The “Joy” of Perimenopause and Migraines
Lately, migraines have been making life particularly challenging for me. I’ve always had them, but perimenopause has taken them to a whole new level. As hormone levels fluctuate, my migraines have become more frequent and intense. Unlike the classic migraine with aura, mine tend to affect my entire body, particularly the back and side of my head, neck and digestive system, which reacts badly every time. If you experience nausea, vomiting, or digestive distress with your migraines, you’ll know how debilitating this can be.
I know I’m not alone in this. Migraine is an incredibly common condition, affecting millions of people in the UK. Whether you experience visual aura, sensitivity to light and sound, dizziness, or severe pain, I have the deepest sympathy for you. Migraines can take over entire days, sometimes longer, making even the simplest tasks feel impossible. I try to not let them take over, and continue on when I can, but I get very frustrated with how they affect the running of my shop when I am having a bad spell. I don't like you guys to suffer too while you wait longer for me to get back to you etc. But while they are often unpredictable and difficult to manage, there is some good news on the horizon. When I'm poorly with one, I tend to feel very low and negative, but I've taken some time to read about positive changes in migraine healthcase, and I hope the news may help some of you too.
New Migraine Treatments in the UK
For many years, migraine treatment options have been somewhat limited, particularly for those who cannot tolerate traditional medications such as triptans. I use a triptan nasal spray, but I am finding it less and less effective. However, exciting new developments are becoming available, offering hope to those who have struggled to find effective relief.
One of the most promising areas of research is CGRP inhibitors. These medications work by blocking calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a protein that plays a key role in migraine attacks. Unlike traditional painkillers, CGRP inhibitors are designed specifically for migraine prevention and treatment. Some of the most well-known include:
- Erenumab (Aimovig)
- Fremanezumab (Ajovy)
- Galcanezumab (Emgality)
- Eptinezumab (Vyepti) (administered via infusion)
These are now becoming more widely available on the NHS for those who meet certain criteria. If you suffer from frequent and disabling migraines, it may be worth discussing these with your doctor.
Another exciting area of treatment is neuromodulation devices, which use electrical or magnetic stimulation to help interrupt migraine activity. Some of the devices currently available include:
- Cefaly – a headband that delivers small electrical pulses to the forehead to prevent and treat migraines.
- gammaCore – a handheld device that stimulates the vagus nerve to help reduce migraine symptoms.
- Nerivio – a remote-controlled wearable device that is applied to the arm to reduce migraine pain.
These devices can be particularly helpful for people who either cannot take medication or prefer a drug-free approach.
Let’s Share Tips and Support
Migraines are incredibly complex, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you have any tried-and-tested migraine management strategies, I would love to hear them! Whether it’s a particular supplement, a lifestyle change, or something unexpected that has helped, please feel free to share.
And if you are struggling and need some support, I’m always here. Migraines can feel isolating, but you are certainly not alone. Hopefully, with new treatments emerging and more awareness around migraine care, better days are ahead for all of us who live with this painful/frustrating/challenging condition.
xxx
