Skip to content

Survey study, 2010

Is menstrual migraine genetic?

About one in three to five women with migraine have migraine around their period. People with menstrual migraine may have more relatives with migraine, but we need more research to know for sure.

Early or limited evidence Women with migraine (review of existing research)

What they did

The authors reviewed existing research on how common menstrual migraine is and whether it runs in families.

What they found

About one in every three to five women with migraine without aura experience migraine around their period. There are official definitions for pure menstrual migraine and menstrually related migraine without aura, but these need further validation. People with menstrual migraine might have more relatives with migraine than people with other types of migraine. However, precise data on family patterns and twin studies are not yet available.

What it means for you

Menstrual migraine appears to be common and may run in families, but we don't have clear evidence yet. Better research with family studies and twin studies is needed to understand if genetics play a role.

1 in 3 to 5

women with migraine who get menstrual migraine

About the study

Original title
Genetics of menstrual migraine: the epidemiological evidence
Authors
Russell MB
Journal
Current pain and headache reports
Year
2010
Study design
Survey study
Open access
Yes

Topics