Epidemiological and clinical aspects of migraine in users of combined oral contraceptives

Reviewing migraine-associated pathophysiology and its impact on elevated stroke risk

Migraine affects up to 20 percent of the global population and ranks as the second leading cause of disability worldwide. In parallel, ischemic stroke stands as the second leading cause of mortality and the third leading cause of disability worldwide. This review aims to elucidate the intricate relationship between migraine and stroke, highlighting the role of genetic, vascular, and hormonal factors. Epidemiological evidence shows a positive association between migraine, particularly with aura, and ischemic stroke (IS), though the link to hemorrhagic stroke (HS) remains inconclusive. The shared pathophysiology between migraine and stroke includes cortical spreading depression, endothelial dysfunction, and genetic predispositions, such as mutations linked to conditions like CADASIL and MELAS. Genetic studies indicate that common loci may predispose individuals to both migraine and stroke, while biomarkers such as endothelial microparticles and inflammatory cytokines offer insights into the underlying mechanisms. Additionally, hormonal influences, particularly fluctuations in estrogen levels, significantly impact migraine pathogenesis and stroke risk, highlighting the need for tailored interventions for women. The presence of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in migraineurs further complicates their risk profile, with device closure showing promise in reducing stroke occurrence. Furthermore, white matter lesions (WMLs) are frequently observed in migraine patients, suggesting potential cognitive and stroke risks. This review hopes to summarize the links between migraine and its associated conditions and ischemic stroke, recognizing the profound implications for clinical management strategies for both disorders. Understanding the complex relationship between migraine and ischemic stroke holds the key to navigating treatment options and preventive interventions to enhance overall patient outcomes.

The physical impact of migraines on female chiropractic patients: A qualitative study

Background

Migraines are highly prevalent among the female population and have a significant burden on one's quality of life and physical functioning.

Aim

The study explored the physical impact and contributory factors of migraines on women and their experience of chiropractic treatment for migraine pain management.

Setting

The study was conducted in the eThekwini region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Methods

The study used a qualitative descriptive design and adopted purposive sampling. The data were collected through 12 semi-structured interviews, between March and September 2021, and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

The first theme that emerged focused on the physical effects of migraines. The second theme related to the factors that contributed to migraines. The third theme that emerged focused on chiropractic treatment for migraines.

Conclusion

The majority of the participants experienced chronic migraines and migraines without aura. The participants felt incapacitated and experienced debilitating physical effects with their migraines. The study highlighted that chiropractic treatment was favourable among the female population in improving the quality of life and reducing the severity, disability, duration of suffering and frequency of migraines. It was revealed that chiropractic was the preferred non-pharmacological approach for migraine treatment, as it proved to be a beneficial and effective treatment for migraine pain management.

Contribution

The findings contribute to a greater awareness of chiropractic as an effective evidence-based treatment approach for migraine pain management, which may be beneficial to migraineurs and healthcare practitioners.

Oral combined hormonal contraceptive associated with protection against allodynia in migraine in a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

For the most part, migraine afflicts young women who often need to use the hormonal contraceptive method.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of using exogenous estrogen, present in combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) and progestin-only methods on the prevalence of allodynia in women with migraine.

METHODS

Study comprising women diagnosed with migraine, with or without aura, who were not pregnant, breastfeeding, or menopausal. The study was conducted via the digital platform. Data were collected relating to demographics, contraceptive method, anthropometric information, smoking habits, and migraine-related symptoms. The participants then answered the following validated, self-administered questionnaires: Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS), Allodynia Symptom Checklist, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), and Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI). In order to determine the variables associated with allodynia, two binary logistic regression models were used.

RESULTS

Four hundred eighty-six women took part in the study. Of these, 205 used CHC, 89 used a progestin-only method, and 192 participants did not use any form of hormonal contraception. Allodynia was identified in 411 (84.6%) participants. Allodynia was linked to the presence of aura (OR = 2.76; CI 95% 1.55-4.91; p = 0.001), menstrually related migraine (OR = 2.14; CI 95% 1.28-3.57; p = 0.004), greater disability (MIDAS score 23 vs. 8; p < 0.001), depression (BDI score 14 vs. 10; p < 0.001), and anxiety (GAD-7 score 11 vs. 8; p < 0.001). In adjusted analysis, CHC was associated to protection against allodynia when jointly evaluated all CHC regimens (OR = 0.49 CI 95% 0.26-0.92; p = 0.028), as well as oral CHC individually (OR = 0.48 CI 95% 0.25-0.92; p = 0.027).

