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Survey study, 1999

What causes menstrual migraine and how is it treated?

Estrogen withdrawal around menstruation triggers migraines in susceptible women. Treatment includes NSAIDs, triptans, and other medications, with hormonal therapy if needed for severe cases.

Early or limited evidence Women with migraine (clinical review, not a specific patient group)

What they did

Review of clinical experience and research on migraine in women, describing how hormonal changes throughout life affect migraine frequency and what treatments work.

What they found

Menstrual migraine occurs at the time of greatest estrogen level fluctuation. Frequency reported as high as 60-70%. Effective treatments include NSAIDs, dihydroergotamine, triptans, and aspirin-acetaminophen-caffeine combination.

What it means for you

Migraines linked to menstruation are common and treatable, but this is based on clinical experience, not a controlled research study.

60-70%

frequency of menstrual migraine reported

About the study

Original title
Menstrual migraine
Authors
Silberstein SD
Journal
Journal of women's health & gender-based medicine
Year
1999
Study design
Survey study
What was tested
Various medications for migraine treatment

Topics