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Coelingh Bennink HJT, van Gennip FAM, Gerrits MGF, Egberts JFM, Gemzell-Danielsson K, Kopp-Kallner H. Health benefits of combined oral contraceptives - a narrative review. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2024; 29:40-52. [PMID: 38426312 DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2024.2317295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This review presents an update of the non-contraceptive health benefits of the combined oral contraceptive pill. METHODS We conducted a literature search for (review) articles that discussed the health benefits of combined oral contraceptives (COCs), in the period from 1980 to 2023. RESULTS We identified 21 subjective and/or objective health benefits of COCs related to (i) the reproductive tract, (ii) non-gynaecological benign disorders and (iii) malignancies. Reproductive tract benefits are related to menstrual bleeding(including anaemia and toxic shock syndrome), dysmenorrhoea, migraine, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), ovarian cysts, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), androgen related symptoms, ectopic pregnancy, hypoestrogenism, endometriosis and adenomyosis, uterine fibroids and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Non-gynaecological benefits are related to benign breast disease, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, asthma and porphyria. Health benefits of COCs related to cancer are lower risks of endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer and colorectal cancer. CONCLUSIONS The use of combined oral contraceptives is accompanied with a range of health benefits, to be balanced against its side-effects and risks. Several health benefits of COCs are a reason for non-contraceptive COC prescription.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Helena Kopp-Kallner
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Zhu G, Wang M, Wang Y, Kong F. Assessing the association between age at first sexual intercourse and migraine: a Mendelian randomization study. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1347831. [PMID: 38379708 PMCID: PMC10876792 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1347831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives As indicated by observational and genetic variation studies, age at first sexual intercourse (AFS) may be associated with migraine attack, but there is a lack of evidence from real-world studies due to ethical concerns. Therefore, we conducted a Mendelian randomization study to determine the causal relationship between AFS and migraine. Methods We extracted instrumental variables from summary data of a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on AFS and migraine and then conducted two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses. GWAS data for AFS and migraine were obtained from 397,338 unrelated individuals (214,547 females and 182,791 males) and 306,314 individuals (18,477 patients and 287,837 control individuals), respectively. Results There was a causal relationship between AFS and risk for migraine (odds ratio (OR) = 0.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.61 to 0.86]), both for migraine with aura (MWA; OR = 0.72, 95% CI [0.58 to 0.89]) and migraine without aura (MOA; OR = 0.66, 95% CI [0.51 to 0.86]). Stratified analyses provided suggestive evidence of the causal relationship between delayed AFS and a decreased risk of migraine for both males (OR = 0.71, 95% CI [0.59 to 0.84]) and females (OR = 0.73, 95% CI [0.61 to 0.89]). Reverse Mendelian randomization did not reveal any effect of migraine on AFS (p > 0.05). No pleiotropy was detected. Discussion A delayed AFS is a protective factor against migraine (for both MWA and MOA) in both males and females. This causal relationship indicates the presence of extracranial regulatory pathways of migraine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoliang Zhu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Miao Wang
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yawen Wang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Fanyi Kong
