Migraines and Pregnancy Hormones
Question
I get cyclical migraines seven days before my period (normally for three days). Last month I had one for four days and then discovered I was pregnant; I was thrilled. A month later I got the WORST cluster migraine ever with two days of an ice-pick headache on top! I found out I had a silent miscarriage at nine weeks. I got pregnant right away and my period was due yesterday and I have a migraine.
Is a chemical miscarriage on its way? Could I have a progesterone deficiency? I have had these cyclic migraines on and off for 15 yrs. My breasts did not feel as tender yesterday. Please help me. Thank you
Zara
Answer
Last Updated: May 4, 2022
Dear Zara,
First of all, if you are pregnant again, you definitely want to see a physician who can start you on progesterone 200 mg intramuscular injection twice a week and check a trough progesterone level. Whether or not your cyclic headaches are related to low progesterone, you are at risk of another miscarriage. If you are not pregnant then you should be evaluated for a luteal phase defect and low progesterone levels. They very well may trigger or worsen migraine. To find a doctor who can help you, check the following websites: www.fertilitycare.org (click on Medical Consultants) or www.canfp.org Professional Directory.
George Delgado, M.D., F.A.A.F.P.
First of all, if you are pregnant again, you definitely want to see a physician who can start you on progesterone 200 mg intramuscular injection twice a week and check a trough progesterone level. Whether or not your cyclic headaches are related to low progesterone, you are at risk of another miscarriage. If you are not pregnant then you should be evaluated for a luteal phase defect and low progesterone levels. They very well may trigger or worsen migraine. To find a doctor who can help you, check the following websites: www.fertilitycare.org (click on Medical Consultants) or www.canfp.org Professional Directory.
George Delgado, M.D., F.A.A.F.P.
Answered By:
George Delgado, M.D., F.A.A.F.P.
George Delgado, MD, President and Founder of Steno Institute and Medical Director of Culture of Life Family Services (COLFS), San Diego, is a Professional Member / Supporter of CANFP. Board certified in both family medicine and hospice and palliative medicine, Dr. Delgado received his medical degree from the University of California, Davis, and completed his residency at Santa Monica Hospital/UCLA. Dr. Delgado is a Natural Family Planning Medical Consultant, trained in NaProTechnology. He and wife have four children and seven grandchildren.