CONCLUSION

CHC reduced the chances of women with migraine getting allodynia.

Menopause hormone therapy, migraines, and thromboembolism

Migraine, a common form of headache, is a highly prevalent and disabling condition with a predilection for females. Migraines are neurovascular diseases. The two main types of migraines are migraines with and without aura, and several subtypes exist. There is a strong link between sex steroids and migraines. In women, migraine remissions are associated with stable and critical oestrogen levels. The literature reveals an association between migraine with aura and stroke, with a higher incidence in the young compared with that in the old. The absolute risk of stroke is low; tobacco use and a high dose of oral oestrogens may increase the risk. Early diagnosis, follow-up, and nonhormonal symptomatic and preventive treatments address the neglected area of migraines. Judicious use of hormones throughout the lifespan as needed would improve the quality of life.

Effects of the Menstrual Cycle on Neurological Disorders

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The menstrual cycle involves recurrent fluctuations in hormone levels and temperature via neuroendocrine feedback loops. This paper reviews the impact of the menstrual cycle on several common neurological conditions, including migraine, seizures, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and Parkinson's disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

The ovarian steroid hormones, estrogen and progesterone, have protean effects on central nervous system functioning that can impact the likelihood, severity, and presentation of many neurological diseases. Hormonal therapies have been explored as a potential treatment for many neurological diseases with varying degrees of evidence and success. Neurological conditions also impact women's reproductive health, and the cessation of ovarian function with menopause may also alter the course of neurological diseases. Medication selection must consider hormonal effects on metabolism and the potential for adverse drug reactions related to menstruation, fertility, and pregnancy outcomes. Novel medications with selective affinity for hormonal receptors are desirable. Neurologists and gynecologists must collaborate to provide optimal care for women with neurological disorders.

Medical Eligibility for Contraception in Women at Increased Risk

BACKGROUND

Most women of child-bearing age want a safe method of contraception. Numerous methods are available, with different modes of application. In situations involving particular risks, the selection of the right method poses a special challenge.

METHODS

Contraceptive methods for use in various situations with increased risk are presented in the light of a selective review of the literature, including the relevant current guidelines.

RESULTS

The current recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) can be used to determine whether any particular contraceptive method is applicable. In particular, the use of combined hormonal contraceptives may be contraindicated in the presence of certain risk factors, especially when there is an elevated risk of thromboembolism. Situations of increased risk include a genetic predisposition to thrombophilia, diabetes mellitus, age over 35, and nicotine abuse. Careful attention to the choice of an appropriate contraceptive agent is also necessary for women with hypertension, hepatic tumors, headache (including migraine), and epilepsy. For such patients, good alternatives include the use of a gestagen (=progesterone) single-agent preparation, an intrauterine device, or a pessary.

CONCLUSION

Meticulous history-taking and clinical examination are important components of contraceptive counseling that enable the identification of all potential risk factors. In situations of increased risk, decisions must be taken individually. Depending on the nature of the patient's underlying illness, interdisciplinary collaboration may be advisable. Even in situations of increased risk, an appropriated risk-benefit analysis should make it possible to find a suitable contraceptive method for any woman who needs one.

[Effectiveness and use of hormonal contraceptives (except for intrauterine devices): CNGOF Contraception Guidelines]

Hormonal contraceptives remain among the most popular methods used by women. The purpose of this work is to review the effectiveness and use of these different methods. In addition, some side-effects are feared and/or frequently reported by users of hormonal contraceptives: unscheduled bleeding, acne, catamenial migraines, weight gain, libido and/or mood disorders. In this review of the literature, the accountability of hormonal contraceptives for the occurrence of some of these side-effects was discussed and a management strategy was proposed.

