Can birth control help contol the migraines that are cause by your period?

Answer 1

When it comes to migraines, Birth Control can be tricky.

For some people, being on birth control can cause more migraines.

For some people, being on birth control can reduce their migraines.

For some people, there is no change at all.

There is a small risk, that birth control can cause strokes. People who have classic migraines (or migraine with aura) also have this small risk. So being on birth control can increase the risk for stroke that those type of migraines already increase the chance of. It is a small risk, but it is something to be aware of. It is just like being aware that if you smoke while on birth control, you increase your chance of stroke. Just another factor to discuss with your doctor.

Answer 2

If you have menstrual migraines, it is possible that birth control may help reduce the frequency and severity of those migraines. However, it is also possible that it may increase and worsen them. It may also do nothing at all. If you are trying to use birth control to control your migraines, you may wish to speak with your gynecologist about only have four periods a year. When you take birth control so that you only have four periods a year, you are using the medication to avoid the sharp estrogen decline which happens during your period. For some women, that sharp estrogen decline is what triggers the migraine.

You should be aware that birth control increases stroke risk. People who have migraines with aura also have a small increased chance of stroke. I do not say this to dissuade you from using hormonal birth control methods, but to give you the information you need to make an informed decision.