Adding Maca to the Mix (Dec '09 - Jan '10)

Hi,

It's day 7 of my cycle, and on reflection, I think it has been a fairly successful one.
I did have a headache on day 1, which I managed to get under control with OTC painkillers. It only lasted about 4 hours (which is a great improvement on the 7 day stretch I have had in the past!)

The things I tried this month were listed in this post.

In that post, I listed a product called Maca, which I was looking into at the time. Since then I have purchased some, and have been taking them alongside all the other stuff (I was using a fairly small dose) but didn't notice any effects from them at the time. I since decided to up my dose, and will let you know how that goes (sorry I forgot to post these details sooner). The main reason I decided to take them is that:

1. I believe my headaches/migraines to be hormonal.
2. Maca is reported to help to normalise/balance hormones.
3. If you remember my previous post here about oestrogen/estrogen dominance - it's supposed to help with that side of things too, from what I have read.
4. Maca is believed to help with many health issues (google it and see for yourself) which I think I might benefit from. Only time will tell. I'll update about this once I've taken it for a while longer at the increased dose.

As for the forthcoming cycle (Dec '09 - Jan '10) I will continue on the following regime:

• Celery Juice in the mornings
• Magnesuim Supplements 3 times per day on an empty stomach
• Pantothenic Acid Supplements (vitamin B5) once per day (with food)
• Maca Supplements
• The 'Water Cure' all day every day. I drink a pint of water straight after my celery juice, and make sure I have at least 4 pints of water per day, along with a dash of real sea salt (I'm using Maldon).

And - if you have anything you can suggest which might be of use, then please, drop me a line! The comments section can be used, to contact me. Please feel free to share any ideas you may have!

PS, I have included a menstrual cycle ticker in my signature - not because I'm trying to conceive (I'm not) but so that it may make it easier for you (and me) to follow my progress!




(To view my full blog click here)

Avoiding migraines during Menstruation (I hope!)

Hi Readers,

Today is day 1 of my cycle (Dec '09 - Jan '10), and as yet, I do not have a migraine!! Woohoo!

As usual, I'll document the progress of this cycle as I go along:

	Morning	Afternoon
Day 1	No Migraine	Moderate headache & nausea (took OTC painkillers and it went by 6pm)
Day 2	No Migraine	No Migraine
Day 3	No Migraine	No Migraine
Day 4	No Migraine	No Migraine
Day 5	No Migraine	No Migraine
Day 6	No Migraine	No Migraine

PS, I have included a menstrual cycle ticker in my signature - not because I'm trying to conceive (I'm not) but so that it may make it easier for you (and me) to follow my progress!




(To view my full blog click here)

Avoiding migraines - (Nov 09 - Dec 09 cycle)

Hi Readers,

So far it has been a good month, with no migraines - yay!

I have continued to drink the 'celery juice' each day, and it seems to be helping (and having a fantastic effect on my skin too!).
Also, I have maintained 'the water cure', by following the recipe as per the watercure website.

My next cycle is due to begin on Friday 11th Dec, I will post the progress as I go along, as usual.

If anyone else is trying this, I'd love to hear from you!

Lou :)

PS, I have included a menstrual cycle ticker in my signature - not because I'm trying to conceive (I'm not) but so that it may make it easier for you (and me) to follow my progress!




(To view my full blog click here)

The power of Celery Juice (Nov 09 - Dec 09 cycle)

Hiya readers,




I have to say that I was very impressed with the 'Celery Juice' experiment last cycle! I had a couple of headaches, but at no point did they turn into migraines. I got through the whole experience without needing to take a Sumatriptan tablet (yay!). Just a couple of Ibuprofen.



Also, I have been continuing with the Pantothenic Acid supplements, Magnesium Citrate Supplements and the Water Cure (which you can read all about if you follow the link on my post regarging that recently).


I've been taking the Magnesium since June 09, however, I only added the Pantothenic Acid, and the Water cure to my regime a couple of days before my new cycle began, so I doubt that they would have had much of an effect in such a short time.

This is why I think the celery juice is the main thing that has helped this time. I took the celery juice for a good couple of weeks before my new cycle started.

