--- title: Does blood flow to the head increase during premenstrual headaches? description: Yes. Women with premenstrual headaches had significantly increased blood flow in head arteries during premenstrual headache episodes compared to headache-free url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/evaluating-cerebral-blood-flow-among-patients-experiencing-premenstrual-syndrome-2025/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does blood flow to the head increase during premenstrual headaches? Cohort study, 2025 # Does blood flow to the head increase during premenstrual headaches? Yes. Women with premenstrual headaches had significantly increased blood flow in head arteries during premenstrual headache episodes compared to headache-free periods, likely related to dropping progesterone levels. Moderate study design 32 women with premenstrual headaches ## What they did Prospective cohort study of 32 women with premenstrual headaches over two menstrual cycles. Researchers used neck ultrasound to measure artery diameter, blood vessel area, blood flow speed, and total blood flow volume during both headache and headache-free periods and compared measurements. ## What they found Left external carotid artery diameter was significantly different between headache and non-headache periods (p = 0.030). Left external carotid artery blood flow was significantly higher during premenstrual headache (p = 0.019). Total external carotid artery blood flow was significantly higher during premenstrual headache (p = 0.028). Total head blood flow was significantly higher during premenstrual headache (p = 0.030). Higher blood flow was attributed to decreased peripheral resistance caused by declining progesterone during the luteal phase. ## What it means for you This study shows increased head blood flow during the premenstrual period may explain premenstrual headaches, possibly related to dropping progesterone. The study is small and ultrasound depends on operator skill. It is unclear whether blood flow causes headaches or is a consequence. The findings explain one biological mechanism but do not yet suggest new treatments. 32 women studied 2 cycles menstrual cycles measured p=0.019 statistical significance of blood flow increase ## About the study Original title Evaluating Cerebral Blood Flow among Patients Experiencing Premenstrual Syndrome with Headache using Duplex Ultrasonography Authors Cakmak P, Can ÖK, Yagci AB Journal Current medical imaging Year 2025 Study design Cohort study What was tested None - observational study Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.2174/0115734056326531250529161603](https://doi.org/10.2174/0115734056326531250529161603) Original abstract Introduction: This study aimed to demonstrate the relationship between hemodynamic changes in head blood flow and headache during the premenstrual period in patients experiencing premenstrual syndrome. Methods: Thirty-two female patients experiencing premenstrual headaches were prospectively examined using carotid and vertebral artery duplex ultrasonography during headache episodes in the premenstrual periods and headache-free periods across two consecutive menstrual cycles. The diameters and areas of both the carotid and vertebral arteries, along with systolic and end-diastolic velocities, pulsatility and resistivity indices, and volumetric flow rates, were measured using grayscale imaging. Total head blood flow was determined as the sum of bilateral common carotid artery and vertebral artery flow volumes. Measurements were compared between participants' premenstrual and menstrual periods. Results: A statistically significant difference in the diameter of the left external carotid artery was observed between periods with and without headache during the two consecutive menstrual cycles assessed ( p = 0.030). Left external carotid artery ( p = 0.019), total external carotid artery ( p = 0.028), and total head blood volumes ( p = 0.030) were significantly higher when headache was present during the premenstrual period than when headache was absent. Discussion: Towards the end of the luteal phase, the total head blood flow and external carotid artery flow were high due to a decrease in peripheral resistance caused by the decline in progesterone and hormonal fluctuations during this period. Conclusion: Increased flow volume in the external carotid arteries and total head blood flow may be a contributing factor to premenstrual headaches. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Dysmenorrhea and period pain](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-dysmenorrhea/)[Pain and headache](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-pain/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Randomised trial, 2025 Do vitamin D and E supplements reduce menstrual pain and PMS symptoms? Systematic review, 2025 Does digital healthcare help manage period pain and PMS? Cohort study, 2025 How common is PMS in Chinese teenage girls, and what factors are linked to it? Systematic review, 2025 Does teaching adolescent girls about their menstrual cycle and health help reduce period pain and PMS? Randomised trial, 2024 Does estetrol/drospirenone birth control improve PMS symptoms? Cohort study, 2024 Is there a link between sleep and menstrual problems in teenage girls? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