Freaky Weird

[redsquirrel]

Ok, so this is about the 5th or 6th time this has happened to me since I started using AAS. They are very isolated incidents, so I'm not going bezerk, but I'm still weirded out....The first spell happened while I was taking my 1st cycle of Var.

Here's what happens....I start getting blind spots in my primary vision for about 20 minutes...then it moves to my peripheral for another 10, and then I get a headache...Of course my morbid ass thinks it's a tumor. My husband thought it may be the GH, but I wasn't taking GH when it first happened. It happens about every 6-8 months. I've been off for 3.5 weeks, he thought it may be related to the serious change in hormones. Anyone else have any ideas? I'm going for my physical next week, so I'm sure she will have an idea..But she doesn't know my drug use, and want some ideas from here!;)

[sana]

i'm sorry to be as morbid as you but from what i've read - and i'm a huge hypochondriac so don't take my word for it - weird blindspots in your vision usually relate to optic tumors.

BUT - i am again usually wrong on stuff like this and it might just be low blood sugar or something. maybe you're anemic.

[trip]

Don't know if this helps at all.......Do you take any protein shakes with aspartame ( sp ) as one of the ingredients? And if you do maybe during cycle you take more of these shakes?

A very small percentage, like 2% have vision problems with aspartame. It happened to me, was the weirdest thing ever, had bought like 48 of those pre-mixed shakes on sale from GNC, and a week into taking vision stuff happened, of course didn't know, so kept on taking, then finally stopped, went away, and read an article on it.

Also, wonder if it could have too do with blood pressure...increased water weight?



Is that an issue while your on.

Good Luck

[redsquirrel]

Originally posted by sana
i'm sorry to be as morbid as you but from what i've read - and i'm a huge hypochondriac so don't take my word for it - weird blindspots in your vision usually relate to optic tumors.

BUT - i am again usually wrong on stuff like this and it might just be low blood sugar or something. maybe you're anemic.

I have been anemic in the past....

I'm somewhat of a hypochondriac as well....But the fact they have happened so sporadically and over like 3 years time makes me think it is possibly related to something else. If they happened like every week or even every month, I would be more alarmed.

TRIP- My protein does not have any aspartame. I guess I'll have to ask my doc about this.

[redsquirrel]

Well, I just realized what it is...A MIGRAINE!!! Whew!!!

Here's what I just read @ WedMD:

http://my.webmd.com/hw/migraines/hw1...tselectedguid={5FE84E90-BC77-4056-A91C-9531713CA348}

[sana]

ohh... a migraine... those aren't good either. :(

[redsquirrel]

But HELLA BETTA THAN A TUMOR!!!

[trip]

So, it seems you got alota.....aura, lol

good news

[Puddles]

Red...I get visual disturbances prior to the onset of migraines too. It's a very weird thing. How's your bp? For years I had terrible migraines, often more than once a week, then I was put on a beta blocker bp med wich is also used as a migraine preventative, Propanolol and it not only brought my bp down but it helped eliminate a lot of the migraines. I also found that citrus juice would trigger migraines so now I avoid it...there are a lot of food allergies associated with migraines.

[redsquirrel]

My BP has always been normal....It'll be checked next week, though. I don't get migraines but about every 6 months...so I guess since they are so infrequent, I freak out and think it's something serious. I had migraines when I was on Depot Lupron for endometriosis, and they weren't like that

[redsquirrel]

My BP has always been normal....It'll be checked next week, though. I don't get migraines but about every 6 months...so I guess since they are so infrequent, I freak out and think it's something serious. I had migraines when I was on Depot Lupron for endometriosis, and they weren't like that. It's really freaky that they can cause the wavy lines and blind spots!!!