I've been using the celery juice as a preventative - I juice up a big batch, and freeze it portions, and I drink a portion first thing in the morning every day. I haven't had a migraine since. Also, I have recently had what I think was swine flu (normally when I get colds/flu, I also get a migraine) but I was surprisingly migraine-free for the whole time that I was ill. Fab!



It's certainly helped this cycle, however, I'd prefer to not even get so much as a headache, and so I'm continuing to read around and research different things which may help.



One thing which has grabbed my eye recently, is a supplement called 'Maca' (which can be obtained in capsule or powder form) it is said to be beneficial for a variety of things, including helping to balance the hormones (which is what I believe is causing these migraines, seeing as I get them at ovulation and menstruation) and all sorts of other benefits. Google it for yourself and see what I'm talking about!

So, for this month, this is my regime:

• Celery Juice in the mornings
• Magnesuim Supplements 3 times per day on an empty stomach
• Pantothenic Acid Supplements (vitamin B5) once per day
• Maca Supplements (haven't decided what dose to start on yet, if any of you have tried it, please let me know what dosage worked well for you!)
• The 'Water Cure' all day every day. I drink a pint of water straight after my celery juice, and make sure I have at least 4 pints of water per day, along with a dash of real sea salt (I'm using Maldon).

Also, if you're interested in following the progress of this blog, there is a link on the right of the page, which will send you an update whenever I update this blog. It's an automated service, so your e-mail address does not get passed on to me.

And - if you have anything you can suggest which might be of use, then please, drop me a line! The comments section can be used, to contact me, and if you don't want your comment published on here, let me know, as I moderate them anyway. Please feel free to share any ideas you may have!

I'm due to ovulate in a few days, so it will be interesting to see what happens then!

Edited to add: since I have been following the regime above, I have noticed that my facial skin is looking and feeling much better (smoother & less blemishes) and also, the skin on my elbows is lovely and soft again, like it was when I was a kid! It's worth doing just for that!

Lou




PS, I have included a menstrual cycle ticker in my signature - not because I'm trying to conceive (I'm not) but so that it may make it easier for you (and me) to follow my progress!




(To view my full blog click here)

Progress so far (Oct 09 - Nov 09 cycle)

Hi readers,

Here's the progress of my current cycle so far:

	Morning	Afternoon
Day 1	No Migraine
Day 2	No Migraine (mild headache in the afternoon).
Day 3	No Migraine (another mild evening headache)
Day 4	No Migraine	No Migraine
Day 5	No Migraine	No Migraine
Day 6	No Migraine	No Migraine

I'll update again soon

Lou :)

(To view my full blog click here)

New cycle has begun (Oct 09 - Nov 09)

Hi readers,

My new cycle has begun today.

Since my last post, I have continued with the Celery Juice, Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5), and the Water Cure (see previous post for links).

I have also continued the Magnesium Citrate Supplements (I've been taking this since June).

So far, I'm feeling pretty good, and I don't seem to have had too many of the usual PMS symptoms going on and I don't have a migraine, although I have my Sumatriptan tablets on hand just in case anything develops!

I'll keep you all updated as I go along

Lou :)

PS, I have included a menstrual cycle ticker in my signature - not because I'm trying to conceive (I'm not) but so that it may make it easier for you (and me) to follow my progress!




(To view my full blog click here)

The plan for next month (Oct 09 - Nov 09)

Hi readers,

Having had a disappointing cycle last time, I have been reading around some more....

I have found a few things which might be useful, and have started them already (it's currently day 22 of my cycle).

Here goes:

• Celery juice (don't laugh until you've seen the link!).


• Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) - here's the link (apparently it also helps with oily skin and anxiety - both of which I have, amongst other things).


• 'The Water Cure' - This is a must read! Here's the link and another one here. I've been doing this for the last few days, and have already noticed a difference!
• For those that are interested in reading more about this, there's books on the subject below (I haven't read them yet personally, but when I do, I'll post my thoughts)

Will post more soon when I've given this a go for a while!

