviour, although I admit I haven't take bcp for some time. *Stick
> > one on 5 days before your period starts and it's supposed to help
> > level things out somehow. *I don't have much to report yet but it
> > might be something to ask about
>
> > hth
>
> > Kay
>
> Thank you, I am just hearing about this, I will definitely be
> ask...otherwise I may add have to add Imitrex to my Topamax for that
> week which I really don't want to...those 9 pills are expensive!
>
> mc- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Mc,

I was a migraine sufferer for 25 years, and know hormones can play a
part in them. Mine started at age 13. But as you probably know,
there are numerous other triggers besides periods, like various
foods. Mine turned out to be sugar. When I detoxed off it in my
mid-30s, migraines tapered to the point where I only get the aura,
with no headache.

I echo Furpaw's cautions about extra estrogen. What with the
irregular periods of perimenopause, you'll eventually have trouble
timing medication if you're not already. Reproductive cancers love
estrogen; it can turn tiny problems into big ones in a hurry. Have
you ever had your blood estradiol levels measured? That might be
instructive along with the FSH. I understand the allure of taking
estrogen, but you really can get too much. Weaning myself off that
turned out to be worse than quitting sugar!

Les

On May 7, 9:33 am, mc <mcsquare...@netzero.net> wrote:
> I take a low dose bcp for borderline menopause (high fsh, doc says
> I've got "some" estrogen left). During the placebo week I've got
> blinding migraine, and more anxiety. I already take an Rx for
> migraine, just gets worse during this time. I'm wondering what can be
> done. Does anyone ever take a bcp continually without a placebo
> week? I want my estrogen 24/7!
>
> thanks,
> mc

hi mc,

you've already got some pretty comprehensive & good advice. i know
from my recent readings that there are doctors using estrogen/
continuing bcp during placebo week for women with severe migraines,
etc. elizabeth vliet is one of those who addresses this.

but as indicated, the cost/benefit analysis is always part of this
picture. i suggested another book in another discussion by joann
manson. she does a pretty good job at looking at current research &
helping the reader go through what is currently known & how to do a
good evaluation of options.

good luck,
ellen

On May 8, 5:49*pm, ellen <epdps...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On May 7, 9:33 am, mc <mcsquare...@netzero.net> wrote:
>
> > I take a low dose bcp for borderline menopause (high fsh, doc says
> > I've got "some" estrogen left). *During the placebo week I've got
> > blinding migraine, and more anxiety. *I already take an Rx for
> > migraine, just gets worse during this time. *I'm wondering what can be
> > done. *Does anyone ever take a bcp continually without a placebo
> > week? *I want my estrogen 24/7!
>
> > thanks,
> > mc
>
> hi mc,
>
> you've already got some pretty comprehensive & good advice. *i know
> from my recent readings that there are doctors using estrogen/
> continuing bcp during placebo week for women with severe migraines,
> etc. *elizabeth vliet is one of those who addresses this.
>
> but as indicated, the cost/benefit analysis is always part of this
> picture. *i suggested another book in another discussion by joann
> manson. *she does a pretty good job at looking at current research &
> helping the reader go through what is currently known & how to do a
> good evaluation of options.
>
> good luck,
> ellen

tyvm, I'll check it out, and probably other books too.
mc

On May 8, 10:54*am, sage hen <desertny...@cwo.com> wrote:

> Have you ever had your blood estradiol levels measured? *That might be
> instructive along with the FSH.

Yes I know that was included in the latest workup (she wanted to test
"everything")., but I wasn't familiar with it like fsh so I didn't
find out the no's. Maybe I should find out just what they were.

>*I understand the allure of taking
> estrogen, but you really can get too much. *Weaning myself off that
> turned out to be worse than quitting sugar!

Very interesting, thanks.

mc

On Thu, 8 May 2008 07:15:53 -0700 (PDT), mc <mcsquared65@netzero.net>
wrote:

>On May 7, 5:51*pm, Kay <apn100279...@forteinc.com> wrote:
>> On Wed, 7 May 2008 06:33:35 -0700 (PDT), mc <mcsquare...@netzero.net>
>> wrote:
>>
>> >I take a low dose bcp for borderline menopause (high fsh, doc says
>> >I've got "some" estrogen left). *During the placebo week I've got
>> >blinding migraine, and more anxiety. *I already take an Rx for
>> >migraine, just gets worse during this time. *I'm wondering what can be
>> >done. *Does anyone ever take a bcp continually without a placebo
>> >week? *I want my estrogen 24/7!
>>
>> >thanks,
>> >mc
>>
>> My pcp gave me some trail estrogen patches for that kind of migraine
>> behaviour, although I admit I haven't take bcp for some time. *Stick
>> one on 5 days before your period starts and it's supposed to help
>> level things out somehow. *I don't have much to report yet but it
>> might be something to ask about
>>
>> hth
>>
>> Kay
>
>Thank you, I am just hearing about this, I will definiely be
>ask...otherwise I may add have to add Imitrex to my Topamax for that
>week which I really don't want to...those 9 pills are expensive!
>
>mc
Expensive they are! Imitrex does work a treat though. (ymmv, of
course) I usually saved them for the really nasty migraines. For a
while, my pcp had me try the Imitrex shots. Now *there's* expensive
(g) They came in these self injecting syringe things that you just
held against your thigh and pressed the button. I was stunned at the
results - 30 minutes later I was pain free and ready to run errands.
No migraine hangover or anything. Sadly, I had to stop Imitreax
because I developed some of the more scary side effects. Still, it
was sooo nice while it lasted ;-)

I'm not familiar with Topamax, does it help?

