Menstrually associated migraine

Menstrually related migraine is a disabling condition affecting 35% to 54% females with migraine during their fertile years. The International Headache Classification distinguishes menstrually related migraine from pure menstrual migraine based on the occurrence of the attacks even outside the perimenstrual periods. Hormonal fluctuations are the main driver for the disease in subjects with genetic susceptibility and alterations of brain structures and connectivity. Menstrually related attacks are often particularly severe and disabling requiring proper management. Acute treatment mainly consists of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), recommended in patients also suffering from dysmenorrhea, and triptans. Prevention is specifically indicated in women with high monthly headache frequency or burdensome attacks during perimenstrual periods. Trials proved the efficacy of short-term prevention with triptans and NSAIDs but did not evaluate possible long-term effectiveness and tolerability. Evidence of prevention using hormonal treatments is poor, but extended-cycle treatments might be suitable for women requiring hormonal replacement for concomitant conditions. Few data are available on treatments targeting CGRP, among whom gepants are the most promising because of their utility both in migraine acute and preventive treatment. A greater recognition of disease and a deep knowledge of patients' comorbidities are essential to its proper management.

A scoping review of hormonal clinical trials in menstrual cycle-related brain disorders: Studies in premenstrual mood disorder, menstrual migraine, and catamenial epilepsy

Cyclic variations in hormones during the normal menstrual cycle underlie multiple central nervous system (CNS)-linked disorders, including premenstrual mood disorder (PMD), menstrual migraine (MM), and catamenial epilepsy (CE). Despite this foundational mechanistic link, these three fields operate independently of each other. In this scoping review (N = 85 studies), we survey existing human research studies in PMD, MM, and CE to outline the exogenous experimental hormone manipulation trials conducted in these fields. We examine a broad range of literature across these disorders in order to summarize existing diagnostic practices and research methods, highlight gaps in the experimental human literature, and elucidate future research opportunities within each field. While no individual treatment or study design can fit every disease, there is immense overlap in study design and established neuroendocrine-based hormone sensitivity among the menstrual cycle-related disorders PMD, MM, and CE.

SCOPING REVIEW STRUCTURED SUMMARY

Background. The menstrual cycle can be a biological trigger of symptoms in certain brain disorders, leading to specific, menstrual cycle-linked phenomena such as premenstrual mood disorders (PMD), menstrual migraine (MM), and catamenial epilepsy (CE). Despite the overlap in chronicity and hormonal provocation, these fields have historically operated independently, without any systematic communication about methods or mechanisms.

OBJECTIVE

Online databases were used to identify articles published between 1950 and 2021 that studied hormonal manipulations in reproductive-aged females with either PMD, MM, or CE. We selected N = 85 studies that met the following criteria: 1) included a study population of females with natural menstrual cycles (e.g., not perimenopausal, pregnant, or using hormonal medications that were not the primary study variable); 2) involved an exogenous hormone manipulation; 3) involved a repeated measurement across at least two cycle phases as the primary outcome variable.

CHARTING METHODS

After exporting online database query results, authors extracted sample size, clinical diagnosis of sample population, study design, experimental hormone manipulation, cyclical outcome measure, and results from each trial. Charting was completed manually, with two authors reviewing each trial.

RESULTS

Exogenous hormone manipulations have been tested as treatment options for PMD (N = 56 trials) more frequently than MM (N = 21) or CE (N = 8). Combined oral contraceptive (COC) trials, specifically those containing drospirenone as the progestin, are a well-studied area with promising results for treating both PMDD and MM. We found no trials of COCs in CE. Many trials test ovulation suppression using gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa), and a meta-analysis supports their efficacy in PMD; GnRHa have been tested in two MM-related trials, and one CE open-label case series. Finally, we found that non-contraceptive hormone manipulations, including but not limited to short-term transdermal estradiol, progesterone supplementation, and progesterone antagonism, have been used across all three disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Research in PMD, MM, and CE commonly have overlapping study design and research methods, and similar effects of some interventions suggest the possibility of overlapping mechanisms contributing to their cyclical symptom presentation. Our scoping review is the first to summarize existing clinical trials in these three brain disorders, specifically focusing on hormonal treatment trials. We find that PMD has a stronger body of literature for ovulation-suppressing COC and GnRHa trials; the field of MM consists of extensive estrogen-based studies; and current consensus in CE focuses on progesterone supplementation during the luteal phase, with limited estrogen manipulations due to concerns about seizure provocation. We argue that researchers in any of these respective disciplines would benefit from greater communication regarding methods for assessment, diagnosis, subtyping, and experimental manipulation. With this scoping review, we hope to increase collaboration and communication among researchers to ultimately improve diagnosis and treatment for menstrual-cycle-linked brain disorders.

Menstrual migraine is caused by estrogen withdrawal: revisiting the evidence

OBJECTIVE

To explore and critically appraise the evidence supporting the role of estrogen withdrawal in menstrual migraine.

MAIN BODY

Menstrual migraine, impacting about 6% of reproductive-age women, manifests as migraine attacks closely related to the menstrual cycle. The estrogen withdrawal hypothesis posits that the premenstrual drop in estrogen levels serves as a trigger of migraine attacks. Despite its wide acceptance, the current body of evidence supporting this hypothesis remains limited, warranting further validation. Estrogen is believed to exert a modulatory effect on pain, particularly within the trigeminovascular system - the anatomic and physiologic substrate of migraine pathogenesis. Nevertheless, existing studies are limited by methodologic inconsistencies, small sample sizes, and variable case definitions, precluding definitive conclusions. To improve our understanding of menstrual migraine, future research should concentrate on untangling the intricate interplay between estrogen, the trigeminovascular system, and migraine itself. This necessitates the use of robust methods, larger sample sizes, and standardized case definitions to surmount the limitations encountered in previous investigations.

CONCLUSION

Further research is thus needed to ascertain the involvement of estrogen withdrawal in menstrual migraine and advance the development of effective management strategies to address unmet treatment needs.

Menstrually-related migraine shapes the structural similarity network integration of brain

Menstrually-related migraine (MM) is a primary migraine in women of reproductive age. The underlying neural mechanism of MM was still unclear. In this study, we aimed to reveal the case-control differences in network integration and segregation for the morphometric similarity network of MM. Thirty-six patients with MM and 29 healthy females were recruited and underwent MRI scanning. The morphometric features were extracted in each region to construct the single-subject interareal cortical connection using morphometric similarity. The network topology characteristics, in terms of integration and segregation, were analyzed. Our results revealed that, in the absence of morphology differences, disrupted cortical network integration was found in MM patients compared to controls. The patients with MM showed a decreased global efficiency and increased characteristic path length compared to healthy controls. Regional efficiency analysis revealed the decreased efficiency in the left precentral gyrus and bilateral superior temporal gyrus contributed to the decreased network integration. The increased nodal degree centrality in the right pars triangularis was positively associated with the attack frequency in MM. Our results suggested MM would reorganize the morphology in the pain-related brain regions and reduce the parallel information processing capacity of the brain.

