Combined hormonal contraceptives and migraine: An update on the evidence

Abstract

Combined hormonal contraceptives are contraindicated in women who have migraine with aura, in whom these drugs can increase the risk of ischemic stroke. However, this contraindication is based on data from the 1960s and 1970s, when oral contraceptives contained much higher doses of estrogen. Stroke risk is not significantly increased with today's preparations, many of which contain less than 30 μg of ethinyl estradiol. Further, in continuous regimens, ultra-low-dose formulations--those that contain less than 20 μg of ethinyl estradiol--may help prevent menstrual migraine and reduce the frequency of aura.