Migraines

[ShannonD]

Hi guys,

OK, so I have interesting information.  I have never had a migraine...so I am just passing along some interesting information I read.  (I had head pressure from electrolyte abnormalities, but never migraine)

Apparently calcitonin can be used to treat some migraines.  The reason I thought is was interesting is because folks with a thyroiditis can have a deficiency of calcitonin. (Normally not thought to be a big deal.)

Also calcitonin can be used to bolster bone strength.  It inhibits osteoclast (cells that break down bone) activity.

I am going to look into it because I get concerned about osteoporosis, knowing that I will be on HC and florinef for life.  I have stress fractures in my teeth.  

I am using progesterone, testosterone and DHEA, but I am going to look into calcitonin for bone strengh.  Unfortunately, I will not be able to tell you all if it helps with migraines....becasue I do not have them.  

Hope this is helpful to someone.
Shannon

[Idaho Dusty]

Shannon,

Thanks for the info on calcitonin.  I've never heard about its connection to migraines.  It's always good to have a new lead on something different to try.  

I'm currently having some luck with melatonin, I think.  Perhaps it's all a coincidence.  I haven't had a migraine since early September.  That's a record for me.  It's been at least 3 years since I've gone this long without one.  I was using melatonin (3 g)/day, the week before I'm scheduled to get a migraine, I doubled to 6 g.  I have not been taking a break from melatonin but I will take a 2 week break during this cycle (thanks Wanda and Joel!)

I'm going to look into calcitonin too Shannon.  Thanks for the great info!

Dusty

[ShannonD]

Dusty,
So glad to hear about the migraine free period!!! I will keep my fingers crossed for you.

I think about you, and your long races, and think that for bone health, calcitonin might be a thought.  I will let you know as I find out more.  (Might be expensive....and who knows with insurance.  I think the injections are cheaper than the nasal.  Needles don't bother me.)

So I am reading this great book...."The Hormone Solution" by Dr. THierry Hertoghe.  It is about 'anti-aging' medicine.  I do not know that I believe in the anti-aging medicine....just for the heck of it.  BUT the book is a wealth of information about hormones and their effects in your body.  We addison's folks have a lot of first hand experience with hormone deficiencies.....good read, check it out.

Frankly, I find it refreshing to read some of these books that the regular medical establishment looks at askance.  If I trusted that they had a clue, maybe I would not feel that way....but so far I am only somewhat impressed by their ability to 'heal' people.  

Oh, and I forgot to tell you.  Found a site on the internet the other day whcih stated that up to 10-15% of people with mild to moderate head injury, may develop some degree of hypopituitary later in life.  (that's a lot of people, because 'mild injury' is basically a concussion).  

The other books I am reading are Jefferies: Safe Uses of Cortisol(fabulous), and Peatfield (sp?), How to care for your thyroid.  

I am going to see Dr. Reese-Jones on Nov 18th.  Hoping I can convince him into doing a GHRH-arginine stim test to look at growth hormone.  I am going to ask about calcitonin, and I am also going to see if a CRH stim test would be worth it to see if I have secondary.  I am highly suspiscious that I have Sheehan's. The longer I live with it, the more a sense of it I feel I get.

Hope you are well.
Shannon

[Idaho Dusty]

Shannon,

Thanks for the reading suggestions.  You are one busy woman, mom, job, reading and researching!  Impressive!!

I've had my bone density checked several times in several different ways.  Fortunately, it's excellent.  Probably genetic.  My mother is a small boned, 60ish year old, white woman who gets no exercise and her thyroid has been screwy since before she had her thyroid removed at 11.  Against all odds, her bone density is excellent too.  I think I'm just lucky but I will definitely keep the calcitonin in mind.  I appreciate learning all the new things you are teaching me!

I hope your experience with Reese-Jones is as good as my mother's and you get the tests you need and want.

Have a great weekend!

:) Dusty