Causes for Migraines?

Great question. It seems like there is a relationship between sex hormones and migraines. Women are about three times more likely to experience migraines than men, and they often are related to changes in the menstrual cycle. So I think mentioning endometriosis was a good observation. These two conditions might be linked.

Do you use any kind of hormonal contraception, or have you in the past?

To answer your actual question, as far as I know (I am not an expert) no one really knows exactly what causes migraines. They can be triggered by stress, as you mentioned, changes in sleep patterns, certain foods, bright lights, allergies, and probably a host of other things.

That’s what I wanted to know if anyone had severe migraines with endometriosis. I was also just wanted to figure if there are and serious problems related with migraines.

Hmm… I have endometriosis, too. But I’ve had migraines since I was 5-years-old (slurred speech, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, not being able to walk straight, etc.), so I’m not sure if there’s a link or not. How long the migraines last varies from migraine to migraine, honestly. I’ve had some last to as little as a half hour, while others have lasted 2 or more days. They can be brought on by a number of things, just as @nikipedia suggested. Certain foods, strong physical exertion, your period, bright lights and loud noises, being stressed or tired, hot weather, etc.

It has been suggested that migraines kill brain cells, but to what extent isn’t known. Also, if your body is under that much physical stress, it’s not a good thing, especially if it’s on a regular basis. Throwing up, obviously, also causes added stress on your body and rids you of important nutrients.

How often do you get migraines?

Yes I seen your endo report! I started a couple months ago getting them every once in a while; I had some vicodin from a kidney stone I once had, and I take that for the migraines. But with my last period I’ve had a migraine every day – this is the 5th in a row. I took a vicodin last night, but I started feeling wierd. I’ve taken it enough to know that I don’t have reactions to it. i started felling jittery as opposed to relaxed. My heart was pounding hard too. I don’t know these migraines are just scaring me badly. Laying down usually makes them worse!

Hmm. Since your migraines just started and haven’t been something you’ve had to deal with throughout your life, I suggest making an appointment with your doctor fairly soon. Migraines aren’t always just migraines – they can be a symptom of something else. Also, vicodin tends to make my migraines worse and it may very well be the same for you. Instead, try taking Advil, Tylenol or Aleve (or anything similar that you can get your hands on) right when the pain starts to come on. Take two, not one – because one will most likely only dull the pain for a little, without getting rid of the migraine completely and it will come back full-force.

If you’re going to continue taking vicodin for the pain, I don’t suggest laying down immediately. Eat something so your stomach isn’t empty and sit up for at least a half hour reading or watching TV. If you feel okay, then go to sleep.

Migraines can also make people feel jittery for a while. I know from experience that my body drains itself of all energy trying to get rid of the migraine, so I get a little shaky sometimes. You may also experience a boost of energy right after the migraine disappears, followed by extreme fatigue. It’s fairly common with migraines.

Anyway, yes: Talk to your doctor ASAP, simply because your migraines are fairly new.

As is, no one knows for sure what exactly causes migraine. People have reported all kinds of “triggers”. Hormones are definitely a part of it, as are some foods, stress like you mention, lighting, weather, exercise… practically anything you can think of can be a migraine trigger to someone. Migraine attacks typically last for some hours, but they can last even days.

In the case of newly appeared or worsening headaches you should definitely talk to your doctor.

I had migraines for years when I was using Ortho Tri-Cyclen. They were migraine with aura which is characterized by visual disturbances such as flashes of light, zigzagging patterns or even blind spots. These migraines would send me to bed for hours.

I woke up one morning and lost sight in one eye for about a minute. This is when my doctor took me off of Ortho Tri-Cyclen. It’s been two years now and I’ve only had a few migraines since then.

Please talk to your doctor.

strong odors, glaring sun, etc…

I get them if I eat any sort of chocolate. Or if I drink alcohol on an empty stomach. Stress also does it, as well as dehydration. For me anyways. I get atleast one a week, and they come with nausea, light sensitivity, etc. The best over the counter stuff I’ve used is Extra Strength Excedrin. It knocks the migraine out in 15 minutes!

Heat, sunlight. I’m really a vampire These are the major causes of my migraines. Mine can last from a few hours to a few days. Nothing I have found helps and that includes prescription meds!

She doesn’t want to…

Well, two probs! One I can’t swallow pills – I crush the vicodin and put it in applesauce, and the other is we just lost our insurance so, no more doctor! Yeah, I won’t be taking vicodin for a long time! And I didn’t know you shouldn’t lay down! A beer did take it away last night!