Survey study, 1996
How does the menstrual cycle affect the link between stress and migraines?
The menstrual cycle changed how women coped with stress and how often they had migraines. The connection between stress and migraines was stronger at certain points in the cycle.
What they did
Researchers studied 12 women with migraines and 12 without. All filled out questionnaires about stress at three cycle points: before their period, during their period, and at ovulation. Women with migraines also recorded headaches daily for a month.
What they found
The menstrual cycle changed how women used coping strategies and affected migraine activity. The link between stress and migraine varied across the cycle. Changes around the period may strengthen the stress-migraine connection.
What it means for you
Stress may affect migraines differently depending on where you are in your cycle, especially around your period. The study was very small, with only 12 women in each group.
12
women with migraines
12
women without migraines
1 month
daily headache recording
About the study
- Original title
- The relationship between stress, headache, and the menstrual cycle in young female migraineurs
- Authors
- Holm JE, Bury L, Suda KT
- Journal
- Headache
- Year
- 1996
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 12
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1046/j.1526-4610.1996.3609531.x
Topics
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