I’M 55, MENOPAUSAL AND SUFFERING SEVERE MIGRAINES. I’VE HAD A CLEAR CT SCAN AND TAKE SUMATRIPTAN TABLETS, IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I CAN DO?
Migraines are very disabling. The key, as you mention in your full letter, is to find the triggers. You’ve identified alcohol but there may be others. Hormonal changes are a well-known trigger so the menopause may be to blame. Stress can also trigger migraines so it’s worth minimising this. The triptan family of medications are taken to treat migraines but if they’re happening frequently, see your GP to discuss prevention. For you, this may be using hormone replacement (HRT) to treat your menopause. HRT via a patch gives the most constant hormone levels which may help with migraine. If HRT is not suitable there are other daily medications to try. Exercise can sometimes trigger a migraine but it can be used to help ease stress and prevent them.
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