I've read that migraine headaches can in some people be a contra-indication for taking testosterone.  I'm wondering why this is, and what your experiences have been with this.  I've had severe migraine headaches for most of my life, but finally found a medication that controls them very well and zaps even the worst headache within an hour or two.  However, I'm hoping to start on T in the next few months.

If you had or have migraines, what effect, if any, did starting T (or estrogen, for that matter, but I'm not sure if it works both ways--?) have on your headaches, their frequency, their severity?  Anyone ever had a doctor actually mention this as a factor to consider in regard to you HRT?

One of the side effects for HRT both ways is migraine headaches.

I had migraines frequently before starting HRT, and once I was on estrogen and spiro they decreased in frequency and intensity (I really don't get them anymore).

Testosterone can cause headaches as well. 

The thing is for some TS is that cross-sex hormones seem to solve the migraine situation to some degree (I know this is the case with me personally, but I seem to be getting several benefits with few drawbacks). 



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I was wondering this too. I can probably count on my fingers how many migraines I've had in my life.
But they sure were memorable. When I have a migraine, I am bedridden for days and just lay still facedown on a pillow listening to the tv for company. Ugh. Just thinking about that 'smell' and 'aura' they have.

Rob I have sever head aches due other meds I take as a side effect. 

Estrogen hasn't effected this one way or the other to answer your question. I think if you have found a medication that deals with the migraine then T I don't think will matter.   

It might give a small population problems and lets hope that your not in that percentile.   


Kristina

Thanks.  I think it's unlikely it'll be a problem, but when I read that, I wondered about it.

When I was on a massive dose of HRT prior to SRS, I used to suffer from severe migraines almost weekly.  Nowadays, my HRT regimen has been dramatically reduced, and coincidentally I don't have migraines as frequent as I used to.  I still have them occasionally (especially when I get upset), but they aren't as strong as before SRS.

tink

I get them as well..

Quote from: morticia on July 17, 2007, 01:42:26 PM
Oh god.

I live with severe and constant migraines.  I call them "suicide headaches" because it's so bad that I frequently want to just blow my freaking head off to end the pain. 

Whatever it is, it's bad and it never, ever relents and I've never found anything to give me relief.
I had them before hormones and 7 months after starting moans, I still have them.  I don't know why.
I wonder if it's got anything to do with my MPD aka DID..  Maybe it's all the different "me's" fighting for control?
I don't know.  Another thing I wonder about is why they ask about migranes on the COGIATI?

Savage headaches are an extremely common affliction among DID folks, usually associated with switching. 

I'm about three years post-integration, no more switching headaches, but I do still have migraines occasionally.  I take Zomig, and it works amazingly well for me. 

Quote from: morticia on July 17, 2007, 01:42:26 PM
Oh god.

I live with severe and constant migraines.  I call them "suicide headaches" because it's so bad that I frequently want to just blow my freaking head off to end the pain.  It's usually in my eye sockets.  I think my cell phone has cooked my head or something.
My folks always tell me I need to go get my eyes checked and I keep telling them it's NOT my FN eyes, it's my eye sockets and behind my eyes that hurt and all up in my head.  It's in my freaking head, not my eyesight!
Whatever it is, it's bad and it never, ever relents and I've never found anything to give me relief.
I had them before hormones and 7 months after starting moans, I still have them.  I don't know why.
I wonder if it's got anything to do with my MPD aka DID..  Maybe it's all the different "me's" fighting for control?
I don't know.  Another thing I wonder about is why they ask about migranes on the COGIATI?

Migranes are often attributed to vision problems.  You really do need to get your eyes checked if you are having them because it frequently does solve the problem.

The Cogiati is a load of crap. 

I'm resurrecting this topic as I am questioning the same thing.

I suffer from migraines, but luckily they are not very severe. I have never had to miss work or anything important as I can get to the end of what I'm doing and then if it's bad I lie down in a dark room for a few hours. At worst I lose a half a day to get rid of one, but most of the time I can manage them and like I said they've never stopped from doing something I have to, including work.

Even if they got worse I am sure I could cope. Does anyone think this would still be ok to start hormones (T)?

Thanks