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[Cherrycrumble]

Had a doctors appointment yesterday and was hoping to try hrt, but the doctor doesn't think it's a good idea. Because I had awful migraines with aura when i tried the pill and also when pregnant, she said hrt would be a stroke risk. She was lovely and is arranging for me to have CBT to cope with the anxiety symptoms, but feeling completely gutted! Was hoping something would help me feel 'normal' again! 

[Lizab]

I'm sorry. I know by the time things get bad enough for me to see a doctor, be it menopause or a sinus infection, I want fast relief. Give the CBT an honest try, and if things don't improve, you could press harder for the hrt. I may be mistaken, but I don't think the hormone amounts in hrt even come close to pregnancy or the pill. Further, if you use a transdermal (patch or gel) I think you can get by with an even lower dose since it doesn't have to be digested. I don't believe hrt is absolutely off the table, but I would try her other suggestions first if she feels it's risky.

[Dancinggirl]

Cherrycrumble - I forget how old you are and where you are in your meno but if anxiety is your worst symptom and migraines are a big issue then HRT may not be the answer.  I assume you have tried ADs/SRRIs or Beta blockers?
Do give CBT a go as it really can help.  Also try to build a good routine into your daily life which includes a good walk in the fresh air each day - perhaps try an exercise class or a fun new hobby that can shift your focus.  I know it isn't easy as anxiety can be crippling.  By seeking help you will be on the way to conquering the anxiety. DG x

[Taz2]

Hi Cherrycrumble. Has your doc seen the latest advice from the Migraine Trust? https://www.migrainetrust.org/about-migraine/trigger-factors/menopause-and-midlife/

If you really want HRT there seems to be no reason why you can't give it a go. It  may take a while to find the one that suits you best but I'm sure there are other members on here who have migraine and are also on HRT.

Taz x 

[Cherrycrumble]

Thanks Lizab, think I was really looking for fast relief or just something to take, but what she said definitely made sense, just a bit deflated. Will definitely give the CBT a good go, I'm quite looking forward to it. I've got to see her again in 4 weeks and she's given me some info to read, but hopefully the cbt will help. 

[Cherrycrumble]

Hi Dancinggirl, I'm 48 and according to my dr my fsh level suggests I'm menopausal but i'm still having some periods! Anxiety is definitely my worst issue, but unfortunately i can't take beta blockers as i have asthma, otherwise she would have given me them. She said I can have AD's but not sure whether to try them; i've previously resisted taking them as was worried about the side effects, but definitely something to consider.   Definitely going to try the cbt. x

Hi Taz2  I don't have migraine at all normally, only when i tried the pill and when pregnant, so only brought on by hormones, I don't have it the rest of the time. She said that because the migraines have aura I'd be at more risk of a stroke.  Will have a look through the link, thank you 

[CLKD]

Between a rock and a hard place then. 

Why can't your GP give you an emergency medication, i.e. Valium [there are others on the market] for an 'as necessary' basis?  Is your GP dismissing all BBs? 

I have used Rescue Remedy successfully.  Deep breathing can help.  CBT did nowt for my anxiety as I had my first panic attack aged 3  .

How long do you have to wait for your first appt., maybe your GP could give you emergency med until you get the appt.?

[Cherrycrumble]

Hi CLKD Thanks for your reply. I feel exactly that - between a rock and a hard place.  She didn't say anything about valium or emergency meds and she did seem to dismiss all BB's. My mum takes bb's for panic attacks and has got on really well with them, but because of asthma said I couldn't have them.  I have bought some Rescue Remedy pastilles today so will give them a try, also bought Kalms (desperation kicked in!) so will give them a try.  She said I should hear from CBT within the next 5 days and then I'm not sure how long an appt will be after that.  I'm doing deep breathing and a bit of mindfulness and it does help, just get myself so worked up especially at work, i'm not so bad at home. 

Think I just expected to breeze into the dr's, get some hrt and all would be fine 

[CLKD]

Disappointed too then!

Maybe speak with a Pharmacist about the various types of BBs and asthma connections? and see if there is anything else that can be recommended.  They have private rooms these days  .

Is your asthma generally under 'control'?

[Cherrycrumble]

Thanks CLKD, that's a really good idea about speaking with the pharmacist. My asthma is a bit rubbish at the moment, but it's mostly brought on by allergies, so don't know if that makes a difference. Will definitely ask though as I think they would really help if i could take them.  Thank you x

[CLKD]

If you don't ask you don't get ;-).  You could go back to your GP then and re-discuss.

I find that oil seed rape when open as well as willow pollen makes my chest tight. 

[babyjane]

hi cherrycrumble (your name always makes me feel hungry  )

I am using ADs and I had CBT at the start of the year.  It was quite helpful on a day to day basis but for me it didn't go deep enough so I am now having psychotherapy.  Good luck with the CBT as it is good for coping strategies which I still use from time to time.

[Cherrycrumble]

CLKD - rapeseed gets to me too along with grass pollen and some tree pollen. Food allergies too! I'm an allergy nightmare! 

Hi babyjane - think AD's might be my next port of call, but going to investigate a few things that people have mentioned. Hoping the cbt will be some help, hopefully will hear from them this week. 

[Hurdity]

Hi Cherrycrumble

So sorry to hear you are disappointed with your doc's visit.

However CBT does sound like a good idea as well - and Dancinggirl's ideas re walking, exercuse etc to get the old endorphins going.

Also re the migraine - that link of Taz's is so helpful! Anyway the hormones in the Pill (if it was CCP) are very high doses and synthetic - so much stronger than HRT as Lizab says and in pregnancy oestrogen levels are extremely high.

Transdermal HRT (as it says on the link) is not likely increase your stroke risk and may not even give you migraines. I only started getting migraines (not with aura though) just before peri-menopause and still get them now but have only ever used patch HRT and bio-identical progesterone. Do you also have hot flushes or sweats?

Please ask to be referred to a specialist and I would try to resist ADs for symptoms that are new onset and likely to be hormonal, rather than problems you might have had all your life.

These are the contra-indications for HRT - migrane is not mentioned:

Pregnancy
Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
Active or recent blood clot or myocardial infarction (heart attack)
Suspected or active breast or endometrial (womb) cancer
Active liver disease with abnormal liver function tests
Porphyria cutanea tarda

http://www.menopausematters.co.uk/contraindications.php

How often are your periods and how have they been lately?

Hurdity x

[CLKD]

Don't dismiss anti-depressant medication because some can ease anxiety attacks.  Without my ADs I wouldn't be here  .

Do you have food allergies or intolerances.  Onions make me really ill unless cooked for hours  .  My mouth reacts to jams and sometimes bananas = feels like the tongue/mouth is burning