Population-Based Characterization of Menstrual Migraine and Proposed Diagnostic Criteria

Importance

There is a need for better recognition and more extensive research into menstrual migraine (MM) in the general population, and a revision of the diagnostic criteria for MM is warranted to move the field forward. Increased understanding of MM is crucial for improving clinical care, diagnosis, and therapy for MM.

Objectives

To assess the clinical characteristics of MM, including severity and treatment response, and to propose new diagnostic criteria for pure MM and menstrually related migraine.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This is a case-control study of Danish individuals with migraine. All individuals completed a 105-item validated diagnostic migraine questionnaire, sent via the Danish electronic mailing system (e-Boks) between May and August 2020, allowing diagnosis of pure MM and menstrually related migraine by the International Classification of Headache Disorders, Third Edition (ICHD-3). Data analysis was performed from September 2021 to November 2022.

Exposure

Diagnosis of migraine.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Clinical characteristics of women with MM and women with nonmenstrual migraine (non-MM) were compared using the ICHD-3 diagnostic criteria. A simulation of the risk of randomly misclassifying MM was based on number of migraine attacks during 3 menstrual cycles (3 × 28 days), and simulation analyses were performed using 100 000 permutations of random migraine attacks in migraine patients.

Results

A total of 12 618 individuals, including 9184 women, with migraine participated in the study. Among the women with migraine, the prevalence of MM was 16.6% (1532 women), and the prevalence of non-MM was 45.9% (4216 women). The mean (SD) age was 38.7 (8.7) years for women with MM and 37.0 (9.2) years for women with non-MM. Of the 1532 women with MM, 410 (26.8%) fulfilled ICHD-3 diagnostic criteria for pure MM, 1037 (67.7%) fulfilled ICHD-3 diagnostic criteria for menstrually related migraine, and 152 (9.9%) fulfilled proposed diagnostic criteria for rare pure MM. MM was associated with a higher frequency of migraine-accompanying symptoms (odds ratio [OR], 1.98; 95% CI, 1.71-2.29), more frequent (OR, 7.21; 95% CI, 5.77-9.03) and more severe (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.13-1.21) migraine attacks, lower frequency of nonmigraine headache (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.18-0.49), an overall greater response to treatment with triptans (OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.24-2.24), better improvement of migraine attacks during late pregnancy (OR, 5.10; 95% CI, 2.17-14.00), and faster reappearance of migraine attacks post partum (OR, 3.19; 95% CI, 2.40-4.25). Hormonal contraceptive-related MM was associated with a higher prevalence of migraine without aura than migraine related to spontaneous menstruation (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.62-2.06). Otherwise, no differences between hormonal and spontaneous MM were observed. The risk of random diagnostic misclassification of ICHD-3 menstrually related migraine in women with high frequency episodic migraine was 43%. This risk was reduced to 3% when applying the proposed criteria for menstrually related migraine.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this case-control study, MM in the general population had clinical characteristics that were quantitively different from those of non-MM. Detailed descriptive data and suggested improved diagnostic criteria for pure MM and menstrually related migraine were provided.

Clinical differences between menstrual migraine and nonmenstrual migraine: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Approximately 60% of female migraineurs experience menstrual migraine (MM). Whether MM is a distinct clinical entity with more severe migraine attacks and a worse prognosis than nonmenstrual migraine (nMM) is still under debate. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate clinical differences between MM and nMM patients.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed to identify observational studies comparing MM and nMM patients' clinical characteristics. Quality of evidence grades of the synthesized effect estimates for each outcome were determined following the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) guidelines.

RESULTS

Of 1837 identified studies, 16 were eligible for inclusion. MM patients had more migraine attacks per month (MD 0.65, 95% CI 0.05-1.24) than nMM patients; however, the quality of evidence was "low" according to the GRADE assessment. They also had more headache days (MD 0.86, 95% CI 0.12-1.60) per month, a higher rate of family history of migraine (OR 1.41 95% CI 1.12-1.78), migraine aggravation with physical activity (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.35-1.89), a younger age at migraine onset (MD - 0.99, 95% CI - 1.78 to - 0.19), and a higher risk of accompanying symptoms (OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.72-3.10) than nMM patients; however, the quality of evidence was "very low".

CONCLUSIONS

There were differences between MM and nMM, showing that MM patients have a worse profile than nMM patients, but the quality of evidence is too low to draw definite conclusions on the separation/unification of the two clinical entities.

Effect of herbal medicine (Jodeungsan) on migraine: A double-blind randomized clinical trial

Background

Migraine is a relatively common disease that has a significant effect on the daily activities of affected individuals. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of herbal medicine (Jodeungsan, JDS) on migraine.

Methods

Sixty-four patients with migraine were recruited and randomized to either the JDS or placebo group at a 1:1 ratio. The subjects received JDS or placebo daily for four weeks. The primary outcome was a change in the number of headache attack days (HADs), and the secondary outcome measures were the headache impact test (HIT), migraine-specific quality of life (MSQoL), the deficiency and excess pattern identification questionnaire (DEPIQ), the cold and heat pattern identification questionnaire (CHPIQ), and the blood stasis pattern questionnaire (BSPQ).

Results

In all, 61 of the 64 patients took the investigational drugs for four weeks. The number of HADs did not significantly differ between the JDS and placebo groups at the end of the study. However, the HIT and MSQoL results showed significant improvement over the baseline in both groups.

Conclusion

JDS did not have a significant effect on chronic migraine. Larger studies are needed to confirm this result.

Trial registration

Clinical Research Information Service (https://cris.nih.go.kr/): KCT0003121.

Acupuncture for menstruation-related migraine prophylaxis: A multicenter randomized controlled trial

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture, an alternative medicine therapy, as a preventive treatment for menstruation-related migraine (MRM).

