Review, 2008
Are migraines linked to menstruation different from regular migraines?
Probably yes. Menstrually-related migraines are more severe and disabling than regular migraines, with worse pain intensity and poorer response to medication.
What they did
Review of research comparing menstrually-related migraines with regular migraines, examining both population-based and clinic-based studies.
What they found
All studies showed migraines increase around menses. Menstrually-related migraines had worse pain intensity, longer duration, more disability, worse warning signs before the headache, more nausea, and poorer response to acute medication in a significant subset of women.
What it means for you
Migraines linked to your menstrual cycle may be more severe and disabling than other migraines. This is a review of existing studies, so conclusions depend on the quality of those studies.
About the study
- Original title
- Perimenstrual migraines: are they different from migraines in general?
- Authors
- Tepper SJ
- Journal
- Current pain and headache reports
- Year
- 2008
- Study design
- Review
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1007/s11916-008-0078-2
Topics
Related studies
Systematic review, 2023
What hormonal treatments have been tested for PMDD, menstrual migraine, and catamenial epilepsy?
Cohort study, 2022
Can women accurately tell if they have period-related migraines, or do they need to track them?
Guideline, 2021
How should migraine be managed in women, particularly menstrual migraine?
Randomised trial, 2016
Does telcagepant prevent migraines during the menstrual period?
Randomised trial, 2014
Does the combination of sumatriptan and naproxen sodium reduce menstrual symptoms and migraine?
Randomised trial, 2005
Does sumatriptan work for migraines around the menstrual cycle?