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Home > Archive > Migraine support > December 2005 > Hypothyroid
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| valerie 2005-12-13, 6:00 pm |
| Hi, I was recently diagnosed with underactive thyroid and prescribed
Thyroxine, to be taken every day. I now find I am getting rather frequent
migraines, preceded by an aura, following by a dull headache which can't be
shifted even with painkillers.
I am wondering if the medication is causing the migraines, any have any
ideas?
Many thanks for any input.
| |
|
| valerie wrote:
> Hi, I was recently diagnosed with underactive thyroid and prescribed
> Thyroxine, to be taken every day. I now find I am getting rather frequent
> migraines, preceded by an aura, following by a dull headache which can't be
> shifted even with painkillers.
>
> I am wondering if the medication is causing the migraines, any have any
> ideas?
>
> Many thanks for any input.
>
>
>
Possible. What has the doc said?
| |
|
| On Tue, 13 Dec 2005 22:05:44 -0000, "valerie" <noone@somewhere.co.uk>
wrote:
>Hi, I was recently diagnosed with underactive thyroid and prescribed
>Thyroxine, to be taken every day. I now find I am getting rather frequent
>migraines, preceded by an aura, following by a dull headache which can't be
>shifted even with painkillers.
>
>I am wondering if the medication is causing the migraines, any have any
>ideas?
Could be the medication. Does it list headache as a possible side
affect? Ask your doc if there is an alternative med you can try. There
are hypothyroid problems on booth sides of my family. I don't think
any family member mentioned headaches but they were/ are all taking
other meds.
I know some people who have greatly reduced their migraines once the
thyroid problem was under control. Do check this with your doctor.
'did
| |
| valerie 2005-12-14, 10:59 am |
|
"Erik" <erik@spamlovers.org> wrote in message
news:P7Inf.12313$Y72.2774@bignews1.bellsouth.net...
> valerie wrote:
frequent[vbcol=seagreen]
be[vbcol=seagreen]
>
> Possible. What has the doc said?
Haven't told her. I am trying to see if the "migraines" are caused by
different things first. At the moment I am off all chocolate, and so far so
good. But interested that you said the med could be the possible cause.
Thanks for your time.
>
| |
| valerie 2005-12-14, 10:59 am |
|
"'did" <kadee@inorbit.com> wrote in message
news:1qnup11vv08mh434p1hbb74acr5n484rv9@4ax.com...
> Could be the medication. Does it list headache as a possible side
> affect? Ask your doc if there is an alternative med you can try. There
> are hypothyroid problems on booth sides of my family. I don't think
> any family member mentioned headaches but they were/ are all taking
> other meds.
>
> I know some people who have greatly reduced their migraines once the
> thyroid problem was under control. Do check this with your doctor.
>
> 'did
Yes, actually it does list headaches as a side effect, but not migraines.
Maybe you are right, and I must give it time for the medication to get my
thyroid under control. The odd thing is I never got migraines before which
makes me think it could be the Thyroxine. It's difficult for me to gauge
though, as I DID get very strange visual problems followed by headaches
while I was having chemotherapy, but when the treatment stopped so did the
problem. Only recently come back.
Many thanks for your help.
| |
|
| valerie wrote:
> But interested that you said the med could be the possible cause.
I have a friend with the same condition, and he's upped his meds so he's
basically in a constant manic mode. Nothing sinister, but he's like a
big kid. He was once caught by the state troopers w/ his convertible
doing 90 sitting on top of his seat and steering with his feet.
For me, anything that stimulates me results in headaches. Caffiene,
Coffee, anger, etc. (btw, I've discovered that propanolol works great
as an as needed drug to abort these headaches).
I know this is a hormone and not a stimulent. The hormone does result
in higher activity levels. So, it's possible.
btw, have you consider titrating up?
Erik
PS- you really should keep your doc in the loop. If you don't, they
either assume that everything is fine, or they may put on a shorter
leash. Either way, you lose.
| |
| valerie 2005-12-14, 12:53 pm |
|
"Erik" <erik@spamlovers.org> wrote in message
news:g6Ynf.275$zt1.68@bignews2.bellsouth.net...
> I have a friend with the same condition, and he's upped his meds so he's
> basically in a constant manic mode. Nothing sinister, but he's like a
> big kid. He was once caught by the state troopers w/ his convertible
> doing 90 sitting on top of his seat and steering with his feet.
God, he was lucky not to be killed!! How funny though lol
>
> For me, anything that stimulates me results in headaches. Caffiene,
> Coffee, anger, etc. (btw, I've discovered that propanolol works great
> as an as needed drug to abort these headaches).
>
> I know this is a hormone and not a stimulent. The hormone does result
> in higher activity levels. So, it's possible.
I've never heard of propanolol, I'm in UK. Has it got another name? I take
Migraleve which is quite good.
> btw, have you consider titrating up?
Erik, I haven't got a clue what you mean by that.
> PS- you really should keep your doc in the loop. If you don't, they
> either assume that everything is fine, or they may put on a shorter
> leash. Either way, you lose.