Patients and methods

This was a prospective, multicenter, double-dummy, participant-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial conducted in China between 1 April 2013, and 30 April 2014. The participants were enrolled from four study centers and randomized to into either the acupuncture group, which received 24 sessions of acupuncture at traditional acupoints plus placebo, or the medication group, which received sham acupuncture plus naproxen. The primary endpoint was change from the baseline average number of migraine days per perimenstrual period over cycles 1−3. The secondary endpoints included changes from the baseline average number of migraine days outside the perimenstrual period, mean number of migraine hours during and outside the perimenstrual period, mean visual analog scale score during and outside the perimenstrual period, ≥50% migraine responder rate, and the proportion of participants who used acute pain medication over cycles 1−3 and 4−6.

Results

A total of 172 women with MRM were enrolled; 170 in the intention-to-treat analyses. Our primary outcome reported a significant between-group difference that favored the acupuncture group (95% CI, 0.17–0.50; P < 0.001), with the average reduction of migraine days per perimenstrual period from the baseline was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.82–1.07) in the acupuncture group and 0.61 (95% CI, 0.50–0.71) in the medication group over cycles 1−3.

Conclusion

This study showed that compared to medication, acupuncture reduces the number of migraine days experienced by patients with MRM. For patients who received the acupuncture treatment over three cycles, the preventive effect of the therapy was sustained for six cycles.

Clinical trial registration

[https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN57133712], identifier [ISRCTN15663606].

Efficacy of lasmiditan for the acute treatment of perimenstrual migraine

BACKGROUND

Perimenstrual migraine attacks in women with menstrual migraine is difficult to treat. This post-hoc analysis evaluated the efficacy of lasmiditan, a high affinity and selective 5-HT_1F receptor agonist, for perimenstrual attacks.

METHODS

Patients from two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials (MONONOFU and CENTURION) were instructed to treat an attack with a single dose of study medication within four hours of pain onset. After dosing, the proportion of patients who achieved freedom from migraine-related head pain, most bothersome symptom, and disability was reported at baseline up to 48 hours after dose and pooled data were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 303 patients (MONONOFU N = 78; CENTURION N = 225) treated perimenstrual migraine attacks with lasmiditan 50 mg (N = 24), 100 mg (N = 90), 200 mg (N = 110), and placebo (N = 79). More patients achieved migraine-related head pain freedom with lasmiditan 200 mg versus placebo at all time points assessed. At 2 hours, 33.6% of patients in the 200-mg group (p < 0.001), and 16.7% of patients in the 100-mg (p = 0.11) and 50-mg (p = 0.19) groups were pain free, compared with 7.6% in the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS

Lasmiditan treatment of perimenstrual migraine attacks was associated with freedom from migraine-related head pain at two hours, early onset of efficacy, and sustained efficacy.Clinical Trial registration: NCT03962738 and NCT03670810.

Sex and Gender Considerations in Episodic Migraine

Purpose of Review

We seek to update readers on recent advances in our understanding of sex and gender in episodic migraine with a two part series. In part 1, we examine migraine epidemiology in the context of sex and gender, differences in symptomatology, and the influence of sex hormones on migraine pathophysiology (including CGRP). In part 2, we focus on practical clinical considerations for sex and gender in episodic migraine by addressing menstrual migraine and the controversial topic of hormone-containing therapies. We make note of data applicable to gender minority populations, when available, and summarize knowledge on gender affirming hormone therapy and migraine management in transgender individuals. Finally, we briefly address health disparities, socioeconomic considerations, and research bias.

Recent Findings

Migraine is known to be more prevalent, frequent, and disabling in women. There are also differences in migraine co-morbidities and symptomatology. For instance, women are likely to experience more migraine associated symptoms such as nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia. Migraine pathophysiology is influenced by sex hormones, e.g., estrogen withdrawal as a known trigger for migraine. Other hormones such as progesterone and testosterone are less well studied. Relationships between CGRP (the target of new acute and preventive migraine treatments) and sex hormones have been established with both animal and human model studies. The natural course of migraine throughout the lifetime suggests a contribution from hormonal changes, from puberty to pregnancy to menopause/post-menopause. Treatment of menstrual migraine and the use of hormone-containing therapies remains controversial. Re-evaluation of the data reveals that stroke risk is an estrogen dose- and aura frequency-dependent phenomenon. There are limited data on episodic migraine in gender minorities. Gender affirming hormone therapy may be associated with a change in migraine and unique risks (including ischemic stroke with high dose estrogen).

Summary

There are key differences in migraine epidemiology and symptomatology, thought to be driven at least in part by sex hormones which influence migraine pathophysiology and the natural course of migraine throughout the lifetime. More effective and specific treatments for menstrual migraine are needed. A careful examination of the data on estrogen and stroke risk suggests a nuanced approach to the issue of estrogen-containing contraception and hormone replacement therapy is warranted. Our understanding of sex and gender is evolving, with limited but growing research on the relationship between gender affirming therapy and migraine, and treatment considerations for transgender people with migraine.

Validation of diagnostic ICHD-3 criteria for menstrual migraine

Objective

To assess validity of ICHD-3 diagnostic criteria for menstrual migraine.

Methods

We performed a longitudinal E-diary study in premenopausal women with migraine. Menstrual migraine diagnosis was self-reported at baseline, and verified according to diary based ICHD-3 criteria and a previous proposed statistical model. Validity of self-reported menstrual migraine was compared to diary based diagnosis and statistical diagnosis. Test-retest reliability and concordance between both methods were determined. Clinical characteristics of perimenstrual and non-perimenstrual migraine attacks were compared in women with and without menstrual migraine.

Results

We included 607 women. Both women who did and women who did not self-report to suffer from menstrual migraine fulfilled ICHD-3 criteria in the E-diary in two thirds of cases. Pure menstrual migraine was extremely rare (<1%). Concordance between statistical and diary based diagnosis was minimal (κ = 0.28, 95% CI:0.23–0.33). Women diagnosed with menstrual migraine showed 37–50% longer attack duration and increased triptan intake (OR 1.19–1.22, p < 0.001) during perimenstrual attacks.

Conclusion

Self-reported menstrual migraine diagnosis has extremely poor accuracy. Two thirds of women suffer from menstrual migraine, independent of self-reports. Pure menstrual migraine is rare. Women with menstrual migraine have longer attack duration and increased triptan intake during perimenstrual attacks, in contrast to women without menstrual migraine. Prospective headache (E-)diaries are required for a menstrual migraine diagnosis, also in clinical practice.

