Migraine is 3 times more common in women. Below is a list of pages examining the various hormonal influences on the condition.
Migraine: Men v. Women
Around the time of a girl's first menstruation, there is a rapid rise in the incidence of migraine for this gender. In fact, female migraineurs outnumber males by a ratio of 3:1. Oestrogen levels are a key factor in this increased prevalence of migraine in women.
Read full article
Menstrual Migraine
About 60% of women with migraine note an increased number of attacks in association with their menstrual period. Pure Menstrual migraine is diagnosed when attacks occur exclusively on the day (1±2) of menstruation in at least 2 out of 3 menstrual cycles and at no other times during the cycle.
Read full article
Migraine and Pregnancy
60% of women experience improvement during pregnancy, particularly during the second and third trimesters. It is thought that the more stable levels of circulating oestrogen and progestogen at this time is responsible for the improvement. However, about 15% of women report worsening or new onset migraine.
Read full article
Oral Contraceptives and Migraine
The COC is not contraindicated in women who have migraine. However, if the patterns of migraine change for the worse or if the patient experiences aura for the first time, the oral contraceptive should be discontinued.
Read full article
Migraine and the Menopause
For women whose migraine has been closely linked with their menstrual cycle, the elimination of that trigger with the onset of menopause can result in real improvement, although it is rare for attacks to disappear entirely.
Read full article
© MAI 2010