Lou :)

A new cycle begins...(Oct - Nov 2009)

Hi Readers,

My cycle began on Saturday (a day early) and here's how I've been getting on:

	Morning	Afternoon
Day 1	Severe Migraine :( (Took a Sumatriptan tablet)
Day 2	No Migraine
Day 3	No Migraine	No Migraine
Day 4	No Migraine	No Migraine
Day 5	No Migraine	No Migraine
Day 6	No Migraine	No Migraine

As you can imagine, I was hugely disappointed after last month's success.
I've been trying to figure out if I did anything differently.

I'll keep you updated as I go along...

Lou.

PS, I have included a menstrual cycle ticker in my signature - not because I'm trying to conceive (I'm not) but so that it may make it easier for you (and me) to follow my progress!




(To view my full blog click here)

Will the success continue? - Day 26 of cycle (September - October 09)

Hi readers,

It's day 26 of my cycle, and a new one is due to begin on Sunday.

I'm continuing to use the 5-HTP capsules, and am hoping that the success I experienced last month, with it will be repeated this month.

I'll keep you posted as to how it goes!

Lou :)

PS, I have included a menstrual cycle ticker in my signature - not because I'm trying to conceive (I'm not) but so that it may make it easier for you (and me) to follow my progress!




(To view my full blog click here)

Day 6 of cycle (September - October 09) the killer tomatoes!

Hi readers,

If you've been following my updates this cycle, you'll be aware that I've been having some considerable success this month (in fact, I'm on cloud nine!).

As you may have noticed, on days 1, 2 and 3, I did have mild headaches in the afternoon, and I believe this was due to what I was eating at lunchtime.
I checked back on what I'd eaten, and it turns out I'd had tomatoes (or tomato sauce based dishes) on all of those days.
On days 4 and 5, I deliberately omitted tomatoes, and felt absolutely great on those afternoons (unheard of!).

I put the fact that I haven't woken up with headaches down to the fact that I have been taking 5-HTP supplements.
They're best taken on an empty stomach, so I take one dose as soon as I wake up in the morning 7am, another dose at 12pm and another dose at 6pm. I make sure I take them an hour before eating.
This seems to be giving me such great results, that I can't wait for next month now to see if it was a one off!

Also, I've been following the diet & exercise recommendations in a book I got from the library, which is all about boosting serotonin naturally (see below).
It's a very interesting read.
Also, another book which is specifically about the 5-HTP supplements, which is also very informative.

(To view my full blog click here)

Day 2 of cycle (September - October 09) 5-HTP experiment

Hi readers,

Just wanted to give you an update on how it's going this month - it's going fantastically!! (although I'm trying not to get my hopes up in case it's a one off!)

I'm currently on day 6 of my cycle, and here's how it's been (I'll try & update this each day as I go along):

• Day 1 - morning: No Headache/migraine!, afternoon: mild headache/neck stiffness (took some Ibuprofen).


• Day 2 - Morning: No headache!, afternoon: very mild headache (barely noticeable)


• Day 3 - Morning: No headache!, afternoon: mild headache that gradually got worse, I went to bed early.


• Day 4 - No headache whatsoever!


• Day 5 - No headache


• Day 6 - No headache (so far, it's 9.20am at present)

(I'm noticing a pattern here - during the morning, I have no sign of a headache, but in the afternoon, a little one seems to creep in, which tends to disappear in the evening. I'm wondering if the contents of my lunch might be something to do with it. Will try eating something completely different today (day 4) and see if it has any effect! See you tomorrow!)

For those of you that have followed this blog, you'll know that I normally have a pretty nasty migraine, and often it tends to last the entire week, so this is good progress as far as I am concerned!

Will update this post again soon! (probably tomorrow)

Lou!!

(To view my full blog click here)

PS, I have included a menstrual cycle ticker in my signature - not because I'm trying to conceive (I'm not) but so that it may make it easier for you (and me) to follow my progress!

Day 23 of cycle (August - September 09) eliminating red meat & peanut butter

Hi readers,

Apologies for not updating the blog sooner, it's been a very busy Summer with little opportunity to get online.