Role of Estrogens in Menstrual Migraine

Migraine is a major neurological disorder affecting one in nine adults worldwide with a significant impact on health care and socioeconomic systems. Migraine is more prevalent in women than in men, with 17% of all women meeting the diagnostic criteria for migraine. In women, the frequency of migraine attacks shows variations over the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, and the use of combined hormonal contraception (CHC) or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can unveil or modify migraine disease. In the general population, 18–25% of female migraineurs display a menstrual association of their headache. Here we present an overview on the evidence supporting the role of reproductive hormones, in particular estrogens, in the pathophysiology of migraine. We also analyze the efficacy and safety of prescribing exogenous estrogens as a potential treatment for menstrual-related migraine. Finally, we point to controversial issues and future research areas in the field of reproductive hormones and migraine.

Clinical features of migraine with onset prior to or during start of combined hormonal contraception: a prospective cohort study

Many studies have described the features of menstrually related migraines but there is a lack of knowledge regarding the features of migraine in combined hormonal contraceptive users (CHC). Hormone-withdrawal migraines in the pill-free period could differ from those in the natural cycle. Gynaecologic comorbidities, like dysmenorrhea and endometriosis, but also depression or a family history might modify the course of migraine. A better understanding of migraine features linked to special hormonal situations could improve treatment. For this prospective cohort study, we conducted telephone interviews with women using a CHC and reporting withdrawal migraine to collect information on migraine frequency, intensity, triggers, symptoms, pain medication, gynaecologic history and comorbidities (n = 48). A subset of women agreed to also document their migraines in prospective diaries. The mean number of migraine days per cycle was 4.2 (± 2.7). Around 50% of these migraines occurred during the hormone-free interval. Migraine frequency was significantly higher in women who suffered from migraine before CHC start (5.0 ± 3.1) (n = 22) in comparison to those with migraine onset after CHC start (3.5 ± 2.1) (n = 26). Menstrually related attacks were described as more painful (57.5%), especially in women with migraine onset before CHC use (72%) (p < 0.02). Comorbidities were rare, except dysmenorrhea. The majority of migraine attacks in CHC users occur during the hormone-free interval. Similar as in the natural cycle, hormone-withdrawal migraines in CHC users are very intense and the response to acute medication is less good, especially in those women, who developed migraine before CHC use.

Remote Electrical Neuromodulation (REN) for the Acute Treatment of Menstrual Migraine: a Retrospective Survey Study of Effectiveness and Tolerability

INTRODUCTION

Migraine is one of the most prevalent neurological disorders worldwide, and estimations are that 60% of women who suffer from migraines experience attacks that are associated with menstruation. Menstrual migraines are typically more debilitating and less responsive to pharmacological treatment. Remote electrical neuromodulation (REN) is a non-pharmacological abortive treatment of migraine headache. The current study evaluated the self-reported effectiveness and tolerability of REN for the acute treatment of menstrual migraine, via a retrospective structured survey that was sent to adult female REN users.

METHODS

Women aged 18-55 years who experience menstrually related or pure menstrual migraine and have completed at least four REN treatments, participated in this retrospective, observational survey study. Participants completed a short online survey assessing effectiveness, satisfaction, and safety outcomes.

RESULTS

Ninety-one participants qualified for the analysis, out of which 74.7% (68/91) reported that the treatment was at least moderately effective (moderately effective 37.4%, very effective 26.4%, extremely effective 11.0%). Additionally, 45.1% (41/91) reported satisfaction from REN (slightly satisfied 33%, extremely satisfied 12.1%), while 34.1% were neutral and 20.9% (19/91) were not satisfied. Lastly, 100% of the participants reported that the treatment is at least moderately tolerable (moderately tolerable 8.8%, very tolerable 20.9%, extremely tolerable 70.3%), and 13.2% (12/91) of respondents reported mild short-term side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly 75% reported that the treatment was at least moderately effective, 45% reported satisfaction, and 100% of the participants reported that the treatment is at least moderately tolerable. Thirteen percent reported mild short-term side effects. REN was thus reported as effective for menstrual migraine by most participants and was very well tolerated. Therefore, REN may provide a safe, non-pharmacological alternative for the acute treatment of menstrual migraine. CLINICALTRIAL.

GOV REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04600388.

Comparing Perimenstrual and Nonperimenstrual Migraine Attacks Using an e-Diary

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Endogenous and exogenous female sex hormones are considered important contributors to migraine pathophysiology. Previous studies have cautiously suggested that perimenstrual migraine attacks have a longer duration and are associated with higher disability compared to nonperimenstrual attacks, but they showed conflicting results on acute therapy efficacy, pain intensity, and associated symptoms. We compared perimenstrual and nonperimenstrual migraine attack characteristics and assessed premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in women with migraine.

METHODS

Women with migraine were invited to complete a headache e-diary. Characteristics of perimenstrual attacks and nonperimenstrual attacks were compared. The primary outcome was attack duration. Secondary outcomes were headache intensity, accompanying symptoms, acute medication intake, and pain coping. Mixed effects models were used to account for multiple attacks within patients. PMS was assessed in patients without hormonal contraceptives. Subgroup analyses were performed for women with menstrually related migraine (MRM) and nonmenstrually related migraine (non-MRM) and women with a natural menstrual cycle and women using hormonal contraceptives.

RESULTS

A representative group of 500 participants completed the e-diary for at least 1 month. Perimenstrual migraine attacks (n = 998) compared with nonperimenstrual attacks (n = 4097) were associated with longer duration (20.0 vs 16.1 hours, 95% confidence interval 0.2-0.4), higher recurrence risk (odds ratio [OR] 2.4 [2.0-2.9]), increased triptan intake (OR 1.2 [1.1-1.4]), higher headache intensity (OR 1.4 [1.2-1.7]), less pain coping (mean difference -0.2 [-0.3 to -0.1]), more pronounced photophobia (OR 1.3 [1.2-1.4]) and phonophobia (OR 1.2 [1.1-1.4]), and less aura (OR 0.8 [0.6-1.0]). In total, 396/500 women completed the diary for ≥3 consecutive menstrual cycles, of whom 56% (221/396) fulfilled MRM criteria. Differences in attack characteristics became more pronounced when focusing on women with MRM and women using hormonal contraceptives. Prevalence of PMS was not different for women with MRM compared to non-MRM (11% vs 15%).

DISCUSSION

The longer duration of perimenstrual migraine attacks in women (with MRM) is associated with higher recurrence risk and increased triptan use. This may increase the risk of medication overuse and emphasizes the need to develop female-specific prophylactic treatment.

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.

Sex Differences in Response to Triptans: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of sex on clinical response to triptans in migraine and to determine whether these differences are related to pharmacokinetics of triptans in men and women, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

We searched clinical trials distinguishing clinical response to or pharmacokinetic parameters of triptans between sexes in PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science up to Dec 12, 2019. Analysis was based on data extracted from published reports. Male-to-female pooled risk ratios (RR) were calculated for clinical outcomes and pooled ratio of means (RoM) for pharmacokinetic outcomes using random-effects models.

