Review, 2008
Why do migraines get worse around menstruation?
Estrogen withdrawal appears to be the main trigger. It enhances nerve sensitivity and changes pain-related chemicals in the brain around the menstrual period.
What they did
Review article proposing new theories to explain why migraines are triggered or worsened around menstruation.
What they found
Estrogen withdrawal is the most potent hormonal factor in menstrual migraines. It enhances sensitivity of trigeminal nerves involved in migraines, changes neuropeptide production, affects neurotransmitter systems, and influences brain cell function. These changes activate and sensitize the systems involved in migraine headaches during the menstrual period.
What it means for you
Understanding how estrogen withdrawal affects migraine triggers during the menstrual cycle may help develop better treatments. The review proposes new theories but notes more research is needed to test them.
About the study
- Original title
- New theories in the pathogenesis of menstrual migraine
- Authors
- Martin VT
- Journal
- Current pain and headache reports
- Year
- 2008
- Study design
- Review
- What was tested
- None, theoretical review
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1007/s11916-008-0077-3
Topics
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