For those of you that read my last post, you'll remember that I was going to continue the magnesium supplements, cut out red meat and avoid peanut butter during my last cycle. Unfortunately, this did not have any effect on my menstrual migraine :(

If anything, I had a pretty tough time of it, and ended up taking more sumatriptan tablets than I have done in a very long time. So, back on the red meat & peanut butter then! :) Yay! I did miss them.

Anyhow, I have been doing a lot of reading around over the last few days, and a few ideas for new things to try to beat this darn menstrual migraine have cropped up:

• 5 HTP (click the link) - I have tried this in the past and although it didn't help me at the time, at may be due to the fact that I just took too small a dose of it to see any effect. Some websites say that for migraines & their prevention, that 400mg-600mg is ideal, however, many websites caution on taking more than 100mg in a day, and so I'll be ramping up the dose slowly, and see how I get along. During my reading up, I also noticed that 5 HTP is helpful for many other conditions, including anxiety, fibromyalgia, insomnia, mood etc. Please google it for yourself! It's very interesting. From what I can gather, the 5 HTP gets converted to Serotonin in the brain, and often, a lack of Serotonin can be a cause of migraines - especially during menstruation, as the drop in hormones can lead to a drop in Serotonin. Makes sense to me.



• This Girl's Recommendations - click the link. This girl has had considerable success after having suffered migraines for 7 years, she's come up with a supplements 'cocktail' that has resulted in her having no migraines for 3 months straight! Gotta be worth a try. Will keep you posted on the progress of these!

I'm not sure that any of this will be enough to stop this months MM, as it's due this weekend, however, I'll get started anyway, and see how we go!

Lou.

(To view my full blog click here)

Day 23 of cycle (July - August 09) Using Magnesium Citrate while avoiding certain foods

Hi readers,

It's day 23 of my cycle, and oddly enough, I had a migraine last night, which on reflection, I think may have been triggered by the peanut butter which I had at lunchtime. I wouldn't usually have a migraine at this point in my cycle.

I'm going to avoid peanut butter for a while and see how that goes.

(Having googled 'peanut butter migraine' it does appear that it's a common trigger)

I'm still using the Magnesium Citrate & avoiding red meat this month as per my previous post (below)

Lou.

(To view my full blog click here)

Day 3 of cycle (July - August 09) magnesium citrate supplements helped this month

Hi readers,

It's day 3 of my cycle and so far, I haven't had a menstrual migraine!!! This is almost unheard of.

I had a couple of 'headaches' but they did not turn into full blown migraines as they usually would.

I am very pleased about this, as I have managed to avoid taking a Sumatriptan tablet this month (yay!) and have survived on basic painkillers (ibuprofen, paracetamol etc).

This is good progress.

I can only put it down to the introduction of Magnesium Citrate tablets into my regime, as nothing else has changed.

From the info I have read about the subject, it can take a few months for the body to gain the full benefits of taking the Magnesium Citrate, and so I will need to take it for a while to see if it really is helping, but so far I am rather happy with it!

For the forthcoming month, I am going to:

• continue the Magnesium Citrate



• and also avoid red meat, as I think that may be one of my triggers

Will post my progress

(Also, I'm considering trying an elimination diet sometime in the future, has anyone had any success with it?)

Lou

(To view my full blog click here)

Day 25 of Cycle (June-July) benefits of Magnesium Citrate

Hi readers,

just a quick post to update where I'm up to on the migraine experiments:

I've been taking Magnesium Citrate since my last cycle, and I've been feeling pretty good on it :)

• My neck stiffness has almost disappeared (I've had it since 2003)


• I've had lots of energy


• My scalp has stopped itching (that's been a problem since about 1994!)


• My knee has stopped aching

Quite a lot for one little pill don't you think?

Hopefully it'll help with my menstrual migraines too (the main reason for trying them)

Will post again soon (new cycle due to start on Sunday)

Lou

(To view my full blog click here)

Day 12 of cycle (June - July) update on this months experiment

Hi readers,

Just a little update, to let you know that for this month, I am continuing to take the magnesium citrate tablets and am going to see how that goes.

I haven't had any migraines since the one at the start of this cycle, so fingers crossed!

Lou

(To see my full blog click here)

Day 4 of Cycle (June-July) had a migraine today :(

Hi Readers,

It's day 4 of my cycle, and I have continued to take the Magnesium Citrate tablets (100mg, 3 times per day).

Unfortunately, I have had a migraine today, although it hasn't been as bad as it normally would be, and it does seem to be clearing up now too. I managed to get through it without resorting to taking a Sumatriptan tablet (which is a bonus, as I really don't like the side effects from those).

Will continue to post the progress with these (yesterday I felt amazing! had tons of energy, it was fab!!) Hopefully todays migraine has been just a blip, but we shall see.

Lou

(To see my full blog click here)

Day 2 of new Cycle (June-July) magnesium citrate seems to be helping

Hi readers,

It's day 2 of my cycle, and I have continued to take the Magnesium Citrate tablets (100mg, 3 times per day) that I purchased on Saturday, and it really seems to have done the business! I felt absolutely fine when I woke up this morning, and have been out and about with my son all morning and had no problems.

Usually, day 2 of my cycle would be pretty awful for me, as I'd usually have either a menstrual migraine, or be feeling that awful 'migraine hangover' feeling. As I have mentioned in previous posts, it is not uncommon for me to have a migraine for the whole week, so this is progress indeed!

Feeling very happy and optimistic about this, but trying not to get too excited, just in case...

I included some links in yesterday's post for those that are interested in taking the magnesium (it's important to get the right ones) so please have at look as they are very informative articles.

Lou

(To see my full blog click here)

Day 1 of new Cycle (June-July) magnesium citrate supplements

Hi readers,

Well today is day 1 of my cycle, and amazingly enough, I don't have a menstrual migraine today!!!

This is unheard of!

If you read my last post you'll see that I posted a videoclip where they were talking about Magnesium supplements, and so I thought what the heck, what do I have to lose, and so I went to the healthfood store yesterday afternoon and bought some 'Magnesium Citrate' tablets and started taking them once I got home. I had felt a little bit as though a migraine could be on the cards, but it did seem to disappear once I had taken a dose of these.

I carried on taking them today (this would normally be my worst day of suffering with a menstrual migraine) and I appear to be absolutely fine! I even managed to go out bowling, and to a birthday party! The only thing that has bothered me has been the period cramps, but I took some Ibuprofen and they soon went.

I will continue to use these Magnesium Citrate Tablets over the course of this cycle and will post my progress as I go along.

I will also continue to use the progesterone drops next month, as although they didn't prevent me from getting a migraine, they did seem to help with general PMS symptoms which is great (see post below).

Listed here are some very informative links regarding the Magnesium Citrate for Migraines, hope you find them helpful:

http://howtoregainyourhealth.com/good-news-for-the-treatment-of-migraines/

http://www.relieve-migraine-headache.com/magnesium-migraines.html

http://headacheandmigrainenews.com/migraine-and-magnesium-new-study/

Lou.

To see my full blog click here

Day 28 of Cycle - progesterone drops and the benefits I've had using them

Hi all,

those of you that are following my progress might be interested to know how I've been getting on with the Progesterone Drops.......


I unfortunately had the tell tale signs of a migraine yesterday when I woke up (my period is due tomorrow). I ended up taking a Sumatriptan tablet.
I feel fine today though.

On a more positive note:

• I'm not as bloated as usual (a great bonus as far as I'm concerned)
• I haven't had any hot flushes yet! (great)
• I haven't been moody (well I don't think so, ask my husband!)
• I haven't had a short fuse like I normally do at this time.
• I don't feel remotely pre-menstrual (quite unusual for me, so thumbs up!!)
  
  Will keep you posted as to how it goes during the rest of my cycle.

I've been reading around online and have found an interesting video which you may be interested in (I may well give this a try for next month's experiment!):

Lou.

(To see my full blog click here)

Day 23 of Cycle - progesterone drops, will they help this time?

Hi all,

I've been using the Sublingual Progesterone drops since Thursday, and so far so good - they're more user friendly than the progesterone cream in my opinion.

Will post again as this cycle draws to a close (I'm due on on Sunday 7th June) to let you know if they helped with my menstrual migraines!

See ya
Lou.

(To see my full blog click here)

Day 14 of cycle - Ovulation migraine

Hi all,

It's day 14 of my cycle, and I appear to have woken up this morning with an 'Ovulation Migraine'. I took a Sumatriptan tablet, and went back to bed for a while and now I feel fine.

Not sure if it's the same hormones which are responsible for this, as the ones that cause my Menstrual Migraines. I have no real way of knowing.

Lou

(To see my full blog click here)

Next Cycle May - June 09 - progesterone drops

Hi all,

If you read the last (lengthy but interesting) post, you'll have seen that I have decided to try next month:

Sublingual Progesterone Drops (a brand called Progest-E that I found online - I've put the link in the links section)

As before, I'll begin using them 10 days prior to the start of menses

I'll keep you all posted on progress

Lou.

(To see my full blog click here)

Day 28 of cycle - Progesterone cream

Hi all,

So far, I have been using the Progesterone cream for 9 days, and I had a menstrual migraine yesterday - although it wasn't as bad as usual, and I'm feeling ok so far today.

I'm feeling much less bloated than I usually would at this time of month, which is wonderful - I'd usually have gained a couple of extra pounds by now!

I found this information which might be of benefit to anyone who is having similar problems:

Lessen the Severity of Your Migraine Dr. Lee further writes in his book:

"Menstrual Migraines are serious headaches, most often occurring only on one side of the head, which are often preceeded by a vague sense (aura) that the sufferer learns to recognize as an impending migraine headache symptom. Migraines are thought to be related to overdilation, coffee may exacerbate migraine headache through estrogen dominant effect of blood vessels in the brain. They very likely have an allergic or chemically mediated trigger and are related to stress. They vary in severity, sometimes becoming almost unendurable without narcotic medication, and can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Routine treatment involves ergotamine medication (often combined with caffeine), which, to achieve success, may result in side effects of muscle pains, numbness and tingling in the fingers and toes, rapid (or slowed) heart rate, and nausea and vomiting. Migraine victims live in fear of the next headache.

Lady with menstrual migraine "When migraine headaches occur with regularity in women only at premenstrual times, they are most likely due to estrogen dominance. They are the lucky patients."

John Lee, M.D.

When menstrual or premenstrual migraine headaches occur with regularity in women only at premenstrual times, they are most likely due to estrogen dominance. They are the lucky patients. Estrogen causes the dilation of blood vessels, and thus contributes to the cause(s) of migraines. One of the many virtues of natural progesterone is that it helps restore the normal vascular tone, counteracting the blood vessel dilation that causes the headache. Here again, the " herbal supplement " progesterone is safe and treats the cause in a normal, physiologic way. The more dangerous phamaceutical drugs can be reserved for the rare case that does not respond completely to progesterone."

twins do not have increased risk of migraine headache "Estrogen causes the dilation of blood vessels, and thus contributes to the cause(s) of migraines. One of the many virtues of natural progesterone is that it helps restore the normal vascular tone, counteracting the blood vessel dilation that causes the menstrual migraine headache. Here again, [natural] progesterone is safe and treats the cause [ menstrual migraine ] in a normal, physiologic way."

John Lee, M.D.

"As mentioned earlier, when menstrual or premenstrual migraine headaches occur premenstrually in women, they are often caused by estrogen dominance. Estrogen causes dilation of blood vessels, and thus contributes to the cause(s) of migraines. Natural Progesterone helps restore normal vascular tone, counteracting the blood vessel dilation that causes the headache. If you have premenstrual migraines, try using progesterone during the ten days that preceedes these headaches. If one occurs, you can apply a small glob (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon) every three to four hours until your symptoms subside. This commonly requires only one or two extra applications.
Higher doses of progesterone can be reached quickly with sublingual drops (progesterone in Vitamin E oil [progesterone dissolved in vegetable oil will also work]), which is more rapidly absorbed (within minutes) than skin cream (usually within the hour or so), and thus may be more effectve." (this bit caught my eye - Lou)

From my women patients, I learned that [menstrual migraine headaches were associated with] Premenstrual Syndrome, PMS, was most often a sign of estrogen dominance. I also recommend adding vitamin E in dosages of 600 IU at bedtime, supplemental magnesium (300 milligrams a day), and vitamin B6 (50 milligrams per day)*. This treatment is simple, safe, inexpensive, successful, and natural."