RESULTS

Of 1,188 publications on clinical trials with triptans, 244 were identified with sex-related search terms. Only 19 publications presented sex-specific results, comprising n = 2,280 men and n = 13,899 women. No sex differences were revealed for 2-hour headache and pain-free responses, but men had a lower risk for headache recurrence (male-to-female RR 0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.55-0.76, Q = 0.81) and adverse events (RR 0.82, 95% CI: 0.72-0.93, Q = 4.93). Men had lower drug exposure with lower area under the curve (RoM 0.69, 95% CI: 0.60-0.81, Q = 18.06) and peak drug concentration (RoM 0.72, 95% CI: 0.64-0.82, Q = 8.24) than women.

CONCLUSIONS

Remarkably few publications about sex differences in triptan response are available. The limited number of eligible studies show sex differences in adverse event frequency, which may be partly because of drug exposure differences. This higher drug exposure in women is not reflected in different response rates. Despite higher exposure, women have higher headache recurrence rates possibly because of longer attack duration related to sex hormonal changes.

Giving Researchers a Headache - Sex and Gender Differences in Migraine

Migraine is a common neurovascular disorder affecting ~15% of the general population. Ranking second in the list of years lived with disability (YLD), people living with migraine are greatly impacted by this especially burdensome primary headache disorder. In ~30% of individuals with migraine, transient neurological symptoms occur (migraine aura) that further increase migraine burden. However, migraine burden is differential with respect to sex. Though one-year prevalences in childhood are similar, starting with puberty, migraine incidence increases at a much higher rate in females than males. Thus, migraine over the life course occurs in women three to four times more often than in men. Attacks are also more severe in women, leading to greater disability and a longer recovery period. The sex disparity in migraine is believed to be partly mediated through fluctuations in ovarian steroid hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, although the exact mechanisms are not yet completely understood. The release of the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), followed by activation of the trigeminovascular system, is thought to play a key role in the migraine pathophysiology. Given the burden of migraine and its disproportionate distribution, the underlying cause(s) for the observed differences between sexes in the incidence, frequency, and intensity of migraine attacks must be better understood. Relevant biological as well as behavioral differences must be taken into account. To evaluate the scope of the existing knowledge on the issue of biological sex as well as gender differences in migraine, we conducted a systematized review of the currently available research. The review seeks to harmonize existing knowledge on the topic across the domains of biological/preclinical, clinical, and population-level research, which are traditionally synthesized and interpreted in isolation. Ultimately, we identify knowledge gaps and set priorities for further interdisciplinary and informed research on sex and gender differences as well as gender-specific therapies in migraine.

Comparison Between Menstrual Migraine and Menstrual-Unrelated Migraine in Women Attending Gynecology Clinics

Background Migraine is amongst the top 10 most disabling conditions, and the disease burden is highest in young and middle-aged women. Another variant of the migraine headache, menstrual migraine (MM) is experienced by this cohort of patients. Former studies have done comparisons between various demographic and clinical features of MM versus menstrual-unrelated migraine (MUM) in patients presenting to various clinics with the primary complaint of headaches. We aimed to compare symptoms of migraine in women attending gynecology outpatient clinics, regardless of their presenting complaint. This would help lessen the selection bias and produce more generalizable results. Methods and materials A cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient gynecology clinics at a tertiary care hospital over six months. The clinic attendees were screened for sufferers of a primary headache of the migraine type. The migraineurs were then stratified into groups A, MM patients, and group B, MUM patients, using the International Headache Society (HIS) criteria. They were then questioned for the presence of various symptoms associated with their migraine attacks for comparison. Results One-hundred eighty-one women (between 12 years to 55 years) were found to have primary headaches; amongst these, 126 patients met the inclusion criteria and consented to participate; from these, 62 (49.2%) patients had MM and 64 (50.8%) patients had MUM. The symptoms of nausea (p=0.00269), photophobia (p=0.000088), and phonophobia (p=0.0281) were statistically higher in MM patients while vomiting was not a significant feature. Both groups had a predominantly unilateral headache. The average days of the attack had a significant difference between the two groups (p=0.000019), where the duration was longer for MM patients. Conclusions It was observed that patients with MM tend to experience more features associated with migraine headaches, including a longer duration of attacks, and have a worse experience overall.

The impact of midlife on migraine in women: summary of current views

Migraine is three times more common in women than in men and is the 4th leading cause of disability in women. Onset of migraine increases at menarche, with peaks in prevalence in the late 30s, and a rapid decline after menopause. While the prevalence is highest among women of childbearing age the frequency of headache and burden of migraine frequently worsens during midlife. Abundant population data suggest that hormonal factors may trigger headache attacks and influence onset and remission. The midlife worsening of migraine is attributed to hormonal fluctuations characteristic of the menopausal transition. Drops in estrogen presumably lead to increased migraine attacks at the time of menses as well as during the menopausal transition. During the menopausal transition, recommended approaches include both acute and preventive non-hormonal and hormonal options as well as behavioral approaches. Herein, is a brief review on the presentation of migraine in women across the lifespan, with special emphasis on midlife and the menopausal transition and implications for treatment.

Efficacy and safety of erenumab in women with a history of menstrual migraine

BACKGROUND

We performed a post hoc, subgroup analysis of a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of erenumab for prevention of episodic migraine (STRIVE) to determine the efficacy and safety of erenumab in women with self-reported menstrual migraine.

METHODS

Patients received placebo, erenumab 70 mg, or erenumab 140 mg subcutaneously once monthly during the 6-month double-blind treatment phase of STRIVE. Women who reported history of menstrual migraine and who were ≤ 50 years old were included in the analysis. Endpoints were change from baseline in monthly migraine days (MMD) and monthly acute migraine-specific medication days (MSMD; among patients who took acute migraine-specific medications at baseline), proportion of patients achieving ≥ 50% reduction from baseline in MMD, and incidence of adverse events.