Yes, you are right. I will make an appointment this week.
Thanks again for your attention.
| |
| Liz Spindola 2005-12-14, 5:58 pm |
| Hi Valerie..
I'm also hypothyroid and take 125 mcg of Thyroxine. So far (we're still
working out the appropriate dosage), I haven't seen any difference in my
head pain. From what I've read, it should be helping once I get to the
right amount for me...
Liz
"valerie" <noone@somewhere.co.uk> wrote in message
news:dnngdm$pjm$1@newsg2.svr.pol.co.uk...
> Hi, I was recently diagnosed with underactive thyroid and prescribed
> Thyroxine, to be taken every day. I now find I am getting rather frequent
> migraines, preceded by an aura, following by a dull headache which can't
> be
> shifted even with painkillers.
>
> I am wondering if the medication is causing the migraines, any have any
> ideas?
>
> Many thanks for any input.
>
>
>
| |
| valerie 2005-12-14, 5:58 pm |
|
"Liz Spindola" <lspindolaatcomcastdotnet> wrote in message
news:FdqdnV79TbuW6D3enZ2dnUVZ_sWdnZ2d@comcast.com...
> Hi Valerie..
>
> I'm also hypothyroid and take 125 mcg of Thyroxine. So far (we're still
> working out the appropriate dosage), I haven't seen any difference in my
> head pain. From what I've read, it should be helping once I get to the
> right amount for me...
>
> Liz
Hi Liz
When you say you haven't seen any difference in your head pain, do you mean
you had bad headaches before taking the Thyroxine? Or did your headaches
begin after you started to take it?
I suppose you are having regular blood tests to find out how much medication
you need.
I certainly hope it helps when they regulate the dosage, good luck.
Valerie
| |
| Liz Spindola 2005-12-15, 1:01 am |
| Finding out I had low thyroid really didn't have anything to do with my
headaches... I have a friend who has Hashimoto's Disease and thought that I
was the poster child for low thyroid. Had my values checked and found that
I was a little on the low side. I've been a migraine sufferer for years and
have had pretty good luck with amitriptyline and verapamil as preventatives
(still get them, but much more manageable). The doc thought I might get
even better results once I got my values in the normal ranges... So... as I
said, no difference yet, but still not complaining -- MUCH better than I
used to be!
And yes, you're right.. I've been seeing the endocrinologist every couple
of months to check my levels and change the dosage. I'm still freezing,
chubby, dry, flaky skin, with aches and pains, etc. (charming, huh?) so I
hope he will change it again in January.
Liz
PS - My doggie is on thyroid meds too. What a family!
"valerie" <noone@somewhere.co.uk> wrote in message
news:dnptlv$kan$1@news7.svr.pol.co.uk...
>
> "Liz Spindola" <lspindolaatcomcastdotnet> wrote in message
> news:FdqdnV79TbuW6D3enZ2dnUVZ_sWdnZ2d@comcast.com...
>
>
> Hi Liz
> When you say you haven't seen any difference in your head pain, do you
> mean
> you had bad headaches before taking the Thyroxine? Or did your headaches
> begin after you started to take it?
>
> I suppose you are having regular blood tests to find out how much
> medication
> you need.
>
> I certainly hope it helps when they regulate the dosage, good luck.
>
> Valerie
>
>
| |
|
| On Wed, 14 Dec 2005 20:09:01 -0500, "Liz Spindola"
<lspindolaatcomcastdotnet> wrote:
>PS - My doggie is on thyroid meds too. What a family!
My dad, brother and the family dog were all taking the same medication
although different dosages. My mom's father also was on medication for
hypothyroid.
I have symptoms but so far, no diagnosis.
'did
| |
|
|
valerie wrote:
> I've never heard of propanolol, I'm in UK. Has it got another name? I take
> Migraleve which is quite good.
propranolol is the generic here in the US.
Inderal is the namebrand.
I'm sure your GP is aware of it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propranolol
>
>
> Erik, I haven't got a clue what you mean by that.
That means slowly increasing your dose until it gets the effect you're
looking for. My slowly increasing you can sometimes avoid the
side-effects.
>
>
> Yes, you are right. I will make an appointment this week.
I usually just call and talk to the nurse. It's more time efficient and
less expensive. If they want me to come in, I'll do that, but I try
to worm out of it first.
| |
|
| On Thu, 15 Dec 2005 09:36:26 -0500, Erik <erik@spamlovers.org> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>valerie wrote:
>
>propranolol is the generic here in the US.
>Inderal is the namebrand.
>
>I'm sure your GP is aware of it.
>
>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propranolol
>
>
http://homepage.powerup.com.au/~rmottare/drugs.htm
Propranolol is Inderal in the UK.
This is a great site if you want to see ehat a particular med is
called in the US, UK, Canada, South Africa or Australia or what the
generic name is.
