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birth control & migraines....help!

I recently discovered my birth control pill is giving me crazy migraines. What birth control doesn't? I read an IUD and mini-pill shouldn't, but I don't think I'm ready to go drastic for an IUD. Any other bc pill/migraine suffers out there? If so, what did you do to fix it? Thanks!

Re: birth control & migraines....help!

  • I would suggest considering condoms, NFP/FAM, or talking to your doctor about options.
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  • I just saw this post, even though its a few days old, I wanted to share! I used to get migraines 1-2 times a week while on the pill and was just told I shouldn't take anything with estrogen in it because of the migraines. I have the Mirena (IUD) now and I have only gotten 1 migraine since.
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  • I also suffer from migraines and after being on 3 forms of birth control (ortho tri-cyclen, mircette and nuvaring) within 2 years, my doctor's final suggestion to eliminate the migraines was "get pregnant."  Yeah, that was a lot of help 5 years ago when I was totally NOT ready for a family!!  Unfortunately, if hormones are a trigger for your migraines any form of hormonal BC will probably not help.  I ultimately decided to go off of the pill and just use condoms.

    I will note that mircette helped with the migraines, but because it's a level hormone dose I found that I was just blah all of the time and had zero libido.  Talk with your doctor and see what else they can suggest.  A LOT has changed since I gave up 4 years ago.  (Also, make sure that you've addressed any other triggers to help with reducing the number of migraines.)

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  • Hi

     I am a chronic migraine sufferer ... have been for a long time!! Was on a regular birth control pill for about 7 years before a Dr freaked out and made me stop taking it that same day. Went for neurological exams etc because the estrogen thickens your blood and the headaches constrict your blood vessels, thus increasing your chances of stroke. Was told my options were an IUD or the mini-pill, however the neurologist said I was ok on a low-dose estrogen pill. I've been on that for just over a year, and it hasn't worsened the headaches. Still have doctors that want me on something else that is estrogen-free, but I have irregular periods which makes being on a pill kind of essential, until kids happen.

     I'd talk to your doctor again ... they might put you on something different. But I understand the not wanting something drastic, like the IUD - I had the same reasons. Good luck!!

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