RESULTS

Among 814 women enrolled in STRIVE, 232 (28.5%) reported a history of menstrual migraine and were ≤ 50 years old. Of the 232 patients, 214 (92%) had a baseline MMD > 5, suggesting a high proportion of women with attacks outside of the 5-day perimenstrual window (2 days before and 3 days after the start of menstruation). Information on "migraine days" includes (and does not discriminate between) perimenstrual and intermenstrual migraine attacks. Between-group differences from placebo over months 4-6 for erenumab 70 mg and 140 mg were - 1.8 (P = 0.001) and - 2.1 (P < 0.001) days for MMD and - 1.6 (P = 0.002) and - 2.4 (P < 0.001) days for acute MSMD, respectively. The odds of having a ≥ 50% reduction from baseline in MMD over months 4-6 were 2.2 (P = 0.024) and 2.8 (P = 0.002) times greater for erenumab 70 mg and 140 mg, respectively, than for placebo. Erenumab had an overall safety profile comparable to placebo.

CONCLUSION

Data from this subgroup analysis of women with menstrual migraine are consistent with data from the overall STRIVE episodic migraine population, supporting the efficacy and safety of erenumab in women who experience menstrual migraine.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02456740. Registered 28 May 2015.

Migraine start, course and features over the cycle of combined hormonal contraceptive users with menstrual migraine - temporal relation to bleeding and hormone withdrawal: a prospective diary-based study

Background

Many studies have described the features of menstrually-related migraines (MRM) in the natural cycle and the efficacy of prevention. MRM in combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) users has scarcely been researched. Estrogen and progestin withdrawal in CHC users are both more abrupt and from higher hormone levels compared with the natural cycle. An advantage for prevention of MRM in CHC users is that the hormone withdrawal is predictable. It is unknown, whether the attacks during the hormone-free interval are associated with the hormone withdrawal or onset of bleeding. Improved understanding of this relation might contribute to better define and shorten the time interval for prevention.

Methods

For this prospective diary-based trial we collected migraine and bleeding data from CHC users with MRM in at least two of three cycles. We analyzed frequency of migraines over the whole CHC cycle. During the hormone-free phase the relation between onset of migraine and onset of bleeding was studied. We compared pain intensity and identified prolonged-migraine attacks during hormone use and the hormone-free phase.

Results

During the hormone-free interval the number of migraine days and the pain score/migraine day were significantly higher in comparison with the mean during hormone use. The prevalence of migraine attacks was fourfold on hormone-free days 3–6. Migraine typically started on days 1–4. Migraine in relation to bleeding mostly occurred on days − 1 to + 4. In 78% of the cycles the first migraine day occurred during bleeding days 1 ± 2 and 48% started on days − 1 and day 1. The predictability of the first bleeding day was very high.

Conclusion

The day of hormone-withdrawal migraine and the first bleeding day are highly predictable in CHC users. Migraine onset is mostly day − 1 and 1 of the bleeding and on days 1–4 of the hormone-free interval. Migraine attacks of CHC users in the hormone-free interval are severe and long lasting. Further trials are necessary to investigate if this knowledge can be used to optimise prevention.

Menstrual migraine: what it is and does it matter?

The diagnostic criteria of menstrual migraine (MM), migraine related to menstruation and pure menstrual migraine, are placed in the appendix of the International Classification of Headache Disorders and are still primarily considered as research criteria that need validation. Although there is a great wealth of knowledge about the neurobiological processes underlying MM and its symptoms, the mechanisms by which an attack starts during the menstrual cycle remain baffling, and the disease is still undertreated. In this narrative review, we aim to summarize recent data on pathophysiology, epidemiology, burden of disease and treatment of MM. The vast majority of the literature focuses on the relationship between MM and hormonal factors. The role of falling in estrogen levels is believed to increase the susceptibility of blood vessels to prostaglandins, which have been implicated in neurogenic inflammation. Moreover, fluctuations of ovarian steroid hormone levels modulate calcitonin gene-related peptide in the trigeminovascular system. In addition, it has been observed that gonadal hormones modulate cortical spreading depression susceptibility in animal models. Sex hormone influences on MM affect not only the frequency and severity of headache attack but also its treatment. Understanding the mechanisms that contribute to neuroendocrine vulnerability in some women and some menstrual cycles may yield possible marker of the disease opening treatment options specifically targeting MM. An increased interest for future research on the subject will further elucidate how to manage this debilitating type of migraine.

Identifying menstrual migraine- improving the diagnostic criteria using a statistical method

OBJECTIVE

To develop a robust statistical tool for the diagnosis of menstrually related migraine.

BACKGROUND

The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) has diagnostic criteria for menstrual migraine within the appendix. These include the requirement for menstrual attacks to occur within a 5-day window in at least [Formula: see text] menstrual cycles ([Formula: see text]-criterion). While this criterion has been shown to be sensitive, it is not specific. Yet in some circumstances, for example to establish the underlying pathophysiology of menstrual attacks, specificity is also important, to ensure that only women in whom the relationship between migraine and menstruation is more than a chance occurrence are recruited.

METHODS

Using a simple mathematical model, a Markov chain, to model migraine attacks we developed a statistical criterion to diagnose menstrual migraine (sMM). We then analysed a data set of migraine diaries using both the [Formula: see text]-criterion and the sMM.

RESULTS

sMM was superior to the [Formula: see text]-criterion for varying numbers of menstrual cycles and increased in accuracy with more cycle data. In contrast, the [Formula: see text]-criterion showed maximum sensitivity only for three cycles, although specificity increased with more cycle data.

CONCLUSIONS

While the ICHD [Formula: see text]-criterion is a simple screening tool for menstrual migraine, the sMM provides a more specific diagnosis and can be applied irrespective of the number of menstrual cycles recorded. It is particularly useful for clinical trials of menstrual migraine where a chance association between migraine and menstruation must be excluded.

Migraine in Women

Migraine is a lifelong condition that disproportionately affects women and, if not effectively managed, can lead to significant disability. It is important for clinicians to have a good understanding of the impact of the hormonal fluctuations that occur throughout a female migraineur's life, so that appropriate, stratified therapies can be implemented. In doing so, whether it is migraine onset at menarche in an adolescent young woman, or migraine worsening in a perimenopausal female migraineur, quality of life can be ensured.

Oral contraceptive use and its association with symptomatology in migraine patients

Background:

Hormonal changes in natural menstrual cycles are known to modulate and even worsen headache symptoms in migraineurs; however, the impact of oral contraceptive pills (OCP), including combined oral contraceptive (COC) and progestogen-only pills on migraine symptomatology, is little investigated.

Method:

In this retrospective cohort study of 1758 migraine patients, data from 1032 female patients aged 15–45 years were accessed and their contraceptive methods, if any, were analyzed. Further comparisons were conducted between patients with OCP use and those without OCP use regarding the demographics, headache symptoms, and associated symptoms. Most OCP users in this study were assumed to have used COC, but information of individual hormone content of OCP was not collected. Patients with nonoral hormonal contraceptives were excluded for further comparison.

