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        New Message Board Archives >> 2005 Cluster Headache Specific Posts >> Clusters and Menstrual Cycles
        
(Message started by: ExcedrinLady on Sep 19^th, 2005, 3:06pm)

Title: Clusters and Menstrual Cycles
Post by ExcedrinLady on Sep 19^th, 2005, 3:06pm

To the sisters on this Board...

Do you find that you get more CH's around your monthly cycle? Do you see this as a possible trigger?

Thanks!

Title: Re: Clusters and Menstrual Cycles
Post by LeLimey on Sep 19^th, 2005, 3:16pm

Hi Leigh Ann,
no connection for me
hope that helps with your line of thought!
Helen

Title: Re: Clusters and Menstrual Cycles
Post by yikes-another-one on Sep 19^th, 2005, 4:48pm

WELL, there is a lot of research going on
with the hypothalmus, and that produces chemicals that
interact with the Pitutiary gland....which produces
the chemicals that affect our cycles....

Sometimes I have noticed increased kip levels...
but no clear pattern as of yet ( 9 years so far)

My sister definitely has Mentral Migraines. She would get headaches that lasted 4 days...2ce a month....at ovulation and at m.
for 10 years they kept telling her she had a deep sinus infection that was causing her head pain...and for years she swallowed Advil and tylenol....and sudafed and waht not....
Now she takes he Zomig 2ce a month and is pretty much pain free.

Keeping a journal is the best way to get
a better picture...start and end times/dates
and pain level
and what is going on around your life...moodiness,
energy level ...memory troubles
anything significant
write it down....because that is the only way hindsight will be 20/20....otherwise your memories blurr and the docotr can ask a question and feed you words...that you chew on and think, hmmm, not sure....maybe....
and then it's off on a mis-diagnosis....

Keeping track is the only way you will know for sure...

Title: Re: Clusters and Menstrual Cycles
Post by ExcedrinLady on Sep 19^th, 2005, 4:51pm

A log? Great idea! I'll have to start doing that. That way I don't go see the Doc and babble on.

Title: Re: Clusters and Menstrual Cycles
Post by Kris_in_SJ on Sep 19^th, 2005, 6:46pm

Welcome,

The question you asked has been discussed many times on this board.

I used to get pretty bad HA's right before my period (back in the day when I had periods).

Clusters are totally different, and I didn't get them until I neared menopause. I'm with Ree on this one. We need a different name than cluster "headaches." Clusters are definitely not anything like headaches.

PF Wishes,

Kris

Title: Re: Clusters and Menstrual Cycles
Post by millie the episodic on Sep 19^th, 2005, 9:41pm

I sort of wish that they were associated with my period. Maybe then I would know when they are coming and how long they would be staying. ::) THERE IS A DIFFERENCE! :oI would say menstral migraines, we can't leave out the guys. [smiley=laugh.gif]
Millie

Title: Re: Clusters and Menstrual Cycles
Post by Sandy_C on Sep 20^th, 2005, 8:04am

No relationship with menstural cycles at all. Had hysterectomy and 10 years later, started getting CH.

Sandy

Title: Re: Clusters and Menstrual Cycles
Post by cherylc on Sep 23^rd, 2005, 10:21am

Hi. I have had clusters for 24 years...started at the age of 16. I regularly start a cycle when I get my period. I did not have any CH's during pregnancy (4 times), but started a cycle shortly after giving birth and twice when my period resumed after my babies where born.

I have often wondered about the correlation of the ch cycle and my period, thinking that there was a hormonal connection. But after my last two CH cycles where I was helped by taking Melatonin, I am wondering about the sleep connection rather than hormones. I know that shortly before my period I get very anxious and don't sleep well...maybe that could be the "trigger" rather than hormones.

If I look back over the years, I have started CH episodes after times where I haven't slept...vacations, having a baby, stressed over starting a new job, stress over deciding to leave a job, staying up late studying for exams, returning from Europe--jet lag, working night shifts. When I am stressed or anxious, I don't sleep. Could it be so simple?

Now I just have to make sure I always get my sleep and don't get stressed! Yah right!?!

Title: Re: Clusters and Menstrual Cycles
Post by Ree on Sep 23^rd, 2005, 4:51pm

Menstrating (((should be Womenstrating))) is definately a trigger for Migraine but I have no idea about Cluster... My hubby is the CH suffer and he definately acts like he has his period while in cycle. Who invented all this pain.... sheesh...... let me know whatcha find out.....ree