Migraines and Birth Control Pills

Could birth control pills be a migraine trigger? According to Dr. Thomas Shieh's recent article in guampdn.com, the pill as a trigger for migraines is controversial topic. Some say yay, some say ney.

However, he does state pretty categorically that estrogen-based birth control pills do have an effect on migraines in certain women. Here's his advice:

"If you are experiencing severe migraines often, I would suggest stopping the pills. Take a rest period and see if your migraines subside.

You should know that women with chronic migraines are at higher risk of strokes compared to those without. Within this population of women with a strong history of migraines, adding estrogen pills adds to their risk of a stroke. Thus, I usually recommend them getting off of these pills, or switching to pills that don't contain estrogen.

I know you do not want to get pregnant, and I would suggest you talk to your doctor about contraceptive pills without estrogen, other methods and if desired, permanent surgical options as well."

guampdn.com