Kay

On May 8, 11:44*pm, Kay <apn100279...@forteinc.com> wrote:
> On Thu, 8 May 2008 07:15:53 -0700 (PDT), mc <mcsquare...@netzero.net>
> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> >On May 7, 5:51*pm, Kay <apn100279...@forteinc.com> wrote:
> >> On Wed, 7 May 2008 06:33:35 -0700 (PDT), mc <mcsquare...@netzero.net>
> >> wrote:
>
> >> >I take a low dose bcp for borderline menopause (high fsh, doc says
> >> >I've got "some" estrogen left). *During the placebo week I've got
> >> >blinding migraine, and more anxiety. *I already take an Rx for
> >> >migraine, just gets worse during this time. *I'm wondering what can be
> >> >done. *Does anyone ever take a bcp continually without a placebo
> >> >week? *I want my estrogen 24/7!
>
> >> >thanks,
> >> >mc
>
> >> My pcp gave me some trail estrogen patches for that kind of migraine
> >> behaviour, although I admit I haven't take bcp for some time. *Stick
> >> one on 5 days before your period starts and it's supposed to help
> >> level things out somehow. *I don't have much to report yet but it
> >> might be something to ask about
>
> >> hth
>
> >> Kay
>
> >Thank you, I am just hearing about this, I will definiely be
> >ask...otherwise I may add have to add Imitrex to my Topamax for that
> >week which I really don't want to...those 9 pills are expensive!
>
> >mc
>
> Expensive they are! *Imitrex does work a treat though. (ymmv, of
> course) * I usually saved them for the really nasty migraines. *For a
> while, my pcp had me try the Imitrex shots. *Now *there's* expensive
> (g) *They came in these self injecting syringe things that you just
> held against your thigh and pressed the button. *I was stunned at the
> results - 30 minutes later I was pain free and ready to run errands.
> No migraine hangover or anything. *Sadly, I had to stop Imitreax
> because I developed some of the more scary side effects. *Still, it
> was sooo nice while it lasted ;-)
>
> I'm not familiar with Topamax, does it help?
>
> Kay- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Topamax is more of a take it daily, get it into your system thing, and
in time it has warded off the daily light sensitivity and frequency of
pain. But it does nothing for that week. Agreed, Imitrex really cuts
the pain off right when you need it. Those shots sound intense!
Sorry you had to stop it. I just wish there could be something decent
over the counter for those moments.

mc

Kay wrote:
> On Thu, 8 May 2008 07:15:53 -0700 (PDT), mc <mcsquared65@netzero.net>
> wrote:
>
>> On May 7, 5:51 pm, Kay <apn100279...@forteinc.com> wrote:
>>> On Wed, 7 May 2008 06:33:35 -0700 (PDT), mc <mcsquare...@netzero.net>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>>> I take a low dose bcp for borderline menopause (high fsh, doc says
>>>> I've got "some" estrogen left). During the placebo week I've got
>>>> blinding migraine, and more anxiety. I already take an Rx for
>>>> migraine, just gets worse during this time. I'm wondering what can be
>>>> done. Does anyone ever take a bcp continually without a placebo
>>>> week? I want my estrogen 24/7!
>>>> thanks,
>>>> mc
>>> My pcp gave me some trail estrogen patches for that kind of migraine
>>> behaviour, although I admit I haven't take bcp for some time. Stick
>>> one on 5 days before your period starts and it's supposed to help
>>> level things out somehow. I don't have much to report yet but it
>>> might be something to ask about
>>>
>>> hth
>>>
>>> Kay
>> Thank you, I am just hearing about this, I will definiely be
>> ask...otherwise I may add have to add Imitrex to my Topamax for that
>> week which I really don't want to...those 9 pills are expensive!
>>
>> mc
> Expensive they are! Imitrex does work a treat though. (ymmv, of
> course) I usually saved them for the really nasty migraines. For a
> while, my pcp had me try the Imitrex shots. Now *there's* expensive
> (g) They came in these self injecting syringe things that you just
> held against your thigh and pressed the button. I was stunned at the
> results - 30 minutes later I was pain free and ready to run errands.
> No migraine hangover or anything. Sadly, I had to stop Imitreax
> because I developed some of the more scary side effects. Still, it
> was sooo nice while it lasted ;-)
>
>
The doctor tried me on Imitrex but I felt as if someone was applying
live electrical wires to my skin (randomly and all over) and I still
got the hangover. Good old codeine and sleeping it off still work
best for my migraines.

--
Jette Goldie
jette@blueyonder.co.uk
http://www.jette.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/
http://wolfette.livejournal.com/
("reply to" is spamblocked - use the email addy in sig)