Which type of doctor, Gynecologist or Neurologist?
Hello, I have a feeling my increase in migraines have to do with my premenopausal/menopausal condition. Most of the symptoms, which are just so crazy and long to list here, also come with hot flashes. I am quite certain my migraines are hormone-related. I can't handle them every single day any longer and I'm going to seek professional help other than just taking maxalt every day. So: do I go to a neurologists or a gynocologists or other?
Please respond if you've gone through the same yourself and have had successful relief of both menopausal symptoms and migraines, please. Thank you all and I wish you a migraine-free day.
Hi hothead,
I would suggest a neurologist, or another doctor who is qualified to treat those of us with migraine and headache disorders.
There are two different issues here; migraine and perimenopause/menopause; GYN's treat that and neurologists (or better yet a true migraine expert) treat migraine. In fact I have a friend who is an nurse practitioner in a GYN/OB office and sends her patients with migraine and headache disorders to a neurologist.
I'm currently going through hot flashes and use Estrace cream which helps.
Having said that, I understand how frustrating it is to see multiple doctors - it stinks, but may be necessary.
Frova is a triptan, a medication similar to Maxalt that stops the migraine process, except it has "...the longest duration of action of all the triptans (26 hour duration)" and may be worth a try. You can read more about that here; https://migraine.com/blog/short-term-option-for-migraine-prevention-frova/.
Triptans are not meant to be taken daily, and can increase our risk of medication overuse. Here are a few articles that may help; https://migraine.com/blog/help-how-can-i-not-overuse-migraine-medications/
https://migraine.com/living-migraine/stop-rebound-headaches/.
Let me know what you think!
NancyHi Nancy,
Thank you for your informative response.
I was wondering about possible rebound effects with maxalt and so I cut down on my doses the last two nights with none last night. My headache is dull today that will hopefully not turn into a migraine. If I don't get a coinciding hot-flash it probably won't!
Since you're recommending involving both kinds of doctors perhaps I'll start with a hormone-specialist or gynecologist since I believe that to be the root cause. I have many other triggers but can avoid those for the most part.
The articles are very helpful.
Thank you for your help.