Effect of exogenous estrogens and progestogens on the course of migraine during reproductive age: a consensus statement by the European Headache Federation (EHF) and the European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Health (ESCRH)

We systematically reviewed data about the effect of exogenous estrogens and progestogens on the course of migraine during reproductive age. Thereafter a consensus procedure among international experts was undertaken to develop statements to support clinical decision making, in terms of possible effects on migraine course of exogenous estrogens and progestogens and on possible treatment of headache associated with the use or with the withdrawal of hormones. Overall, quality of current evidence is low. Recommendations are provided for all the compounds with available evidence including the conventional 21/7 combined hormonal contraception, the desogestrel only oral pill, combined oral contraceptives with shortened pill-free interval, combined oral contraceptives with estradiol supplementation during the pill-free interval, extended regimen of combined hormonal contraceptive with pill or patch, combined hormonal contraceptive vaginal ring, transdermal estradiol supplementation with gel, transdermal estradiol supplementation with patch, subcutaneous estrogen implant with cyclical oral progestogen. As the quality of available data is poor, further research is needed on this topic to improve the knowledge about the use of estrogens and progestogens in women with migraine. There is a need for better management of headaches related to the use of hormones or their withdrawal.

Treating migraine with contraceptives

At least 18% of women suffers from migraine. Clinically, there are two main forms of migraine: migraine with aura (MA) and migraine without aura (MO) and more than 50% of MO is strongly correlated to the menstrual cycle. The high prevalence of migraine in females, its correlation with the menstrual cycle and with the use of combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) suggest that the estrogen drop is implicated in the pathogenesis of the attacks. Although CHCs may trigger or worsen migraine, their correct use may even prevent or reduce some forms of migraine, like estrogen withdrawal headache. Evidence suggested that stable estrogen levels have a positive effect, minimising or eliminating the estrogenic drop. Several contraceptive strategies may act in this way: extended-cycle CHCs, CHCs with shortened hormone-free interval (HFI), progestogen-only contraceptives, CHCs containing new generation estrogens and estrogen supplementation during the HFI.

Migraine, menopause and hormone replacement therapy

Perimenopause marks a period of increased migraine prevalence in women and many women also report troublesome vasomotor symptoms. Migraine is affected by fluctuating estrogen levels with evidence to support estrogen 'withdrawal' as a trigger of menstrual attacks of migraine without aura, while high estrogen levels can trigger migraine aura. Maintaining a stable estrogen environment with estrogen replacement can benefit estrogen-withdrawal migraine particularly in women who would also benefit from relief of vasomotor symptoms. In contrast to contraceptive doses of ethinylestradiol, migraine aura does not contraindicate use of physiological doses of natural estrogen. In women with migraine with or without aura, using only the lowest doses of transdermal estrogen necessary to control vasomotor symptoms minimizes the risk of unwanted side effects. Cyclical progestogens can have an adverse effect on migraine so continuous progestogens, as provided by the levonorgestrel intrauterine system or in continuous combined transdermal preparation, are preferred. There are no data on the effect of micronized progesterone on migraine, either cyclical or continuous. Non-hormonal options for both conditions are limited but there is evidence of efficacy for escitalopram and venflaxine.

A Survey on Migraine Prevalence in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease - A Single Centre Experience

BACKGROUND

It is hypothesized that migraine may be related to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), therefore in this cross-sectional study we evaluated the prevalence of migraine in patients with IBD.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study 80 patients with IBD and 80 patients without IBD referring to a private gastroenterology clinic from May to January 2014 were evaluated regarding the prevalence of migraine, severity of migraine based on Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), and habits related to headache.

RESULTS

160 participants with the mean age of 35 years were evaluated. The prevalence of migraine in the case group was significantly higher than the control (21.3% vs. 8.8%, p=0.027). Moreover, duration of each attack (hours) in IBD group was significantly higher than the control group (p<0.001) while the duration of migraine involvement (months) and number of attacks was higher in the control group (p=0.019 and 0.048, respectively). Headache other than migraine in the control group was significantly higher than the IBD group(p<0.001). Disability in the case group was more than the control group but the difference was not significant. The correlation between the severity of disability related to migraine (based on HIT-6) and severity of IBD (based on May oscore & Crohn’s disease activity index (CDAI)) was not significant (r=0.16, p=0.58). Moreover the correlation between the duration of IBD and migraineprevalence was not significant (r=-0.14, p=0.19).

