Migraine and testosterone levels

I have heard that there may be a link between men who suffer migraines and having a low testosterone level. There are a number of websites that back this up, but I am sceptical of anything I read online. There was a proper study done in 2005, but it only included 7 people, so that's not much use.

Has anyone here had their testosterone levels checked? I'm really only asking the males.

I am replying in regard to my 17 year old son who has had daily migraines for years (they became especially bad when he was about 10 or 11). I have wondered about the hormonal component for males for a long time. He has had his "free testosterone" tested and it has come back "normal" we are told, but what is normal and how do we know he doesn't have high estrogen levels or something like that?? I finally asked my GP if we could see an endocrinologist to maybe dig further in this hormonal question because I feel like I should check it out. So far, we are still waiting for an appointment with an endo. If you find out any other info in regards to male migraines, I'd be interested in hearing it.

Absolute correlation to low testosterone levels and at least severe headache. There's a ton of info on the net.

Estrogen levels aren't really a concern, but progesterone levels should be looked at.

These 3 should be taken:

Total Testosterone
% Free Testosterone
Free Testosterone

An endocrinologist should do this. If a guy is low, there's a reason. Tumor on the pituitary or gonadal failure to name a couple.

Pretty rare stuff, but significant impact if you do have it.

-mgb

Mine was measured because I was suffering from severe fatigue (turned out to be a sarcoidosis flare up). My free level was somewhat high for my age but the doctor didn't think that was something to worry about, didn't think it represented a disease process, just normal variation. I asked if being high could impact my migraines but he said no.

I have seen 4 neuros and a dozen other Dr and none ever suggested that. I have had many tests. Now I want to know.

I will post back if I get it.

family practitioners can order the tests, but the best docs to know their meanings and interpretations, along with a solid diagnosis is a neuroendocrinologist.

not a ton of these docs around.

supplemental testosterone can have benefits, but have significant risks. you need to have a pretty good link to low T levels to need supplemental testosterone to justify it's use to begin with, let alone headache or migraine.

the opinions vary on %Free as to its accuracy and usefulness. this really isn't neurologist or headache specialist terratory, or FP.

prescription testosterone like androgel can make a guy feel better, but can also shoot up all the T numbers fast. significant weight gain (>30 lbs), increased blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, triglycerides, increased prostate cancer risk, and liver functions are quite common along with some other nasty effects.

there really needs to be a significant underlying reason why T levels outside of age are low for the docs to want to prescribe. no one that knows what they are doing is going to prescribe this just for migraine or headache.

risk/reward is targeted at those that have a neuroendocrine disease (like a tumor) or other uroligical problem.

for example, a person with migraine with typical symptoms like aura with normal or even near normal T values wouldn't be a candidate for supplementation.

but a patient with a pituitary tumor pressing on certain areas of the pituitary with clinically low T lab values would be a candidate with or without headaches. headaches are common with low T levels. however, the docs need to look at the overall picture for risk/reward.

if you end up taking a dose daily of T, and gaining 20 lbs, have your cholesterol spike, BP go up....then you've really caused a bunch of 2nd and 3rd tier problems that will require other medications to treat the side effects.

this stuff gets trickly, so high end docs are the best at handling this type of stuff long term. but, low doses closely monitored by a doc for a period of time can help. but the caveat again, is that there should be a driver for low T to begin with.

Yes, absolutely true for me (even being a woman). Testosterone implants have given me freedom from daily headache, I also have estrogen implants as well but that alone did not stop daily headache. Only when it was combined with testosterone did I feel really well and free from daily headache, plus i had more energy.

There is controversy here in Australia about how much testosterone women should be receiving but I just stuck to my guns and insisted that my levels should be that of a 25 year old woman, and it works for me.

I also have a male friend who uses testosterone gel which he applies each day. He is a total mess without it. He has headaches, severe lethargy, weight gain, headache, arthritic symptoms as well without his testosterone. With the testosterone gel he is free from all such woes.

Thank you for bringing it up as a topic, it is one that I have been thinking of proposing as a post for some time. For women, it is a difficult subject as hormone therapy is so controversial. All I can say is that it works for me and when it starts to wear off I can tell as my headaches return.

Annabella, what do you mean by implants? Is it a timed release of a certain amount per day? Where do they implant them? What did you have to do to get them? Did you get any side effects from the testosterone?

I have sent a more detailed answer to migrainegirl, but just want to say that I have absolutely no side effects (like growing extra hair or change of voice) or any other masculineness effects from the implants. Plus they give me more zing !!

I'm thinking of giving testosterone a go, since I have had problems with estrogen, LOL.

I could not get a prescription from my primary physician, but I am thinking about trying a cream.

I do worry about, if I decide to use it on a regular basis, when do I stop? Will I go through some sort of migraine withdrawal?

I could really use some "zing", however.

I am a male in my sixties. Suffered from low grade migraine headaches for years thinking they were sinus problems. After I finally had sinus checked and no problems, it was suggested that I try Imitrex. If it did help it was a migraine. Worked great, 45 minutes later no headache.
A few years ago I started having testosterone pellets implanted under the skin. Headaches went completely away for about 5 months. I had testosterone checked and it was very low again. More pellets, no headaches. Works great for me, with the side benefit that I kept a muscular, young build.

Boy - I would hate having to take testosterone supplements.

I'm in my mid-50s and I like having a lower level. I feel "civilized" for the first time in my life. I wouldn't want to return to a constant preoccupation with the opposite sex and the aggesive nature I use to have. I feel much more mellow now. It is quite pleasant.

But I also hate migraines. So it would be a real dilemma.