Results:

The use of OCP was common (47.8%) among the study cohort. Compared to those without OCP use ( n = 410), patients with OCP use ( n = 493) were younger (27.4 ± 7.0 vs. 32.8 ± 7.9, p < 0.001), had lower headache frequency (days per month, 11.1 ± 7.5 vs. 12.3 ± 8.8, p = 0.03), were less likely to have osmophobia (47.3 vs. 54.4%, p = 0.033) or cranial autonomic symptoms (44.8 vs. 53.2%, p = 0.013), and more commonly reported menstrually-related worsening of headache (52.3 vs. 42.4%, p = 0.012). The proportion of migraine with aura or other headache characteristics including severity, unilaterality, and pulsatile characteristic showed no differences between groups.

Conclusion:

Our data provide real-life information about contraceptive use among patients with migraine. The use of OCP is associated with differences in migraine symptomatology. Further studies are needed to determine whether this relationship is causal and any possible underlying mechanism.

Clinical characteristics of menstrually related and non-menstrual migraine

Migraine attacks increase during the perimenstrual period in approximately half of female migraineurs. There are differences in the pathogenesis and clinical features of menstrually related and non-menstrual migraine attacks. The objective of this study was to compare the characteristics of migraine in patients with menstrually related and non-menstrual migraine, and to investigate the differences between premenstrual, menstrual, and late-menstrual migraine attacks. Three-hundred and thirty-two women with migraine without aura were evaluated using questionnaires and diaries to determine the characteristics of headache, preceding and accompanying symptoms, and the relation of migraine attacks and menstruation. One-hundred and sixty-three women had menstrually related migraine without aura (49.1%). Duration of disease and duration of headache were longer (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively), and nausea, vomiting, phonophobia, and aggravation of headache with physical activity were more frequent in patients with menstrually related migraine (p = 0.005, p = 0.006, p < 0.001 and p = 0.006, respectively). Premonitory symptoms and allodynia were observed more frequently in the menstrually related migraine group (p = 0.012 and p = 0.004, respectively). Perimenstrual migraine attacks occurred premenstrually (days -2 and -1) in 46 patients (25.3%), menstrually (days 1 to 3) in 90 patients (49.4%), and late menstrually (days 4 to 7) in 19 patients (10.4%). Our results showed that the duration of headache was longer and accompanying symptoms were more frequent and diverse in patients with menstrually related migraine without aura, suggesting that these findings may reflect the increase in excitability or susceptibility of the brain in these patients.

Sex differences in the epidemiology, clinical features, and pathophysiology of migraine

Migraine is two to three times more prevalent in women than men, and women report a longer attack duration, increased risk of headache recurrence, greater disability, and a longer period of time required to recover. Conditions recognised to be comorbid with migraine include asthma, anxiety, depression, and other chronic pain conditions, and these comorbidities add to the amount of disability in both sexes. Migraine-specifically migraine with aura-has been identified as a risk factor for vascular disorders, particularly in women, but because of the scarcity of data, the comparative risk in men has yet to be established. There is evidence implicating the role of female sex hormones as a major factor in determining migraine risk and characteristics, which accounts for sex differences, but there is also evidence to support underlying genetic variance. Although migraine is often recognised in women, it is underdiagnosed in men, resulting in suboptimal management and less participation of men in clinical trials.

Non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation (nVNS) as mini-prophylaxis for menstrual/menstrually related migraine: an open-label study

Background

Menstrual migraine and menstrually related migraine attacks are typically longer, more disabling, and less responsive to medications than non-menstrual attacks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation for the prophylactic treatment of menstrual migraine/menstrually related migraine.

Methods

Fifty-six enrolled subjects (menstrual migraine, 9 %; menstrually related migraine, 91 %), 33 (59 %) of whom were receiving other prophylactic therapies, entered a 12-week baseline period. Fifty-one subjects subsequently entered a 12-week treatment period to receive open-label prophylactic non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation adjunctively (31/51; 61 %) or as monotherapy (20/51; 39 %) on day −3 before estimated onset of menses through day +3 after the end of menses.

Results

The number of menstrual migraine/menstrually related migraine days per month was significantly reduced from baseline (mean ± standard error, 7.2 ± 0.7 days) to the end of treatment (mean ± standard error, 4.7 ± 0.5 days; P < 0.001) (primary end point). Of all subjects, 39 % (95 % confidence interval: 26 %, 54 %) (20/51) had a ≥ 50 % reduction (secondary end point). For the other secondary end points, clinically meaningful reductions in analgesic use (mean change ± standard error, −3.3 ± 0.6 times per month; P < 0.001), 6-item Headache Impact Test score (mean change ± standard error, −3.1 ± 0.7; P < 0.001), and Migraine Disability Assessment score (mean change ± standard error, −11.9 ± 3.4; P < 0.001) were observed, along with a modest reduction in pain intensity (mean change ± standard error, −0.5 ± 0.2; P = 0.002). There were no safety/tolerability concerns.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation is an effective treatment that reduces the number of menstrual migraine/menstrually related migraine days and analgesic use without safety/tolerability concerns in subjects with menstrual migraine/menstrually related migraine. Randomised controlled studies are warranted.

Burden of migraine related to menses: results from the AMPP study

Background

Studies of the difference between menstrually associated and non-menstrually associated migraine are somewhat controversial. The majority of studies have focused on comparing menstrual to non-menstrual attacks rather than comparing study groups with different migraine diagnoses with respect to menstruation. As there is limited knowledge available on the overall impact and burden of migraine among groups of women with and without menstrually associated migraine our goal was to examine differences between these groups. We hypothesized that there would be greater burden of migraine related to menstruation and headache frequency in a population study across groups of women.

Methods

We analyzed data from the American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention (AMPP) Study, a longitudinal, US, population-based study. We included female respondents to the 2009 survey, aged 18 to 60, who met modified ICHD-2 criteria for migraine, were actively menstruating and fit one of three definitions based on the self-reported association of menses and migraine attacks: self-reported predominantly menstrual migraine (MM, attacks that only or predominantly occur at the time of menses), self-reported menstrually-associated migraine (MAM, attacks commonly associated with menses, but that also occur at other times of the month), and self-reported menstrually-unrelated migraine (MUM). These three groups were compared on characteristics and measures of headache impact and burden (Headache Impact Test– 6 item (HIT-6) and Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS).

