Ask the Nurse

I am 36 years old and have just recently been diagnosed with migraines. I went through a lot of tests to rule out serious issues that may be causing the migraines and have seen a neurologist. I am not having the migraines as intensely or as frequently, but I am still having out of the ordinary symptoms that are alarming at times. Some of the symptoms are hard to describe. I just don’t think it is migraines that I am having. I thought about seeing an endocrinologist. Would they be able to help me determine what is going on?


Migraines are common in women and can get worse in midlife as hormones change and fluctuate. There are various triggers for migraines and it is important to limit the following:

  • stress
  • caffeine
  • avoid extreme changes in sleep patterns

Seeing an endocrinologist may be helpful to determine what the cause is, however, I would suggest finding a women’s health expert in your area to assess hormone status. Sometimes a low dose continuous birth control pill can regulate your hormones and avoid a sudden "drop" in hormones that can be a trigger for migraines. Additionally, you can help prevent migraines by taking an adequate amount of Vitamin B (especially B2 riboflavin) and Magnesium supplementation. You may want to consider taking L-methylfolate if your B12 levels are normal and/or if you have the MTHFR mutation.

Botox injections by a qualified neurologist may be of benefit for some. Please be sure to have your vision checked by an ophthalmologist.

All My Best,
The Speaking of Women’s Health Nurse

May 1, 2018 at 11:20am