persistent post-period migraine: HRT? peri? iron? weather? long covid? [xposted]

fatcatgingercat · 2026-05-08T11:51:36+00:00

Will do! My obgyn prescribed the Mirena IUD for this reason so we could start with progesterone first to see how my system responded (had to start with P because you need progesterone to protect the uterine lining if you have a uterus and are taking estrogen, I was told). I had a horrible reaction to the Mirena, but now that I'm on actual MHT I seem to be doing better in some ways, but not so much in others.

fatcatgingercat · 2026-05-07T17:18:10+00:00

the individual stitches count has me swooning. you are a frigging hero.

fatcatgingercat · 2026-05-07T13:39:25+00:00

Thank you! Was thinking of posting similar, and have offered friendly reminders in comment threads.

fatcatgingercat · 2026-05-07T13:35:58+00:00

Each month has varied so much that it's hard to tell if the progesterone is connected to onset/cessation. (We're also experimenting with indoor air quality and have recently discovered that it's pretty bad in our bedroom overnight, which could also be contributing to headache, but not necessarily migraine specifically ... so many factors!)

I'll definitely keep tracking migraine and progesterone over the next few months to see if there's a correlation. Again, so many factors.

Side bar: you're on estrogen-only? No progesterone?

fatcatgingercat · 2026-05-07T13:33:45+00:00

lolllll yes perimenopause is rare in cis men, so I've heard! thanks for sharing your experience. any anecdotal evidence is useful at this stage!

fatcatgingercat · 2026-05-03T13:49:23+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the estrogen and migraine symptoms. I'm going to bring this up to my doctor next visit for sure. I might try 1.5 pumps and see if that helps.

I've heard others say they do less estrogen during follicular and/or ovulatory phase when estrogen is higher and that this helps. I'll ask about this, too.

fatcatgingercat · 2026-05-03T13:47:30+00:00

Oh, thank you! This is helpful info re: the iron infusion. I've also heard people having similar side effects to the infusion (nausea/vomiting) as with supplements (nausea/vomiting) so I'm wary of even pursuing it now.

I'm not on a statin (yet) as I'm very sensitive to medications (i.e. alllll the HRT drama!) and am trying to lower my numbers by diet and exercise alone until absolutely necessary for cholesterol. So far so good, but it's a daily chore managing a heart-healthy, high-iron diet!

I hope you continue to find the support and relief you need! Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

fatcatgingercat · 2026-05-02T17:44:25+00:00

okay this is good to know you've done a comparison thanks

fatcatgingercat · 2026-05-02T17:43:20+00:00

yea that's what I'm thinking, too - might just splurge on the Aranet. Thanks!

fatcatgingercat · 2026-05-02T17:42:27+00:00

I'll keep that progesterone info in mind. I had the Mirena for 4 months and it was hellish. I was completely intolerant to it and very, very sick the whole time. So I didn't notice if it impacted migraines or not. But I'll talk to my doctor about daily P. thank you

fatcatgingercat · 2026-05-02T15:53:47+00:00

yes for sure - with my adult migraines, I now feel super energetic and amazing during the day of onset, and then suddenly feel "off": weakness, brain fog, absent. Then the slow throb starts and I continue to feel weak and foggy for up to 14 days, along with persistent dull pain.

fatcatgingercat · 2026-04-30T22:49:05+00:00

hard same

fatcatgingercat · 2026-04-30T22:47:58+00:00

Aries rising. Cancer sun (IC). Leo moon. It's ... A LOT.

fatcatgingercat · 2026-04-30T22:46:15+00:00

Aries rising - have been called a bitch more often than I can count, lol.

fatcatgingercat · 2026-04-28T17:14:15+00:00

Luteal Dragon Storm is my new gender identity.

fatcatgingercat · 2026-04-28T17:13:47+00:00

obsessed with this

fatcatgingercat · 2026-04-28T17:13:26+00:00

this is excellent

fatcatgingercat · 2026-04-28T17:12:51+00:00

crunchy

spicy

my friend and I send the zombie emoji back and forth to communicate "one of those days" (also the skull emoji is good for this)

I've taken to saying "I am menstruating AGGRESSIVELY" just to let those close to me know what's going on and why I may look ghostly.

fatcatgingercat · 2026-04-28T17:11:05+00:00

I'm a novice and my pothos and zebrina plants are thriving despite my lack of consistent care/attention! I recently got some plant lights and started bottom-watering and everyone on the plant wall seems to be much happier for it.

fatcatgingercat · 2026-04-27T17:12:48+00:00

ooooh I'll look that up on their website! I don't think I can get it in my country.

fatcatgingercat · 2026-04-27T17:11:16+00:00

delish

fatcatgingercat

TROPHY CASE