Kerrie’s The Daily Headache post today cites new research that women approaching menopause have increased migraine attacks. This was certainly true of me. At only 37, my menstrual migraines increased to an absolutely intolerable severity, and I had multiple ER visits or hospitalizations every month for a year during my period. I was having hot flashes and other symptoms of early approaching peri menopause as well.

The wonderful doctor I had at that time said “enough is enough.” I’d had two children, my tubes were tied, and I had a history of endometriosis. For me, it was a no-brainer. In 2011, I had a total hysterectomy / oopherectomy.

It took a long time for me to get my hormone replacement worked out, and my headaches actually increased for a time. It’s not something I would recommend lightly. But about 6 months later I was able to control most of my pain at home with significantly fewer ER trips and hospitalizations.

Unfortunately though, I was still chronic, and had to stop working two years later…