Perimenopause,has anyone been getting ocular migraines ?..

Hi Jan.

I had a few migraines when I was pregnant and then just the odd one. I'm 51 now and they have come back with avengeance . Up until now I had no menopause symptoms. They are also causing me to have panic attacks. I lost both of my parents in my 20's and my only sister last year. I'm single so have nobody at home for support and I also work full time. They are leaving me exhausted. The last 8 days I have had about 6 attacks and then 2 weeks after my last period I started bleeding again. Looks like the menopause is starting!!!

Hello Jan. I am so sorry for the void of the loss of your parents. Also, for the peiple who have these things constantly, I am very sorry for the discomfort and interruption of your life this causes.

I am 52, have anxiety since the death of my dad 9 years ago which scared the s**t out of me and left me so incredibly sorrowful. Recent hormones tests show "post menopausal" but I still have periods that are usually quite regular. Fairly high stress as I manage a new business and am training people.

I have had 2 ocular migraines.

The first one was a few days before my period started 2 months ago and another last night (period is a little late).

Both times before this started I had felt "out of sorts" on and off for a week or so which I attribute to hormonal fluctuations.

This recent time I kept thinking that I need to go in a cave and think about my life and what I'm doing. Lol.

Both times, bright light sensitivity and grouchiness directly precedes the zig zag bright flashing light show and then a blurry blob in the middle. Like trying to see through a drop of clear oil in the middle of a light show.

The first time this happened I thought I was having a stroke and freaked out and started having an anxiety attack. I was at my Mom's eating lunch and said, "I can't see properly and I think I am having a stroke, thank you for lunch but I need to go home." My friend drove me home and it went away in the car.

I looked it up, considered my family health, my age, my stress level, being in "reverse puberty" and thought that I need to make some stress reduction changes. I was bummed out really bad the next day.

This time, 2 months later, I was taking a bath and when the zig zag started I knew what it was and stayed mostly mellow and simply continued my bath then wrapped up in a towel, went to be early and took some Tylenol. The headache pain was not too bad.

This morning I felt really sad.

For me personally I know that part of my stress is inner and part of it is outer. Having a horrible president doesn't help but there isn't much I can do about the Orange Menace.

Yes I get the ocular migraine and it’s frightening, usually it last about 20 mins to get my full sight back then I get a headache or just a heavy head. Yes all these nasty symptoms take over your mind it’s a horrible time and like you I have no Mum to turn to, my mum died when I was 17yrs so I don’t know what she would of gone through as she was 45yrs old. Sending you a comforting hug x

Can I just say to everyone who has replied on this discussion it has helped me to know that it isnt only me who get these occular/silent migraines. It seems to be one of the less talked about symptom on the menopausal forum doesnt it? It just helps to know that your not alone! Even if you dont wish anyone else to suffer them.

Hi yes i suffer similar migraines, thankfully there are now down to one per month, I have been taking supplements- mega B, fish oil and magnesium- I definitely believe they held. Plus I was so tired I could barely function come the afternoon 

I would also recommend taking a hot shower when this develops. I know it’s least thing you want to do but I did and the migraine lifted as did all the groggy feeling after a migraine 

Hi Jan, I had a sudden onset of exactly the type of occular migraine that you describe. They now occur less frequently. I've learned to notice the early start, when one is about to be triggered. I've found I can often ward them off by quickly taking headache tablets, drinking water, avoiding or moving away from any bright or moving/flashing lights and sitting or lying calmly for 10-20 minutes. Over time, I've also learned not to panic so much, so when they do occur, they seem to pass more quickly. I still get the dull headache afterwards but overall I deal with them much better. I also spoke to my GP. It's always good to get medical advice. Mine have less negative impact on me now. I hope they improve soon for you too. Best wishes, Debbie

HI. I’ve always had menstrual migraines but now at 50 with lots of peri menopause symptoms I have one migraine after another. They are really bad and scary to the point i’m convinced i’m Going to die! Just about to go on holiday but feel so stressed as i’ve Had tension headaches and now a really bad migraine all week. All I want to do is stay at home!