by SofiaSofia » Sat Mar 12, 2005 5:58 pm
I've had migraines since I was a teen, but hormonal shifts increase the frequency of mine, too. Perimenopause has made this a real challenge.
Just a note on something that helps me (I'm not taking an Rx for it currently): When the auras first start (or if no auras, the pain just begins), I take 2 Alleves (Naproxen sodium), 2 Tylenols and drink 1/2 to 1 cup of coffee. It's best to take these with a little food. This is essentially the same pain killing stuff in Excedrin Migraine and does wonders for me if I take it early enough. Sometimes it can even abort the migraine. The two painkillers are alright to take together, and the caffeine makes them work better, as well as helping shrink those dilated vessels in the brain a bit.
I also put a heating pad or hot water bottle on my feet and an ice pack on my head. My feet get really cold with a migraine, and I think this combination helps my circulation and relieves the inflammation in the head, helping the pain. Then, if possible I lie down in a dark room and try to sleep. Usually, that offsets the severity of the headache and I get over it within a few hours.
I'm glad to know there are great Rx meds for this, though. That's a comfort!
Sofia