'did
| |
| friendlytxtech 2005-12-16, 1:01 am |
| Hi Valerie, I'm hypothyroid and was diagnosed in August. I've been on .25
mcg of Synthroid since then. My TSH is now down to about 0.8 and I feel
great. I did have some headaches at first, but then I experienced the best
days I've had in a long time. It took about six weeks for my medication to
kick in. I have tons of energy now, where I used to be so darn fatigued.
How long have you been taking the medication? Sometimes people switch to
Armour. Have you looked at the alt.support.thyroid group at all? I went
there when I first was diagnosed so I could get some education at least.
Michelle
"valerie" <noone@somewhere.co.uk> wrote in message
news:dnngdm$pjm$1@newsg2.svr.pol.co.uk...
> Hi, I was recently diagnosed with underactive thyroid and prescribed
> Thyroxine, to be taken every day. I now find I am getting rather frequent
> migraines, preceded by an aura, following by a dull headache which can't
> be
> shifted even with painkillers.
>
> I am wondering if the medication is causing the migraines, any have any
> ideas?
>
> Many thanks for any input.
>
>
>
| |
| valerie 2005-12-16, 10:59 am |
|
"friendlytxtech" <friendlytxtech@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:sIydnZkduO1e_z_enZ2dnUVZ_tKdnZ2d@comcast.com...
> Hi Valerie, I'm hypothyroid and was diagnosed in August. I've been on .25
> mcg of Synthroid since then. My TSH is now down to about 0.8 and I feel
> great. I did have some headaches at first, but then I experienced the
best
> days I've had in a long time. It took about six weeks for my medication
to
> kick in. I have tons of energy now, where I used to be so darn fatigued.
>
> How long have you been taking the medication? Sometimes people switch to
> Armour. Have you looked at the alt.support.thyroid group at all? I went
> there when I first was diagnosed so I could get some education at least.
>
> Michelle
Hi Michelle - thanks for your reply. I started medication (50 mcg
Levothyroxine at first, then 100) in August this year. I have been feeling
much better as regards energy, sometimes too much, as I find it difficult to
just sit and watch tv for long and have to get up a DO something 
However, I started getting migraine like headaches, with shimmering jagged
lights. Also get slight nosebleeds occasionally. I am in remission with
ovarian cancer, and the chemo has knocked me about a lot so I'm not sure if
the thyroxine is to blame.
Yes, I have been to the alt.support.thyroid group, and they have been
helpful, if rather technical!
Thanks for the input.
Valerie
| |
| friendlytxtech 2005-12-16, 12:53 pm |
| Hmmm, you might ask your doctor to switch your brand of Thyroxine...as your
deduction could easily be correct. I tend to get the headache side of
effects and it really stinks.
Michelle
"valerie" <noone@somewhere.co.uk> wrote in message
news:dnoo46$os9$2@newsg4.svr.pol.co.uk...
>
> "'did" <kadee@inorbit.com> wrote in message
> news:1qnup11vv08mh434p1hbb74acr5n484rv9@4ax.com...
>
> Yes, actually it does list headaches as a side effect, but not migraines.
> Maybe you are right, and I must give it time for the medication to get my
> thyroid under control. The odd thing is I never got migraines before
> which
> makes me think it could be the Thyroxine. It's difficult for me to gauge
> though, as I DID get very strange visual problems followed by headaches
> while I was having chemotherapy, but when the treatment stopped so did the
> problem. Only recently come back.
>
> Many thanks for your help.
>
>
| |
| friendlytxtech 2005-12-16, 12:53 pm |
| I was actually only borderline at 3.74, but my hormone doctor saw that I had
spiked from 1.5 earlier in the year and have always been in that range, so
she put me on the Synthroid. I am amazed at how good I feel, yet am
surprised that my TSH is so low now. I'm the same, can't really sit still
too long--tons of energy and it only got better over time. It seems my
anemia is under better control now as well.
So what is your TSH and the range they use? Does your doctor also check
your Free T4 and T3?
You poort thing, cancer as well. I hope you're doing well with that as I
know it's so hard on our bodies to go through chemo.
Yes that group is highly technical. Despite the fact that I am usually in
other ways, that's so way over the top of my head :-)
Michelle
"valerie" <noone@somewhere.co.uk> wrote in message
news:dntseq$tt6$1@news8.svr.pol.co.uk...
>
> "friendlytxtech" <friendlytxtech@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:sIydnZkduO1e_z_enZ2dnUVZ_tKdnZ2d@comcast.com...
> best
> to
>
> Hi Michelle - thanks for your reply. I started medication (50 mcg
> Levothyroxine at first, then 100) in August this year. I have been
> feeling
> much better as regards energy, sometimes too much, as I find it difficult
> to
> just sit and watch tv for long and have to get up a DO something
> However, I started getting migraine like headaches, with shimmering jagged
> lights. Also get slight nosebleeds occasionally. I am in remission with
> ovarian cancer, and the chemo has knocked me about a lot so I'm not sure
> if
> the thyroxine is to blame.
>
> Yes, I have been to the alt.support.thyroid group, and they have been
> helpful, if rather technical!
>
> Thanks for the input.
> Valerie
>
>
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