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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Metzler JM, Imesch P, Dietrich H, Knobel C, Portmann L, Neumeier MS, Merki-Feld GS. Impact of family history for endometriosis, migraine, depression and early menopause on endometriosis symptoms, localization and stage: A case control study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2024; 293:36-43. [PMID: 38103542 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Endometriosis is a common disabling pain condition in women of childbearing age, frequently showing familial clustering. Nevertheless, little is known about whether familial predispositions influence its severity or presentation. In this study, we investigate disease characteristics in endometriosis patients with a family history (FH) for endometriosis or the comorbidities migraine, depression and early menopause (EMP). MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed an observational case-control study enrolling women with histologically confirmed endometriosis in a tertiary center. Based on surgical findings, patient records and phone interviews, we examined the relations between a FH for endometriosis, migraine, depression or EMP and endometriotic signs and symptoms, such as response to combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) and analgesics, disease localization, infiltration depth, Enzian- and rASRM-scores. RESULTS A positive FH for endometriosis, migraine, depression or EMP was reported by 10.2 %, 33.4 %, 32.6 % and 9.9 % of the 344 patients. A positive FH of endometriosis was associated with an increased risk for high rASRM-scores (rASRM 3 + 4: OR 2.74 (95 % CI 1.16-6.49), p = 0.017) and the presence of endometriomas (OR 2.70 (1.22-5.95), p = 0.011). A positive FH for migraine was associated with less response of endometriosis symptoms to CHC (OR 0.469 (0.27-0.82) p = 0.025). Depression in the family was linked to less severe rASRM-scores (rASRM 3 + 4: OR 0.63 (0.39-0.99), p = 0.046) and less endometriomas (OR 0.58 (0.67-0.92), p = 0.02), but increased the risk of both migraine (OR 1.66 (1.01-2.73), p = 0.043) and depression (OR 3.04 (1.89-4.89), p < 0.001) while showing a better response to CHC (OR 2.0 (1.15-3.48, p < 0.001). Patients with EMP in their family reported more current endometriosis symptoms at present (OR 3.72 (1.67-8.30), p = 0.001), more dysmenorrhea (OR 2.13 (1.04-4.35), p = 0.037), more frequent severe dysmenorrhea (OR 2.32 (1.14-4.74), p = 0.019) and suffered significantly more often > 5 days of non-cyclic pain (OR 3.58 (1.72-7.44), p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Around 30% reported a positive FH for migraine or depression. Patients with a positive FH for endometriosis, migraine, depression or EMP differ in symptoms and surgical findings when compared to controls. While a FH for endometriosis is associated with higher rASRM scores and more endometriomas, women with a FH for depression had lower rASRM scores and less endometriomas while responding better to CHC. In contrast, women with a FH for migraine showed less response to CHC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrick Imesch
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hanna Dietrich
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Chiara Knobel
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lea Portmann
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maria S Neumeier
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland
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Bhardwaj R, Stringfellow JC, Morris B, Croop RS, Bertz RJ. Effects of rimegepant 75 mg daily on the pharmacokinetics of a combined oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate in healthy female participants. Headache 2023; 63:652-662. [PMID: 37140071 DOI: 10.1111/head.14512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of single and multiple doses of rimegepant 75 mg dose on the pharmacokinetics of an oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol (EE)/norgestimate (NGM) in healthy females of childbearing potential or non-menopausal females with tubal ligation. BACKGROUND Females of childbearing age experience the highest prevalence of migraine and frequently inquire about the concomitant use of anti-migraine medications and contraceptives. Rimegepant, a calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist, demonstrated efficacy and safety for treating an acute migraine attack and preventing migraine. METHODS This open-label, single-center, phase 1, drug-drug interaction study explored the effects of rimegepant 75 mg daily dose on the pharmacokinetics of an oral contraceptive containing EE/NGM 0.035 mg/0.25 mg in healthy females of childbearing potential or non-menopausal females with tubal ligation. During cycles 1 and 2, participants received EE/NGM once daily for 21 days followed by placebo tablets with inactive ingredients for 7 days. Rimegepant was administered during only cycle 2 for 8 days, from days 12 through 19. The primary endpoint was the effect of single and multiple doses of rimegepant on the pharmacokinetics