Results

There were 1,697 eligible subjects for this study in the following categories: MM (5.5%), MAM (53.8%), or MUM (40.7%). Women with MM had an older age of migraine onset. Those with predominantly menstrually-related attacks (MM) had fewer headache-days but appeared to be more impaired by attacks. HIT-6 and MIDAS scores were significantly higher for both the MM and MAM groups compared with the MUM groups; however, effects were more robust for MM than MAM.

Conclusions

Nearly 60% of women with migraine reported an association between migraine and menses. These women reported greater headache impact and migraine-related burden on functioning than those in whom migraines were not related to menstruation. Women with MM were more impaired by attacks while women with MAM had overall highest burden, likely due to experiencing migraines on additional days.

Menstrual versus non-menstrual attacks of migraine without aura in women with and without menstrual migraine

Objective

The objective of this article is to compare clinical characteristics of menstrual and non-menstrual attacks of migraine without aura (MO), prospectively recorded in a headache diary, by women with and without a diagnosis of menstrual migraine without aura (MM) according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD).

Material and methods

A total of 237 women from the general population with self-reported migraine in ≥50% of their menstrual periods were interviewed and classified by a physician according to the criteria of the ICHD II. Subsequently, all participants were instructed to complete a prospective headache diary for at least three menstrual cycles. Clinical characteristics of menstrual and non-menstrual attacks of MO were compared by a regression model for repeated measurements.

Results

In total, 123 (52%) women completed the diary. In the 56 women who were prospectively diagnosed with MM by diary, the menstrual MO-attacks were longer (on average 10.65 hours, 99% CI 3.17–18.12) and more frequently accompanied by severe nausea (OR 2.14, 99% CI 1.20–3.84) than non-menstrual MO-attacks. No significant differences between menstrual and non-menstrual MO-attacks were found among women with MO, but no MM.

Conclusion

In women from the general population, menstrual MO-attacks differ from non-menstrual attacks only in women who fulfil the ICHD criteria for MM.

A review of frovatriptan for the treatment of menstrual migraine

The objective of this review is to provide an overview of menstrual migraine (MM) and of frovatriptan and to assess clinical trial data regarding the efficacy and safety of frovatriptan for the acute and short-term prophylaxis of MM. Randomized controlled trials comparing frovatriptan with placebo or a triptan comparator for the acute or prophylactic treatment of MM were selected for review. MM affects up to 60% of women with migraine. Compared with attacks at other times of the cycle, menstrual attacks are longer, more severe, less responsive to treatment, more likely to relapse, and more disabling than attacks at other times of the cycle. No drugs are licensed for acute treatment of MM; triptans are recommended for treatment of moderate to severe attacks for menstrual and nonmenstrual attacks. Perimenstrual prophylaxis is indicated for patients with predictable MM that does not respond to symptomatic treatment alone. Treatment is unlicensed, but options include triptans, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and hormone manipulation. Frovatriptan is distinctive from other triptans due to its long elimination half-life of 26 hours, which confers a longer duration of action. Post hoc analyses from randomized trials of MM show similar pain relief and pain-free rates for frovatriptan compared with other triptans (2 hours pain-free: relative risk [RR] 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91–1.76) but significantly lower relapse rates (24 hours sustained pain-free: RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.18–0.62). Data from randomized controlled trials show a significant reduction in risk of MM in women using frovatriptan 2.5 mg once daily (RR 1.56, 95% CI 1.31–1.86) or twice daily (RR 1.98, 95% CI 1.68–2.34) for perimenstrual prophylaxis compared with placebo. The twice daily dosing was more effective than once daily (RR 1.27, 95% CI 1.11–1.46). These findings support the use of frovatriptan as a first-line acute treatment for MM and for perimenstrual prophylaxis.

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.

Are menstrual and nonmenstrual migraine attacks different?

Migraine is the second most common headache condition next to tension-type headache. Up to one fourth of all women have migraine, and 20% of them experience migraine without aura attack in at least two thirds of their menstrual cycles. The current literature is analyzed in response to the question of whether menstrual and nonmenstrual migraine attacks are different. The different studies provide conflicting results, so it is not possible to answer the question firmly. Future studies should be based on the general population. Collection of both prospective and retrospective data is warranted, and headache diagnosis base on interviews by physicians with interest in headache are more precise than lay interviews or questionnaires.

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

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.

Psychiatric comorbidity and response to preventative therapy in the treatment of severe migraine trial

INTRODUCTION

Mood and anxiety disorders are comorbid with migraine and commonly assumed to portend a poor response to preventive migraine therapies. However, there is little evidence to support this assumption.

METHOD

We examined impact of a mood and/or anxiety disorder diagnosis using American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual criteria on response to the three preventative migraine therapies evaluated in the Treatment of Severe Migraine trial (n = 177): β-blocker, behavioral migraine management, or behavioral migraine management +β-blocker. Daily diaries assessed migraine activity for the 16 months of the trial. The Migraine Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire and Headache Disability Inventory assessed headache-related disability at regular intervals. Mixed models for repeated measures examined changes in these three outcomes with preventative migraine therapy in participants with and without a mood or anxiety disorder diagnosis.

RESULTS

Participants with a comorbid mood or anxiety disorder diagnosis recorded larger reductions in migraine days (p < .05) and larger reductions in the Migraine Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (p < .001) and Headache Disability Inventory (p < .01) than did participants with neither diagnosis.

DISCUSSION

Significantly larger reductions in migraine activity and migraine-related disability were observed in participants with a mood and/or anxiety disorder diagnosis than in participants who did not receive either diagnosis.

Evaluation of the use of sumatriptan-naproxen sodium for menstrual migraine and dysmenorrhea

Menstrual migraine (MM) is a form of headache that tends to occur with prolonged, intense and extremely disabling attacks in a short period around the menstrual cycle (usually 2 days before to 3 days after the onset of the menstrual flow). At least 50% of the female migraine population suffers from this subtype of migraine. The possible presence of other perimenstrual pain, such as dysmenorrhea, can make the attacks even more disabling. Since both of these conditions have a common pathological background consisting of a secretion of abnormally high levels of prostaglandins, it can be particularly useful to use a combination of sumatriptan, the progenitor of the triptans and the drug of choice in the treatment of migraine attack, and naproxen sodium, a potent inhibitor of prostaglandin biosynthesis. The combination of sumatriptan 85 mg and naproxen sodium 500 mg has been tested in women suffering from MM and dysmenorrhea, and this combination has been shown to achieve greater satisfaction when compared with placebo. Moreover, sumatriptan-naproxen was also better than placebo in reducing functional disability and improving productivity. The study is discussed in the context of the current state of knowledge about MM treatment.