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Review, 2009

Can hormonal treatments prevent migraines during menstruation?

The review suggests reducing estrogen fluctuations with hormonal treatments may help prevent migraines linked to menstruation, but more research is needed.

Moderate study design Not applicable; this is a review of hormonal treatments for menstrual migraine.

What they did

Review article examining available hormonal treatments, both contraceptive and non-contraceptive, for menstrual-related migraine.

What they found

Menstrual migraines affect the majority of female migraineurs and are more disabling, longer lasting, and less responsive to traditional treatments than non-menstrual migraines. Minimizing or eliminating monthly estrogen declines may prevent them. Multiple hormonal treatment options are available.

What it means for you

Hormonal treatments could help women whose migraines are linked to their menstrual cycle. Different hormone formulations have different effects. This is a review of existing treatments, not new research.

About the study

Original title
Hormonal therapies for menstrual migraine
Authors
Calhoun AH, Hutchinson S
Journal
Current pain and headache reports
Year
2009
Study design
Review
What was tested
Hormonal contraceptives and non-contraceptive hormonal therapies.

Topics