Having Menopause And Had Migraines Along With Nausea. Would Hormone Replacement Therapy Be Helpful?

Posted on Tue, 10 Sep 2013

Question: I am a 52 year old female who is in the beginning of menopause. I have had hormonal migraines for the past 25 years. I recently had a migraine that was different - worse - than in the past along with nausea. How would I know if I would benefit from HRT? Can I request to have a blood test that shows my levels and if HRT would be beneficial. I don't feel well and truly feel that this may be a contributing factor. Please advise. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Dr. ARIF N K (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
HRT oestrogen replacement can be helpful.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thank you for choosing XXXXXXX Migraine headaches behave differently after menopause, 10% patients it will increasse, 30% it will decrease and in about 50% patients it will remain unchanged.
Increase in symptom of migraine headache is mainly due to oestrogen withdrawal. But, there are other contributing factors like serotonin hormone level..etc. Hence HRT has been reported to improve migraine in 22% to 23%, sometimes HRT worsen migraine in 21%, and leave it unchanged in 57% (Studies report).
I feel you can try taking Oestrogen replacement treatment for some months and see any difference. One more thing you cant take HRT for more than 5 years.
There is no blood test to tell if HRT will be beneficial for you.
I hope this information has been both informative and helpful for you. In case of any doubt, I will be available for follow-ups. If you like my answers kindly rate it, and write a review as well. Please do not forget to accept it.
Thank you,
Wish you good health.
Regards,
Dr Arif
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. ARIF N K (47 minutes later)

How are serotonin levels tested? What would these levels show? Is there a drug that would help with these is low?

Thank you for any other information you can give me.
I take metoporol for heart palpitations, imipramine for anxiety and simvastatin for cholesterol. Is it safe to take an estrogen supplement? What would you suggest?

Answered by Dr. Dr. ARIF N K (22 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Oestrogen replacement is the answer.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
There are many hormones and substances which are altered to cause post menopausal symptoms, serotonin is one of them. There is no need to check this level. Your post menopausal symptom can be treated with oestrogen replacement as I have mentioned in my previous answer.
In your case it is safe to take oestrogen if you do not have hypertension.
If you do not have any further clarification you can close the discussion. Kindly rate & review my answer. Wish you good health.
Regards,
Dr Arif
You can consult me again directly through my profile
WWW.WWWW.WW

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar