Headaches

[Silvan]

I've been having period-connected migraines for many months now. They are very strong and make me lay in bed for a day or two, but they happen only once a month, so it's bearable. However, recently I've been having additional headaches, sometimes even a couple times per week. I need to study a lot but it's very hard to focus when my head is aching and I'm nauseous. Sometimes I just go to sleep with an ice pack on my forehead, but after waking up I feel so guilty that I didn't study. I've been to a neurologist and had some tests done but the doctor couldn't help me apart from prescribing me some medicine which I'm reluctant to take too often (I mean c'mon, they're not candies that I can eat every day ) I feel at a loss, nobody can help me and sometimes I just want to cry because I do have time to study, but I spend it laying in bed hoping I won't throw up... It's just a rant really, I don't expect anyone to help me with headaches

[Ennui.]

I'm sorry to hear that you're going through this!

For the period-related headaches, are you on birth control? Sometimes certain types of birth control can trigger migraines. It's worth talking to your doctor about if you are.

For some people, caffeine can help with a migraine. Watch out that you don't get withdrawals from going without the caffeine if you go that route!

You're right that it's not a good idea to take the medication every day. There's something called medication overuse headaches where you actually can get headaches from taking the medication too much. But it's still okay to take it if you really need it. Don't make yourself suffer. I do wonder if your doctor can prescribe Zofran or something similar though, it's for the nausea.

Do you think massaging your head and temples would help?

I'm sorry I don't have more suggestions but I know how much headaches suck. Don't feel guilty if you have to take a break. Your health is the most important.

[Arabesque- golfing girl.]

Hi Sue,

I'm sorry you are having this happen to you so much. Would you be able to try talking with your doctor about this and see if they would be able to help you to find something else that can help you so that you are not getting them so much? Sometimes you can get used to what you have been taking for a while and it is not working as much like it used to. Also try to make sure when you are on your computer doing your school work, that after 30 to 45 minutes you look away for a few minutes or get up from your computer, because when you are looking at your computer so much this can start giving you a headache. I hope that you start to feel better soon and you are able to find something to help you too.

[Silvan]

Apart from the period migraines, I think my headaches are connected with stress or emotions. Last week I argued with my boyfriend twice and in both cases I got a strong headache within a few hours afterwards. I cried a lot then, but later I put ice packs on my swollen eyes and they got better, so I don't know if the headaches happened because of the crying itself or because I got very stressed. Today I've been pondering breaking up with my boyfriend; these thoughts get me down and take their toll on me, and I'm really scared I'll have the headache today again. Actually, I'm now scared I will get the headache every time I get even a little stressed, which happens virtually every day.

[Rika]

Mine are caused from sleep apnea for sure. I noticed using my CPAP machine at night or when napping I don't awaken with headaches as much. Yeah, stress can be a cause I've read.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-...s/art-20046707
https://www.healthline.com/health/he...iety-headaches