do hormones affect Chiari symptoms?

[mattismom118]

Hi everyone -
We have been tracking Matti's symptoms and daily log of food, water, activity etc.  I am noticing that her symptoms - particularly the headaches, seem to be worse about 10 days before her period - is this true for anyone else with chiari or is it just a seperate issue?
Thanks,
Kim

[selmaS]

U r welcome : D

[denverluv]

Okey dokey you medical book on legs LOL - thank you! :)

[selmaS]

TSH is thyrotropin: anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates the function of the thyroid gland .

[denverluv]

What is TSH?  I have asked them to check my thyroid because I can't believe all my problems come from Chiari and syrinx.  

[selmaS]

I was never aware of the thyroid issue and like chiari when tested I was told I was "normal" ot with in range...BUT they only tested teh TSH which can appear normal...the  issue we have is autoimmune so just testing TSH is not a complete look and does not mesn u do not have a thyroid issue.

[cyberpyxi]

wow, i always had mine twice a month, too! Now i have 3 every 2 months. I have no thyroid issues or other causes that we have found.
Strange

[selmaS]

Hi...I also used to get my monthly 2 a month too...I later found it was most likely due to a thyroid issue and I went into menopause early.....

Deff ask to have the following checked and do not listen to it is intermittent bleeding as I was told...it was a reg flow!!
TSH, Free T3 , Free T4...TPO antibodies.....

AND try to stop smoking as it constricts ur vessels which will make ur HA;s worse.

I pray u r able to quit soon : )

"selma"

[denverluv]

I get my period twice a month, and my headaches DO get worse about two days before. It starts out being just a little bit worse, then when I actually get my period it turns into a full blown migraine, which lasts about three days, then slowly tapers off. I also get very ill, like I have the flu. Needless to say getting my period TWICE a month leaves me with about one week of being kind of ok.  I have never tried birth control for it because I smoke, and smoking increases your chance for blood clots when taking birth control.  I wish I could tell you somethinng that worked, but I haven't figured it out yet.  But yes, my HA gets worse at that time.

[selmaS]

I totally understand...and as a mom I would feel the same as u....u may want to try natural ways to reduce inflammation around that time...we do have a thread in the Health Pages on anti inflammatory foods.....she should drink plenty of water.....and some caffeine may also help with extreme HA's...
http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Neurological%20Disorders/Anti-inflammatory-Foods/show/1023?cid=186

I would also want to have her dr look at what natural supplements may help with ne other symptoms she may have.

Good luck
"selma"

[mattismom118]

Hi Selma,

Part of the problem with being newly diagnosed is trying to figure out which issues are Chiari related, or Chiari amplified, or just typical teen issues - It does not surprise me to hear that monthly cycle issues may be amplified by the Chiari - but now what?  Don't want to put her on hormones (birth control) as doc has talked about - she is only 13~

[selmaS]

HI Kim,

Back when I was still getting a monthly, I did notice an increase of HA's around that time.....many chiarians do have pituitary issues and hormone involvement.....and we r prone to autoimmune issues as well.....and they can affect hormones like Hashimoto's thyroiditis.....

Has she been checked to see what her hormone levels r, or do u feel this is more just a monthly issue for her?

"selma"