Is there a link between NDT and migraines?

I had a migraine yesterday; I was incapacitated for most of the day and had to wear my sunglasses indoors until 5:30 because I just couldn't tolerate the brightness of the day.

I've only ever had one migraine before (and it was mild compared to this one!) And it was when I was heavily pregnant with my first child 6years ago.

I can't think of anything that would've triggered it so I guess I'm grasping at straws but I wondered if there was a link between NDT and migraines?

I've been eating gluten again for the past fortnight though so that might have something to do with it. Although I've felt fine aside from a bit more sleepy but that could be because I know I need a dose increase. 🤷🏻‍♀️

I don't get migraines as a rule so I'm keen to figure out if there was a trigger! I definitely don't want that to happen again.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Well going back on gluten probably not helping

Looking at previous post you have Hashimoto’s and many/most Hashimoto’s patients find strictly gluten free diet helps or is essential

Have you had NDT increase yet

[Hidden in reply to SlowDragon]

Not had increase yet. Hoping to talk to my endo tomorrow to talk about it.

Been GF for over 18 months but it's been tough and I started levo around the same time so thought I'd trial gluten again and see if I feel better quitting. Difficult to tell if I felt better because of being GF or if it was the levo.

Just seems so out of the blue. Migraines just aren't a thing for me usually!

[SlowDragon Administrator in reply to Hidden]

Migraine are common hypothyroid symptom

NDT contains T3 and taking any T3 will reduce TSH more significantly than levothyroxine

So your become more reliant on your replacement thyroid hormones which is fine….as long as you are on adequate dose

And need good absorption in gut to get most out of thyroid hormones

[Hidden in reply to SlowDragon]

Got an increase to 45mg Erfa. Levo stays at 75mcg. Been on it for a week now.

Giving up gluten again tomorrow and hoping to see a difference in wellbeing. 🤞🏼

[Frodo]

Gluten definitely gives me migraine. I can get aura soon after eating it and had a few years of vomiting several times a week with the migraine before giving gluten up completely. Vomiting stopped (touch wood!) although still get migraine, usually not as intense and uncontrollable as previously.

[E_lizab8]

All I can tell you is that my awful migraines disappeared when I went gluten free.

[Starfish123]

I have lots of triggers for migraines including alcohol, any including handgels and mouthwash, only need a little to get a bad migraine. Chocolate, it seems I can tolerate a little but any more and I’m in trouble. Cheese, strong smells including cleaning products and paint type products and perfume. Being constipated, I presume it’s toxins of some kind. Wifi/ mobile phones being too close at night, I have to have then some distant away. I hope it might give you a clue to what triggered your migraine.

[Polaris]

I've had migraine with aura most of my adult life, mostly triggered by particular food, lights, noise, fatigue, stress and menstruation.

My son, studying for his Divemaster Certificate years ago, told me of his diving research showing that a pfo (leaky heart valve, v. common and which I have) can be involved with migraine with aura. Further research revealed that it could also be involved with hypothyroidism. The penny dropped re. long standing symptoms, prompted me ask GP to test thyroid, and was finally prescribed Levo!

I later had to self diagnose B12def/PA and, since self injecting B12 every other day for four years, migraine has disappeared. I can now have chocolate, cheese, tomato and red wine with no ill effect 🤗

Another member of the family with similar symptoms of migraine with aura has just been prescribed beta blockers for the severe headaches by a neurologist 😳

Just wondering if you've had B12 tested Witchinghour as pregnancy can use up a lot of B12 and leave you depleted ? Research also shows that 40% of those with thyroid problems go on to develop PA/B12def. and vice versa. Three in our family have both.

Hope you find answers.

[Hidden in reply to Polaris]

B12 was tested this week. 113 (37.5 - 188) and it has steadily increased with supplements so at the moment PA isn't a worry but I'm also aware the autoimmune diseases tend to run in packs so I'm always on the lookout!

What a way for you to come to a thyroid diagnosis! And thank goodness!

[Lovecake]

I’d say the gluten might be a trigger.Plus you could be under medicated. I get the worst migraines with vomiting when my thyroid levels drop.

Might be worth getting bloods done to double check.

Also might need to check your diet again. Was it the gluten?

I do a small diary of what I eat daily just in case I spot a trigger for feeling more fatigued or getting more migraines.

Sometimes you can become intolerant to some foods. For example, I have always liked spicy food. (Not eaten continuously mind you). Then all of a sudden I had issues with fresh chillis in my 40s. Can occasionally tolerate powdered chilli if mild. But mostly I can’t cope with any spices, garlic, red onions, soy (gives me an instant migraine), and alcohol. It’s trial and error.

Hope you feel better soon and don’t get too many migraines ☺️

[Hidden]

Thank you all for your responses. They've been so helpful. Very much appreciated. 🙏🏼