I have been noticiing that for the past couple of months, during my menses, my facial pain would start acting up more than usual. Last month, I was a week late and paid for it. I couldn't talk for the whole time that I had it. It was horrible. The only medication that I am on is Tegretol, 800mg twice a day. I do not take anything for the pain and I was diagnosed seven years ago. I just got off the phone with my neurologist and informed her of this and she said that she has never heard of ATN or TN being triggered by hormonal changes. Am I the only one going through this or are there more women out there suffering the same monthly horror as I am. Any help would be wonderful. Thank you all for allowing me to share.
This has been mentioned here before, I don't think it is just you. I googled this and found articles about changes in hormones in women can indeed play a role so it would make sense. I went into menopause about a year ago (I am 47), but it seems my worst break through pain still comes when I used to have a period??? There is so much unknown it does get frustrating. Be your best advocate, if needed check with another Dr, another opinion and maybe differents meds? Take Care.
Betsy
Hi Maria - I always have had increased pain around the time of my period - I never got confirmation that the two are connected except that "everything" is more sensitive - according to the Dr. However it's something I made note of. Also, I have been peri-menopausal and started taking herbal supplements for symptoms (hot flashes, etc..) I mention this because six months ago I had the MVD surgery and had been doing OK. This week my TN attacks started again. I don't know if the supplements triggered anything or its just happening on its own. Woe is me! Anyway, take care.
I def notice pain increases the day before and first day of my period I copied this off a page. So yes our hormones are playing a part. Hormones are powerful, little messengers that run the entire body. As such, these messages can also feed into pain and suffering. Hormonal imbalance may go unnoticed when one has chronic conditions like erectile dysfunction, depression, pain, anxiety, or insomnia. Doctors need to stay vigilant in case the root of any or all of these problems is a hormonal imbalance. The problem with having medications that only mask a symptom is that everyone stops looking for the real problem, the root of the problem. Let's examine some common hormonal imbalances that can affect those with chronic pain.
Hi Maria,
I always thought my period aggravated my tn symptoms too. I noticed it would start a few days before and the pain would get worse up until it started. I mentioned it to my neuro also but he didn't seem to think too much about it. I think our hormones aggravate it for sure.