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Review
. 2012 Apr;13(3):177-89.
doi: 10.1007/s10194-012-0424-y. Epub 2012 Feb 26.

Migraine in women: the role of hormones and their impact on vascular diseases

Simona Sacco  1 , Silvia Ricci, Diana Degan, Antonio Carolei
Affiliations
Review

Migraine in women: the role of hormones and their impact on vascular diseases

Simona Sacco et al. J Headache Pain. 2012 Apr.

Abstract

Migraine is a predominantly female disorder. Menarche, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, and also the use of hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement treatment may influence migraine occurrence. Migraine usually starts after menarche, occurs more frequently in the days just before or during menstruation, and ameliorates during pregnancy and menopause. Those variations are mediated by fluctuation of estrogen levels through their influence on cellular excitability or cerebral vasculature. Moreover, administration of exogenous hormones may cause worsening of migraine as may expose migrainous women to an increased risk of vascular disease. In fact, migraine with aura represents a risk factor for stroke, cardiac disease, and vascular mortality. Studies have shown that administration of combined oral contraceptives to migraineurs may further increase the risk for ischemic stroke. Consequently, in women suffering from migraine with aura caution should be deserved when prescribing combined oral contraceptives.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Hormonal changes and incidence of migraine without aura in women
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