Menstrual Migraine Story

I've had migraines since age 12. I remember writhing in pain, and throwing ice packs at my bedroom door, because even the ice couldn't dull the pain. I've come a long way in the last 13 years since I was diagnosed. I've seen multiple headache specialists, tried the whole menu of triptan drugs, and lots of preventatives too. Some worked for a while, some were useless. I have menstrual migraines that are quite severe, and occasionally get migraines with aura that are not hormonally related.

I recently started infertility treatments and discovered that I have polycystic ovarian syndrome. The high insulin that results from that pushed all my other hormone levels out of whack, hence the especially severe menstural migraines. Since I started on Metformin for my insulin levels, I have been doing much better. It seems ironic that I found this major clue to my migraines after 13 years, and am so much better, but am now facing the realities of the infertility process. If it isn't one thing, it's another.

It has made me appreciate the wonderful aspects of life, and to realize how lucky and blessed I am, despite these trials. I handle my migraines so much better now, by monitoring my sleep and diet, as well as stress. Relaxation is such a great tool, and if you can get your body to relax, migraine medication is so much more effective! I am very hopeful that I will continue to reduce my migraines, and can't wait to see what life has in store for me next.