---
title: Does the menstrual cycle affect brain activity differently in women with migraine?
description: Yes, in this study women with migraine showed greater brain electrical changes during the premenstrual phase than healthy women, especially when stressed. Thi
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/relationship-between-precipitating-agents-and-neurophysiological-abnormalities-2006/
---

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- Does the menstrual cycle affect brain activity differently in women with migraine?

Non-randomised trial, 2006

# Does the menstrual cycle affect brain activity differently in women with migraine?

Yes, in this study women with migraine showed greater brain electrical changes during the premenstrual phase than healthy women, especially when stressed. This suggests the menstrual cycle and stress together may trigger migraine attacks.

 Early or limited evidence

17 women with migraine and 15 healthy women

## What they did

Researchers recorded brain electrical activity (contingent negative variation or CNV) in 17 women with migraine and 15 healthy women. Measurements were taken during two menstrual cycle phases (ovulation and premenstrual) under both resting and stressful conditions.

## What they found

Women with migraine showed a significant increase in CNV amplitude during the premenstrual phase compared with ovulation. During both phases, both groups showed increased CNV amplitude under stress. The increase under stress in the premenstrual phase was more pronounced in women with migraine.

## What it means for you

The menstrual cycle and stress both change brain activity in ways that may lead to migraine. The combination seems particularly risky. This is a small study, so results need confirmation.

17

Women with migraine

15

Healthy control women

2

Menstrual cycle phases measured

## About the study

Original title Relationship between precipitating agents and neurophysiological abnormalities in migraine Authors Siniatchkin M, Averkina N, Gerber WD Journal Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache Year 2006 Study design Non-randomised trial Participants 15 What was tested Measurement of brain electrical activity (CNV) across menstrual cycle phases and stress conditions Read the paper [doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2982.2006.01061.x](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2982.2006.01061.x)

## Topics

[Pain and headache](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-pain/)[Stress](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-stress/)[Migraine](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-migraine/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)

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## Related studies

Case-control study, 2004

Is job stress linked to having premenstrual symptoms?

Cohort study, 1997

Do migraines get worse at certain times in the menstrual cycle?

Survey study, 1996

How does the menstrual cycle affect the link between stress and migraines?

Survey study, 2025

Does menstruation affect how well women perform at work?

Cohort study, 2025

Do pain sensitivity and negative thinking explain how trauma and stress cause PMS or PMDD?

Cohort study, 2025

What causes migraine in female college students who have PMS?

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