CONCLUSION

We found that the prevalence of migraine in patients with IBD is significantly more than normal population. More studies are needed to highlight the correlation between migraine and IBD.

[Formalized consensus: clinical practice recommendations for the management of the migraine in African adult patients]

Migraine is a primary headache disorder (according to the latest International Headache Society criteria) affecting approximately 8% of African population. Women are more often affected than men and attacks usually occur before the age of 40 years Although some treatments, hygienic-dietary measures and other non-pharmacological methods can reduce the intensity and frequency of attacks, medicinal treatment of migraine attack is often necessary. Availability of treatments and access to care differ in Africa and led to the implementation of the first expert consensus recommendations for the management of the migraine in african adult patients. This multinational collaborative study is intended for health practitioners. It aims to provide 16 simple, evidence-based recommendations and is adapted to african medical practice.

Contraceptive-induced amenorrhoea leads to reduced migraine frequency in women with menstrual migraine without aura

Background

Menstrual migraine without aura (MM) affects approximately 20% of female migraineurs in the general population. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of contraception on the attacks of migraine without aura (MO) in women with MM.

Findings

141 women from the general population with a history of MM according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders II (ICHD II) were interviewed by a headache specialist. Of 49 women with a history of MM currently using hormonal contraception, 23 reported amenorrhoea. Significantly more women with amenorrhoea reported no MO- days during the preceding month compared to women without amenorrhoea (OR 16.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8-140.4; P = 0.003). A reduction of MO-frequency was more often reported in women with than without amenorrhoea (OR 3.5; 95% CI 1.1-11.4; P = 0.04).

Conclusion

Amenorrhoea leads to a reduction of MO-frequency in women with MM using hormonal contraceptives. Future prospective studies on MM should focus on contraceptive methods that achieve amenorrhoea.

Prevalence of migraine in patients with celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence of headache in clinic and support group patients with celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) compared with a sample of healthy controls.

BACKGROUND

European studies have demonstrated increased prevalence of headache of patients with celiac disease compared with controls.

METHODS

Subjects took a self-administered survey containing clinical, demographic, and dietary data, as well as questions about headache type and frequency. The ID-Migraine screening tool and the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) were also used.

RESULTS

Five hundred and two subjects who met exclusion criteria were analyzed - 188 with celiac disease, 111 with IBD, 25 with gluten sensitivity (GS), and 178 controls (C). Chronic headaches were reported by 30% of celiac disease, 56% of GS, 23% of IBD, and 14% of control subjects (P<.0001). On multivariate logistic regression, celiac disease (odds ratio [OR] 3.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.78-8.10), GS (OR 9.53, 95%CI 3.24-28.09), and IBD (OR 2.66, 95%CI 1.08-6.54) subjects all had significantly higher prevalence of migraine headaches compared with controls. Female sex (P=.01), depression, and anxiety (P=.0059) were independent predictors of migraine headaches, whereas age >65 was protective (P=.0345). Seventy-two percent of celiac disease subjects graded their migraine as severe in impact, compared with 30% of IBD, 60% of GS, and 50% of C subjects (P=.0919). There was no correlation between years on gluten-free diet and migraine severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Migraine was more prevalent in celiac disease and IBD subjects than in controls. Future studies should include screening migraine patients for celiac disease and assessing the effects of gluten-free diet on migraines in celiac disease.

Impact of sex hormonal changes on tension-type headache and migraine: a cross-sectional population-based survey in 2,600 women

Sex hormones have some implications on headaches. The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of hormonal changes comparatively on tension-type headache (TTH) and migraine, in a population-based sample. A nationwide face-to-face prevalence study was conducted using a structured electronic questionnaire. 54.3 % of the migraineurs reported that the probability of experiencing headache during menstruation was high, whereas 3.9 % had headache only during menstruation. Forward logistic regression analysis revealed that menstruation was a significant trigger for migraine in comparison to TTH. On the other hand, nearly double the number of TTH sufferers reported "pure menstrual headache" compared to migraineurs (p = 0.02). Menstrual headaches caused significantly higher MIDAS grades. One-third of the definite migraineurs reported improvement during pregnancy and oral contraceptives significantly worsened migraine. Menopause had a slight improving effect on migraine compared to TTH. Sex hormonal changes have major impacts particularly on migraine; however, the effects of hormonal fluctuations on TTH should not be underestimated.