[Dallasdoll]

RS,
I posted about 4 weeks ago on steroidology about the same thing happening to me. I was having terrible headaches and went to a very prominent clinic thinking that I had a brain tumor or something. I went through 6 hours of testing to include xrays, scans, lab work, etc....(cost a small fortune). They checked everything imaginable except for hormones since I hadnt told them anything about AAS usage. Well, I had just come off a primo, anavar cycle a week or so before this started. Guess I should have thought about hormones. I called a friend of mine who is an MD and he prescribed Zomig for me. I take it when I start to feel the presymptoms of the headache coming on. They are getting better with time. I was having 4 or 5 a day and now usually only 1 a day. I really think it was an estrogen imbalance that is starting to correct itself because the headaches are not happening as often and my skin is clearing up, etc.

[redsquirrel]

My husband had thought the same thing...the change in hormones may have caused it. Thanks for your input. It makes me feel better; even though I wanted to go and have every test known to man!! LOL

[Dallasdoll]

RS,
I know just how you feel. I did go and have every test known to man and Im apparently in perfect health. My friend who is an MD looked at the results they sent me and they tested everything imaginable except hormone levels which is understandable since I didnt give them a reason to. It sounds like you are having the same symptoms I had and I seem to be getting better. If you have a DR that will just give you Zomig to deal with the headaches in the meantime it makes life a lot easier. Keep us posted. Dallasdoll

[Dallasdoll]

This is from an article online I read about hormones and headaches. It really talks about menstrual migraines which I dont have since I havent had a period in a couple months but since some of us intentionally alter our hormones, I would assume the same could apply.

INTRODUCTION
In women migraineurs, the female sex hormones, progestins and estrogens, exert a profound influence on the number and severity of migraine headaches. Why this occurs and the mechanisms involved, remains unclear. Menstrual migraines generate an enormous amount of suffering because they tend to be more severe than non-menstrually related headaches. In addition, they are often resistant to the usual migraine medication strategies. Headaches often decline in severity during pregnancy but when present they are difficult to treat, because of the limited number of safe medications available. During menopause, headaches may follow any pattern, and they often improve after this time. When women require hormone replacement therapy, there are certain hormonal approaches that may help limit the headaches. Oral contraceptives may induce or exacerbate headache, or, less often, the headaches may improve. The majority of the time, the birth control pill does not influence migraine; however, it is important to be aware of the possibility of migraine exacerbation with the oral contraceptives.
In several studies, progestin and estrogen levels have been found to be increased premenstrually in women migraineurs. However, others have not discovered this difference. Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, as well as testosterone levels, have been the same in migraineurs as in controls. Estrogen withdrawal may produce migraine headaches, but the exact mechanism of this is uncertain.

Estrogen and progesterone influence serotonin receptors. Estrogen withdrawal exerts a profound effect on hypothalamic control mechanisms. Prostaglandins have been found in increased concentrations in women experiencing menstrual migraine.

Treatments
Triptans (Imitrex, Amerge, Maxalt, Zomig): For some women, triptans are the most effective abortive and preventive therapy. Ideally, the longer-acting ones (Amerge) may be best; however, Imitrex has been effective (preventively) for certain women. The usual dose would be one tablet twice per day, starting 1 day (or so) prior to the “usual” onset of the migraine. It would usually be continued for 3 to 5 days. Timing of the menstrual migraine is often difficult, however. Amerge (2.5 mg.) is very well tolerated, and is particularly suited to this use. Triptans do not have an indication for this use from the FDA as of yet. See Chapter 2 for a complete discussion on triptans.

Hormonal Approaches to Menstrual Migraine Prevention

If the above therapies have not been effective and the menstrual migraines are very severe and debilitating, it is justified to consider stronger approaches, such as the use of hormonal therapy. Prior to utilizing hormonal therapies, women need to be informed of associated risks, as listed in a major drug reference guide.

Tamoxifen (Nolvadex): Tamoxifen competes with estrogen in target tissues, and is primarily used as an adjuvant breast cancer therapy. Gynecomastia and mastalgia have also been treated with tamoxifen. In low doses, I use tamoxifen for the prevention of menstrual migraine. Tamoxifen is one of the more effective menstrual migraine prevention medications. In some women, tamoxifen has decreased migraines and daily headaches at other times of the month as well.

