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[dahliagirl]

Hi - I was taken off the pill at 49 because 'new rules' had come in that mean you can no longer take COC if you have ever had a migraine with aura. This was after a study which showed there is an increased risk of stroke if you have migraine with aura. 

This risk, combined with the (very small, but it is the only risk for a lot of young people) increased risk of stroke of COC, resulted in guidelines that meant you could no longer go on the pill if you have ever had a migraine with aura.  There has been a lot of publicity about young girls who die of a stroke shortly after going on the pill which has probably added to this.

The pill is given to healthy people who just want to stop pregnancy, so I guess the risks outweigh the benefits.

http://www.fsrh.org/pdfs/UKMEC2016.pdf (page 71)

COC is a very high dose of progestogen and about 30mg of a synthetic oestrogen (I don't think the actual dose is that high in the low dose pills that have been around for the last 30+ years, but it is one that has a strong effect on the switching off ovulation without breaking down too fast).

The guidelines are not the same with hrt and I have been on that for the last 2 years.

(I have only ever had auras without the 'migraine' since my teens, anyway)

[Cherrycrumble]

Hi Hurdity - think maybe I got too excited about the Dr visit  I'm definitely going to give the CBT a good go, hoping it will be helpful.  I don't do enough exercise so am going to dig the exercise bike out. I walk at the weekends and feel better afterwards. I am having night sweats and skipping some periods, they are a bit erratic. They don't last as long anymore either. 
I did talk to the Dr about the transdermal hrt but she still seemed to think they might cause issues. Is it easy to find a specialist, do most hospitals have them? Thanks 

I'm puzzled about one thing. I had bad migraines with aura with the pill and also with pregnancy with my daughter. But no migraines at all with pregnancy of my son. Is that anything to do with the sex of the child? Does anyone know?

CLKD - yes I do have food allergies - sulphites and dairy, cause me breathing problems. Bit of a nightmare food shopping but have got used to it over the years   . I've found my allergies have got worse during menopause too. X

[Cherrycrumble]

Thanks for that dahliagirl, that's really interesting. Will have a read later. Seems to be lots of confusion, and there's no one that actually specialises in menopause at my surgery, you just see one of the women doctors. She's lovely and really like her as a Dr and she would have been more than willing to give hrt, but the migraine and aura really concerned her. Will have a read of link, thanks 

[dahliagirl]

I think the rather black and white instructions for the pill have probably lead to some confusion with hrt.

HRT is replacement and is supposed to be an improvement for your health.  The pill has to be a lot less risk than a possible pregnancy in a healthy person.

Ideally, I would have tried a patch, which seems to be the preferred way,  and then come off it if it seemed to cause migraine.  My old surgery gave me tablets, and I went with it as it was a chance to try out hrt.  My new surgery prefer to keep me on the tablets, so they can move me to continuous hrt with the same progestogen in the future.  I dare not mention migraines and rock the boat 

[Hurdity]

Hi Cherrycrumble

Your doc should refer you to a menopause clinic if they are unable to provide the specialist advice you need. This is your right.  You can say you have researched information about HRT and migraine and you think transdermal HRT is low risk, and therefore you would like to try - whatever you decide - patch or gel combi or separates. If the doc still won't prescribe then this is the point at which a referral should be requested. Unfortunately not every area has one (a menopause clinic) close by and there is generally a wait. My nearest one is nearly 2 hours away but I've been lucky with my docs. Can you try a different doc in the practice?

if you look at the very top menu ( blue writing) click on the "specialists" tab and this will take you to a map so you can see if there are any in your area.

Hurdity x

[babyjane]

I think I have two triggers for my anxiety.  One is hormonal as it seems to come in 4 weekly cycles even though I am now 59 and post menopausal.  I am not considering asking to start HRT at this point in my life.  The other trigger is deeply ingrained factors from my childhood for which I find ADs and therapy helpful.  Sometimes I can go days, or a couple of weeks without any trouble.  At this point in my life I think it is what it is and I don't want to add anything else to the mix.

All the best to you cherrycrumble.

[Smokey]

Cherrycrumble

Just a thought if the Cbt doesn't help, I'm taking the Ad Mitazapine for aniexty and low mood, I have been on them 6 weeks now and can honestly say I've not had any side effects, they are small and can also be broken in half if need be they are taken just before bed time and are brilliant for helping you sleep. I'm taking 15mg but do go up higher in doses 30 then 45.

Ann x

[CLKD]

When I see your name Cherrycrumble I think of cream  - sorry, I digress 

[Cherrycrumble]

Hi Hurdity, I've had a look at clinics and there's one not too far from me. I'm going to see Dr again in a few weeks so will mention maybe being referred as I'm sure it would be better to try hrt under the supervision of a specialist. X

Hi babyjane, I think my anxiety is definitely being caused by hormones, I seem to plummet after my period finishes, but I also have things from my past that I think might be helped by CBT. Thanks 

Thanks Smokey, I'm a bit of a wuss about taking medicines, so great that you are not having side effects. I think I'm becoming more open to trying AD,s after hearing others experiences. X

CLKD - haha can't beat a bit of cherrycrumble and cream 

[Hurdity]

I've never had cherry crumble!!!!! Sounds like a delicious treat!

Hurdity x

[Cherrycrumble]

You are missing out hurdity!  It's delicious! 

[Smokey]

Hi Cherrycrumble

I've just increased the Mitazapine to 11/2 tabs ie 22.5 mg I'm like you a bit apprehensive with taking certain meds nor side effects stil took this dose for two days and then increased again to the 30mg and still no side effects. I shall now stay on this dose now and see. How my moods are, so far so good.

Ann x

[Briony]

Hi Cherry Crumble

I have had migraines with aura in the past, as well as a history of strokes at a younger age in my family. However, my doctor let me have HRT (and even a bio identical pill) as she felt the benefits were still greater than the risks. She did stress that transdermal estrogen would be best, as I believe others have suggested.

[Cherrycrumble]

Thanks Smokey, that's interesting to know, I'm such a wuss with tablets in case of side effects. Have felt dreadful, anxiety wise, this week so need to decide which route to go really. Still waiting to be contacted by CBT people, so hopefully will hear early this week. 

Hi Briony, I'm going to see the doctor again in about 3 weeks, so think I might have to really push for hrt. I don't really have a family history of strokes, I really need to sort something out, can't carry on feeling so bad. Thank you 

[Briony]

Thanks Smokey, that's interesting to know, I'm such a wuss with tablets in case of side effects. Have felt dreadful, anxiety wise, this week so need to decide which route to go really. Still waiting to be contacted by CBT people, so hopefully will hear early this week. 

Hi Briony, I'm going to see the doctor again in about 3 weeks, so think I might have to really push for hrt. I don't really have a family history of strokes, I really need to sort something out, can't carry on feeling so bad. Thank you 

I did have to find the 'right' GP. First one (and a locum) both said no way. Third one, who was DRCOG qualified and slightly older, told me of the risks and let me make the decision. Good luck x