of EE and norelgestromin (NGMN), an active metabolite of NGM, at steady state, including area under the concentration-time curve for 1 dosing interval (AUC0-τ,ss ) and maximum observed concentration (Css[max] ). RESULTS The study enrolled 25 participants, with pharmacokinetic data assessed for 20 participants. A single 75 mg dose of rimegepant co-administered with EE/NGM increased exposures of EE and NGMN by ≤16% (geometric mean ratio [GMR], 1.03; 90% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.06; and GMR, 1.16; 90% CI, 1.13-1.20, respectively). After 8 days of co-administering EE/NGM with rimegepant, EE pharmacokinetic parameters, AUC0-τ,ss and Css(max) , increased by 20% (GMR, 1.20; 90% CI, 1.16-1.25) and 34% (GMR, 1.34; 90% CI, 1.23-1.46), respectively, and NGMN pharmacokinetic parameters increased by 46% (GMR, 1.46; 90% CI, 1.39-1.52) and 40% (GMR, 1.40; 90% CI, 1.30-1.51), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The study identified modest elevations in overall EE and NGMN exposures after multiple doses of rimegepant, but these elevations are unlikely to be clinically relevant in healthy females with migraine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Beth Morris
- Biohaven Pharmaceuticals, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Ceriani CEJ, Silberstein SD. Current and Emerging Pharmacotherapy for Menstrual Migraine: A Narrative Review. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2023; 24:617-627. [PMID: 36946205 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2023.2194487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In this article, we discuss menstrual migraine (MM), which can be categorized as menstrually related migraine (MRM) or pure menstrual migraine (PMM). MM attacks are often longer, more severe, and harder to treat than other migraine attacks. Appropriate treatment strategies include acute treatment, short term preventive treatment, and daily preventive treatment, depending on the patient's pattern of migraine and occurrence of migraine outside the menstrual period. AREAS COVERED A PubMed, Cochrane Library, Medline, and Ovid search from inception to October 2022 provided articles relating to MM pathophysiology and treatment. EXPERT OPINION In patients for whom standard acute therapy is inadequate, short term or daily preventive treatment should be considered. Patients with PMM may be adequately managed with short term preventive treatment started 2 days prior to the onset of migraine and continued for 5-6 days. Frovatriptan is the mainstay of short-term prevention. Patients who experience additional attacks outside the menstrual period may benefit from daily preventive treatment. Estrogen-containing contraceptive treatment may be effective in appropriately selected patients. Emerging research on the pathophysiology of MM indicates that oxytocin agonists and CGRP antagonists may prove to be effective treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E J Ceriani
- Jefferson Headache Center, Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stephen D Silberstein
- Jefferson Headache Center, Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Considerations for Contraceptive Use Among Patients with Migraines. CURRENT OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY REPORTS 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s13669-023-00349-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
There is an overlap in the populations of patients who suffer from migraine headaches and patients who seek contraception. The purpose of this review is to present recent studies on contraception among patients with migraines and provide clinical recommendations.
Recent Findings
Migraine with aura and combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) use are associated with increased ischemic stroke risk. The use of CHCs in patients with migraine with aura produces a higher risk of ischemic stroke than either factor individually; therefore, CHC is contraindicated in this population by certain guidelines. However, recent studies suggest that oral contraceptive may reduce migraine days, pain scores, and migraine medication use.
Summary
Certain guidelines recommend against use of CHCs in patients with migraine with aura. CHC use is acceptable among patient with migraines without aura. In patients with menstrual-related migraines, there may be benefit from continuous use of oral contraceptives. Further studies are needed on migraine and specific formulations of CHC, if the frequency of migraines with aura impacts ischemic stroke risk and the impact of oral and non-oral contraceptives on menstrual headaches.
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Merki-Feld GS, Sandor PS, Nappi RE, Pohl H, Schankin C. Clinical features of migraine with onset prior to or during start of combined hormonal contraception: a prospective cohort study. Acta Neurol Belg 2022; 122:401-409. [PMID: 33928470 PMCID: PMC8986701 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-021-01677-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Bentivegna E, Luciani M, Scarso F, Bruscia C, Chiappino D, Amore E, Nalli G, Martelletti P. Hormonal therapies in migraine management: current perspectives on patient selection and risk management. Expert Rev Neurother 2021; 21:1347-1355. [PMID: 34739361 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2021.2003706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The link between sex hormones and migraines has long been investigated but the mechanisms underlying this altered interaction are not yet fully understood. Herein, we retrace the knowledge on this association in relationship with risk of stroke. AREAS COVERED Estrogens fluctuations could trigger migraine attacks and exogenous estrogens intake could be a risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE) and stroke. At the same time, ischemic heart diseases and stroke share a common substrate with migraine and other mood disorders, depression, and anxiety. EXPERT OPINION The use of hormonal therapies in the context of contraception or replacement therapy must be closely evaluated in a careful risk assessment. We highlight the complex interaction of hormone/neuroinflammation pathways underlying the pathophysiology of migraine glimpsing in mood disorders a possible common denominator of link between hormonal and neuronal systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Bentivegna
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Regional Referral Headache Centre, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Michelangelo Luciani
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Regional Referral Headache Centre, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Scarso
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Regional Referral Headache Centre, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Clara Bruscia
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Regional Referral Headache Centre, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Dario Chiappino
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Regional Referral Headache Centre, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Amore
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Regional Referral Headache Centre, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Nalli
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Regional Referral Headache Centre, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Martelletti
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Regional Referral Headache Centre, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
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van Casteren DS, Verhagen IE, van der Arend BWH, van Zwet EW, MaassenVanDenBrink A, Terwindt GM. Comparing Perimenstrual and Nonperimenstrual Migraine Attacks Using an e-Diary. Neurology 2021; 97:e1661-e1671. [PMID: 34493613 PMCID: PMC8605615 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000012723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne S van Casteren
- From the Departments of Neurology (D.S.C., I.E.V., B.W.H.A., G.M.T.) and Medical Statistics (E.W.Z.), Leiden University Medical Center; and Division of Vascular Medicine and Pharmacology (D.S.C., I.E.V., B.W.H.A., A.M.V.D.B.), Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Iris E Verhagen
- From the Departments of Neurology (D.S.C., I.E.V., B.W.H.A., G.M.T.) and Medical Statistics (E.W.Z.), Leiden University Medical Center; and Division of Vascular Medicine and Pharmacology (D.S.C., I.E.V., B.W.H.A., A.M.V.D.B.), Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Britt W H van der Arend
- From the Departments of Neurology (D.S.C., I.E.V., B.W.H.A., G.M.T.) and Medical Statistics (E.W.Z.), Leiden University Medical Center; and Division of Vascular Medicine and Pharmacology (D.S.C., I.E.V., B.W.H.A., A.M.V.D.B.), Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Erik W van Zwet
- From the Departments of Neurology (D.S.C., I.E.V., B.W.H.A., G.M.T.) and Medical Statistics (E.W.Z.), Leiden University Medical Center; and Division of Vascular Medicine and Pharmacology (D.S.C., I.E.V., B.W.H.A., A.M.V.D.B.), Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Antoinette MaassenVanDenBrink
- From the Departments of Neurology (D.S.C., I.E.V., B.W.H.A., G.M.T.) and Medical Statistics (E.W.Z.), Leiden University Medical Center; and Division of Vascular Medicine and Pharmacology (D.S.C., I.E.V., B.W.H.A., A.M.V.D.B.), Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gisela M Terwindt
- From the Departments of Neurology (D.S.C., I.E.V., B.W.H.A., G.M.T.) and Medical Statistics (E.W.Z.), Leiden University Medical Center; and Division of Vascular Medicine and Pharmacology (D.S.C., I.E.V., B.W.H.A., A.M.V.D.B.), Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Hormonal influences in migraine - interactions of oestrogen, oxytocin and CGRP. Nat Rev Neurol 2021; 17:621-633. [PMID: 34545218 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-021-00544-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Migraine is ranked as the second highest cause of disability worldwide and the first among women aged 15-49 years. Overall, the incidence of migraine is threefold higher among women than men, though the frequency and severity of attacks varies during puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, the postpartum period and menopause. Reproductive hormones are clearly a key influence in the susceptibility of women to migraine. A fall in plasma oestrogen levels can trigger attacks of migraine without aura, whereas higher oestrogen levels seem to be protective. The basis of these effects is unknown. In this Review, we discuss what is known about sex hormones and their receptors in migraine-related areas in the CNS and the peripheral trigeminovascular pathway. We consider the actions of oestrogen via its multiple receptor subtypes and the involvement of oxytocin, which has been shown to prevent migraine attacks. We also discuss possible interactions of these hormones with the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) system in light of the success of anti-CGRP treatments. We propose a simple model to explain the hormone withdrawal trigger in menstrual migraine, which could provide a foundation for improved management and therapy for hormone-related migraine in women.
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