Migraine-asthma comorbidity and risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Background. To evaluate the association of migraine and asthma and to estimate the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in relation to maternal comorbid migraine and asthma. Methods. Reproductive age women (N = 3.731) were interviewed during early pregnancy. At the time of interview, we ascertained participants' migraine and asthma status. From medical records, we collected information to allow the diagnosis of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and preeclampsia. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using logistic regression procedures. Results. After adjusting for confounders, migraineurs had 1.38-fold increased odds of asthma as compared with nonmigraineurs (95% CI 1.09–1.38). The odds of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were highest among women with comorbid migraine-asthma. The ORs for PIH preeclampsia and the two disorders combined were 2.53 (95% CI 1.39–4.61), 3.53 (95% CI 1.51–8.24), and 2.64 (95% CI 1.56–4.47), respectively, for women with comorbid migraine-asthma as compared with those who had neither disorder. Conclusion. These findings confirm prior reports and extend the literature by documenting particularly high odds of pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia among women with comorbid migraine-asthma. Increased knowledge about the prevalence and sequelae of comorbidities during pregnancy may lead to improved symptom management and perinatal outcomes.

Combined oral contraceptives in women with menstrual migraine without aura

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of two regimens (21 active pills + 7 placebo pills vs. 24 active pills + 4 placebo pills) of combined oral contraception (COC), both containing 20 μg of ethinyl E(2) and 3 mg of drospirenone, in improving the severity of pure menstrual migraine without aura.

DESIGN

Prospective randomized study.

SETTING

Patients attending the gynecology department of the University of Siena for consultation regarding an appropriate contraception.

PATIENT(S)

Women ages 20 to 35 years (n = 60) suffering from pure menstrual migraine without aura.

INTERVENTION(S)

Three months of contraceptive use (ethinyl E(2) 20 μg/drospirenone 3 mg) in two different regimens: group A received 21 active + 7 placebo pills whereas group B received 24 active + 4 placebo pills.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Monthly evaluation of the duration and severity of patients' daily headache attacks.

RESULT(S)

Although both study groups demonstrated significant reduction in the intensity and duration of menstrual migraine, patients in group B (24/4 COC) reported a significant reduction in the intensity and a shorter duration of their menstrual migraine, compared with group A (21/7 COC).

CONCLUSION(S)

The 24/4 COC regimen is recommended as the preferred treatment for patients suffering from pure menstrual migraine without aura.

Trimester-specific blood pressure levels and hypertensive disorders among pregnant migraineurs

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the influence of physician-diagnosed migraine on blood pressure levels and the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in a clinic-based prospective cohort study of 3373 healthy pregnant women.

BACKGROUND

The relationship between migraine and blood pressure is controversial with results from several studies suggesting positive associations, while others suggest null or inverse associations. To our knowledge, no previous study has investigated blood pressure profiles among pregnant migraineurs.

METHODS

We abstracted blood pressure values and delivery information from medical records of women presenting to prenatal clinics in Washington State. Mean blood pressure differences for pregnant migraineurs and non-migraineurs were estimated in regression models, using generalized estimating equations. We calculated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for gestational hypertension and preeclampsia in relation to migraine status.

RESULTS

Mean first, second, and third trimester systolic blood pressures (SBP) were elevated among pregnant migraineurs as compared with non-migraineurs. Migraineurs had higher mean third trimester SBP (4.08 mmHg) than non-migraineurs. Trimester-specific diastolic blood pressure (DBP) values were variably related with migraine status. Mean first (0.82 mmHg) and third (2.39 mmHg) trimester DBP were higher, and second trimester DBP values were lower (-0.24) among migraineurs as compared with non-migraineurs. Migraineurs had a 1.53-fold increased odds of preeclampsia (95% CI 1.09 to 2.16). Additionally, migraineurs who were overweight or obese had a 6.10-fold increased odds of preeclampsia (95% CI 3.83 to 9.75) as compared with lean non-migraineurs.

