Hormones

[Duvetdays15]

What course of action is required to see if hormones are playing a part. My daughter is 13 and has been diagnosed with ndph (new persistent daily headaches) /chronic migraines by a paediatric neurologist. She has just been prescribed Nortriptyline taking 30mg from tomorrow, she started with 10, then 20mg so far no Improvement her head has been awful this week during her period week we definitely see a difference then. I did mention hormones at the appointment but nothing was said by neurologist. She's had 2 mri previously been on pizotifen imigran and topiramate.

[Cavapoochonowner]

hello there, I have had migraines on and off all my life.My first one was when I was around 13 or 14 and alot were definately related to my hormones.Periods, pregnancy, breast feeding, perimenopause, menopause and lately thyroid hormones related to my graves disease.My first one was very scary, with aura and it happened at school, I thought I was having a stroke.I have taken various things over the years but am currently on amitriptyline 20mg each night and also proprananol 20mg 3x per day.The amitriptyline worked well for me for about 5 years but I have also had to add in the proprananol due to my overactive thyroid caused by graves disease.I know some preventatives can take a few weeks to work which is no consolation when you feel awful.Hopefully the higher dose will kick in soon and help.Bear in mind that different things suit different people so there may be other things for her to try if this doesn't work.Sending you both my very best wishes for a speedy solution.

[Duvetdays15 in reply to Cavapoochonowner]

Thanks for the reply. Hopefully this new medication will help but so far if anything she feels worse. So hard to know what to do next with these chronic headaches.

[sykgirl]

Hi,You could try asking for an endocrinology referral. They could test your daughters hormone levels which might help direct her to appropriate medication or diet changes.

Also, for future reference, I think it's worth mentioning that your daughter maybe not to be able to tolerate the contraceptive pill or morning after pill. Both made me so ill I ended up in hospital with stroke-like symptoms and vision loss, caused by hemiplegia migraine. I am currently going through the perimenopause and have been advised not to take HRT for the same reason.

I wish you both all the best. The only thing worse than being unwell yourself is having an unwell child!