I have decided to try the sublingual Progesterone drops next month (I found a UK supplier, let me know if you'd like details).

Lou

(To see my full blog click here)

Progesterone Cream

Hi all,

it's 10 days until I'm due on, and so I can start trying out this progesterone cream as of today.

Will keep you all posted.

Lou

(To see my full blog click here)

This month's cycle (April 09) - Natural progesterone

Hi,

Having not had any success with the Oestrogens experiment last month, I decided to research the other hormone involved at the time of Menstruation - Progesterone.

From what I can gather, Progesterone levels dips around menstruation, which may possibly be causing my Menstrual Migraines. It's also useful to know that during pregnancy, the body produces high levels of progesterone (I didn't suffer migraines at all during my pregnancy) but they returned after the birth (which is when progesterone levels drop considerably).

I've bought some of this to try http://buynaturalprogesterone.co.uk/natural-progesterone-migraine/ but I'll have to wait a couple of weeks before starting to use it as you have to use it post-ovulation, so as not to interfere with ovulation itself.

I've been reading a very interesting book called 'Natural Progesterone: The Natural Way to Alleviate Symptoms of Menopause, PMS, Endometriosis and Other Hormone-related Problems' by John Lee (Foreword), Ann Rushton (Author), Shirley Bond (Author); ISBN-10: 000715609X.

It talks about how low levels of progesterone become out of balance with oestrogen, resulting in Oestrogen dominance, which can cause many problems in itself.

Have a look at this website http://www.migraine101.com/ it gives more info regarding this issue.

Having read around on the net regarding Oestrogen Dominance, I have found that apparently Grapeseed Extract is Anti-oestrogenic.

So, this coming month, I'll be trying:

Natpro Cream - from post-ovulation onwards.
Grapeseed Extract - all month

See ya

Lou.

(To see my full blog click here)

Things I have tried in the past

Things I have tried in the past:

Acupuncture
Osteopathy
Massage
Magnesium Oxide Tablets + Vitamin B2 + Omega 3
The Pill
Early nights
Cutting out alcohol completely (still do this even now)
Co-enzyme Q10
Evening Primrose Oil
Vitamin E
Feverfew
Agnus Castus
Dietry changes

Edited to add:

Paracetamol & Codeine

Sumatriptan (on prescription) I don't enjoy the side effects from these so try to avoid them if I can.

Ibuprofen.

I will add to this list when I recall more things (I have tried loads of things!)

Lou

(To see my full blog click here)

Last Months Cycle Experiment (March 09) - Red clover & Soya Isoflavones

Last month I had read in an article about Menstrual Migraine in Holland & Barrett magazine, that the cause could be the drop in oestrogen as the period is about to begin.

I read around on the net, and discovered that some women have oestrogen patches which they use for about 3 days before and then during their period. However, I was concerned by what I read about the oestrogen/cancer link, and so I decided to look into plant oestrogens instead.

I bought some Red Clover Capsules and some Soya Isoflavones and took them for about a week before my period.

They did not reduce the severity of my Menstrual Migraine unfortunately.

Also, I was very bloated (much more than usual) while taking them and I also experienced hot flushes! Not great, I'm only 34.

I decided not to try them again this month.

Lou.

(To see my full blog click here)

Welcome to my Menstrual Migraine Blog

Hi,

I've set up this blog as I have suffered from Menstrual Migraine since about 2001 and have been trying various things to try to prevent it over the years without much success yet!

I want to track my progress on here, as I usually find something new to try most months and it may help others to read of my success/failure with these things.

Sometimes my Menstrual Migraines last a couple of days, but occasionally they last a whole week which is no fun at all.

My Doctor gives me Sumatriptan to take once a migraine is underway, but I don't much like the side effects of these, and so am looking to try to stop them happening in the first place.

I'll post the things I have already tried as I go along and when I remember what they were. If you have any useful information then please post as I'd be pleased to hear from you.

Lou.

(To see my full blog click here)