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnant migraineurs had elevated blood pressures, particularly SBP measured in the third trimester, and a higher risk of preeclampsia than pregnant women without migraine. Observed associations were more pronounced among overweight or obese migraineurs. Our findings add to the accumulating evidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes among migraineurs.

Progress in the Pharmacotherapy of Menstrual Migraine

Menstrual migraine is a common neurological condition reported to affect up to 60% of women with migraine. Most women manage migraine adequately with symptomatic treatment alone. However, in women with menstrual migraine, menstrual attacks are recognised to be more severe, last longer, and are less responsive to treatment compared with attacks at other times of the menstrual cycle. In these situations, prophylactic treatment may be necessary. Short-term perimenstrual and continuous prophylactic treatments have shown efficacy in clinical trials but none are licensed for menstrual migraine. This article reviews the evidence for acute and prophylactic drugs in the management of this condition and considers future therapeutic options.

Body mass index and adult weight gain among reproductive age women with migraine

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the cross-sectional relationship between migraine and pregravid obesity; and to assess the risk of adult weight gain among women with history of a pediatric diagnosis of migraine.

BACKGROUND

Obesity, comorbid with pain disorders including migraine, shares common pathophysiological characteristics including systemic inflammation, and derangements in adipose-tissue derived cytokines. Despite biochemical and epidemiological commonalities, obesity-migraine associations have been inconsistently observed.

METHODS

A cohort of 3733 women was interviewed during early pregnancy. We ascertained participants' self-reported history of physician-diagnosed migraine and collected self-reported information about pregravid weight, adult height, and net weight change from age 18 to the 3-months period before pregnancy. Using pregravid body mass index, we categorized participants as follows: lean (< 18.5 kg/m²), normal (18.5-24.9 kg/m²), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m²), obese (30-34.9 kg/m²), severely obese (35-39.9 kg/m²), and morbidly obese (≥ 40 kg/m²). Logistic regression procedures were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

After adjusting for confounders, relative to normal weight women, obese women had a 1.48-fold increased odds of migraine (OR = 1.48; 95% CI 1.12-1.96). Severely obese (OR = 2.07; 95% CI 1.27-3.39) and morbidly obese (OR = 2.75; 95% CI 1.60-4.70) had the highest odds of migraines. Women with a history of diagnosed pediatric migraine had a 1.67-fold higher odds of gaining ≥ 10.0 kg above their weight at age 18, as compared with non-migraineurs (OR = 1.67; 95% CI 1.13-2.47).

CONCLUSION

These data support earlier observations of migraine-obesity association among women, and extend the literature to include evidence of adult weight gain among women with a history of pediatric migraine.

Prevention and treatment of menstrual migraine

Migraine is a prevalent headache disorder affecting three times more women than men during the reproductive years. Menstruation is a significant risk factor for migraine, with attacks most likely to occur on or between 2 days before the onset of menstruation and the first 3 days of bleeding. Although menstrual migraine has been recognized for many years, diagnostic criteria have only recently been published. These have enabled better comparison of the efficacy of drugs for this condition. Acute treatment, if effective, may be all that is necessary for control. Evidence of efficacy, with acceptable safety and tolerability, exists for sumatriptan 50 and 100 mg, mefenamic acid 500 mg, rizatriptan 10 mg and combination sumatriptan/naproxen 85 mg/500 mg. However, there is evidence that menstrual attacks are more severe, longer, less responsive to treatment, more likely to relapse and associated with greater disability than attacks at other times of the cycle. Prophylactic strategies can reduce the frequency and severity of attacks and acute treatment is more effective. Predictable menstrual attacks offer the opportunity for perimenstrual prophylaxis taken only during the time of increased migraine incidence. There is grade B evidence of efficacy for short-term prophylaxis with transcutaneous estradiol 1.5 mg, frovatriptan 2.5 mg twice daily and naratriptan 1 mg twice daily. Contraceptive strategies offer the opportunity for treating menstrual migraine in women who also require effective contraception.