Tamoxifen is available as a 10 mg. pill. The usual dose is 10 mg. per day for 7 to 14 days, usually given just prior to the menstrual period. Starting the tamoxifen earlier in the cycle, such as 1 week after menses, may be more effective in some women. The dose may be lowered to 5 mg. or increased to 15 to 20 mg. per day. The usual dose for the treatment or prevention of breast cancer is 10 or 20 mg. per day, but this has been increased in some patients.

Adverse effects are usually absent or mild, and include nausea, hot flashes, and menstrual irregularities. Rashes, vaginal bleeding, and vaginal discharges may occur. Other side effects such as leukopenia, weight gain, edema, headache, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, pain in the legs, blurred vision, and dizziness may occur but are rare with the low doses utilized for headache. Malignant liver tumors have been reported in animal studies; however, the animal studies have, in general, been conducted with very large doses. The patient needs to be informed of the association of liver carcinomas, at least in laboratory studies, and the use of tamoxifen. Uterine CA has also been reported. Frequent Pap smears need to be considered in women on tamoxifen.

Estrogen: During the normal menstrual cycle, there is a decrease in levels of estrogen during the late luteal phase. This may be a prominent factor in triggering the headache. Estrogen alleviates the headache in some women and exacerbates the headache in others. Progesterone is generally not effective for menstrual migraine, and will often increase headaches. Percutaneous estradiol gel, used perimenstrually, has been effective in the prevention of menstrual migraine, but this preparation is not available in the United States. I primarily use oral estrogen, usually ethinyl estradiol (Estinyl), 0.05 mg., or micronized estradiol (Estrace), 1 or 2 mg. Premarin, which is a natural conjugated estrogen, has an irregular absorption, and the fluctuating estrogen levels may contribute to headache. In addition, Premarin has miscellaneous natural compounds, equine-derived, that may possibly trigger headache. The synthetic estrogen preparations are, in theory, better for headache patients. The estradiol transdermal system (Estraderm) gives very consistent absorption of estrogen, and is useful for menstrual migraine prophylaxis. Since the use of estrogens is contraindicated during pregnancy, this issue needs to be explained prior to initiating therapy.

The usual dose of estrogen is 0.05 mg. of ethinyl estradiol(Estinyl), one tablet each day for 5 days prior to menses; this may be continued for 2 days after the onset of menstrual flow. I will usually utilize estrogen for a 1 week period of time. Alternatively, Estrace may be used, usually 1 mg. per day. The estrogen transdermal patch, Estraderm, may be utilized, with the 0.05 mg. patches. The total estradiol content is 4 mg., and the release rate is 0.05 mg. per 24 hours. The patch is changed twice weekly, and utilized for a total of 7 days. The idea is to minimize the length of time on estrogen, but to use the medication for a long enough time for it to be effective. The women who are placed on estrogens, or any hormonal therapy, have very severe, prolonged migraines. The debilitating nature of these severe menstrual migraines justifies the use of stronger medication approaches.

Side effects of estrogens are many, and include: breakthrough bleeding, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, menstrual flow changes, endometrial hyperplasia, vaginal candidiasis, nausea, abdominal cramps, colitis or cholestatic jaundice, alopecia or hives, hirsutism, headache, dizziness, depression, decrease or increase in weight, edema, decreased libido, tenderness of the breasts, and chloasma. Estrogens may also increase the risk of endometrial carcinoma. Breast cancer may be influenced by estrogens. Estrogens are contraindicated during pregnancy or with a history of thrombophlebitis or thromboembolic disorders. Preexisting uterine leiomyomas may grow during estrogen therapy. Although small doses are utilized for limited periods of time, women on estrogens should be followed closely by their gynecologist.

Continuous Birth Control Pill: For some women with extremely severe, prolonged menstrual migraine, a low-dose continuous (noncycling) birth control pill may be effective. The birth control pill will be utilized for a number of months to decrease the devastating headaches for that period of time. This approach is relatively safe, and at times is the only effective therapy. While the birth control pill may help decrease headache, when it is used on a cyclical basis (in the usual manner), the menstrual migraines are often more severe. Women who smoke cigarettes should not be on the birth control pill.