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[Ann B]

I have been experiencing severe headaches for months.  The frequency has increased over time, and I am now experiencing them approximately 4 times a week.  They are particularly bad when I rise.  Initially they are on my right front temple then include the top of my head.  As per this morning I very occasionally also experience brief nausea.

I am aware that Vagifem (which I have been doing really well on) can cause headaches.  I had to 'push' to get the Vagifem (for VA) because of a BC history.  I have postponed going to the GP in case the Vagifem is seized upon as the culprit, but I worry that the headaches can be indicative of something serious.

I know headaches can be due to a variety of reasons and it may not be the Vagifem, but has anyone had a similar experience with Vagifem?

The morning headache doesn't always correlate with the previous night's Vagifem, although it did today.

I have some Ovestin and Estriol  Should I try one of those as an experiment for a period?

The only other medication I take is FML 0.1% steroid eye drops, due to an eye condition.  I take a daily probiotic, cranberry pill, vitamin d3 and multi vit B.  I very rarely have alcohol or coffee.

I had a hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy due to fibroids.  As a result, I used a low dose MX25 Estraderm patch for 19 years then ceased due to BC.  I still experience a daily hot flush.

[CLKD]

Headaches may increase with hormonal fluctuations.  How long have u used the 'vagifem' for ?   Personally I would stop that for 24 hours then try the 'ovestin'.  Although we are told to use every night, if symptoms are under some form of control, I would use every 3rd night.

I think that the headaches should be investigated for peace of mind. 

[Kathleen]

Hello Ann B

One of my earlier meno symptoms was a daily headache. I was post meno and had a variety of other symptoms but the headaches arrived out of nowhere.   I had never experienced hormonal headaches before but suddenly I was waking up with them and they lasted all day before disappearing about 9 pm. This was a daily occurrence and I wasn't using HRT at the time. I have always kept a diary and I realised that after six months this particular symptom disappeared and I haven't been troubled by them since ( this was ten years ago). Unfortunately for me I still struggle with some meno symptoms despite being on a standard dose of HRT. The only headaches I have now are the normal, fleeting ones that are due to my frustration and general bad temper when I am tired and fed up of dealing with meno rubbish lol.

I hope this helps you and take care.

K.

[Ann B]

Thanks for your reply CLKD.

I did think that there could be a hormonal link with the headaches as I am still having hot flushes, and of course the potential side effect of Vagifem.

I have been doing so well on the Vagifem for VA in terms of no more high levels (or any) leucocytes in my urine or any UTI symptoms for 11 months, which is the period I have been taking the Vagifem for.  I have very rare and slight irritations, but they dissipate with Sylk. 

I only take the Vagifem twice a week. and don't always have a headache the next day, so that direct correlation is missing.

Prior to commencing the Vagifem 11 months ago, I did have headaches from time to time, but not so severe or so frequently.  They have become quite bothersome in the last few months.  They spoil my day and make me feel quite fatigued.  Paracetamol helps with the headaches.  I have experienced occasional migraines all my adult life, but they have usually been accompanied by visual disturbance, these don't have that.

As you suggest, I think I will substitute Ovestin twice a week and see if that changes the headache pattern.  I also have some Estriol I can try.  If that fails, then I will have to visit the GP.  I worry about the latter in case they refuse to prescribe vaginal oestrogen.  I absolutely don't want to revert to my former problems as I have been comfortable on the Vagifem.  The doctors kept treating me with antibiotics which did not cure the issues, and I subsequently developed resistance to a few.  It was only when I paid to see 2 menopause specialists that I improved, after their advice and direction, to take vaginal oestrogen.

Thanks Kathleen.  I decided to keep a diary of my symptoms from today.  I should have started it a few months ago. 
As the day progresses, my headache reduces just like yours.  These days I dread going to bed with the high probability I will wake with a severe headache.
Good luck going forward.

[CLKD]

Unless headaches can be directly linked with VA treatment: and some ladies do experience these initially : if pain relief eases them then continue with some form of VA treatment.  Have U done a reload of 2 weeks VA treatment recently?  Sometimes it helps overall to plump up the vaginal tissues = less chance of absorption which might cause headaches.

However, if you need more than the recommended dose of pain relieve in 24 hours then you need to speak to a GP.  Have U had your eyes tested recently?

Also dehydration can cause headaches so mayB overhaul your fluid/food intake?   

[Ann B]

Thanks, CLKD - all good points!

I hadn't thought of a reload.  The private menopause specialist advised I initially load with Ovestin for 14 nights before commencing twice a week Vagifem.   Do you think I should try that again?  This would be a 2 pronged trial ie a loading as well as switching to Ovestin for a period, to see if that makes a difference switching from Vagifem.  Of course that would muddy the waters a little bit as I wouldn't know precisely which was the remedy, if effective.

My eyes are frequently monitored and tested as I do have a hereditary eye problem.  I take FML 0.1% steroid drops daily.  That could be the cause.  It is not impossible for me to discontinue them, but it could be at a risk.  There are opposing medical viewpoints for discontinuation.  It is something I will investigate further.

Your mention of dehydration is also very relevant.  I will have to monitor that more closely

Thankfully the paracetamol helps, and reduces the headache as the day progresses, as it is doing at the moment.

Thanks again.

PS.  Can you still get Ovestin.  I was under the impression it is been substituted with Estriol.

Ann

[CLKD]

It's called something else though my Surgery still gives me 'ovestin'.  Same thing, different labelling I think.

I would continue with 'ovestin' inside and out, not having been given 'vagifem'.  Some find that they need the latter internally with 'ovestin' or 'yes'/'sylc' smeared around the outer areas that are dry.  Some need treatment every night.

When my sysmtpoms niggle it's around the belly button so I add an afternoon dose ASAP then follow up with 5 nights.  It's a bit Trial and Error but important that once a regime helps, to stick with it.  Some medics still worry that we can 'overdose' ! rather than that we are replacing