---
title: Why do migraines get worse around menstruation? | Niyora
description: Estrogen withdrawal appears to be the main trigger. It enhances nerve sensitivity and changes pain-related chemicals in the brain around the menstrual period.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/new-theories-in-the-pathogenesis-of-menstrual-migraine-2008/
---

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- Why do migraines get worse around menstruation?

Review, 2008

# Why do migraines get worse around menstruation?

Estrogen withdrawal appears to be the main trigger. It enhances nerve sensitivity and changes pain-related chemicals in the brain around the menstrual period.

 Early or limited evidence

Not specified; theoretical review on menstrual migraine mechanisms

## What they did

Review article proposing new theories to explain why migraines are triggered or worsened around menstruation.

## What they found

Estrogen withdrawal is the most potent hormonal factor in menstrual migraines. It enhances sensitivity of trigeminal nerves involved in migraines, changes neuropeptide production, affects neurotransmitter systems, and influences brain cell function. These changes activate and sensitize the systems involved in migraine headaches during the menstrual period.

## What it means for you

Understanding how estrogen withdrawal affects migraine triggers during the menstrual cycle may help develop better treatments. The review proposes new theories but notes more research is needed to test them.

## About the study

Original title New theories in the pathogenesis of menstrual migraine Authors Martin VT Journal Current pain and headache reports Year 2008 Study design Review What was tested None, theoretical review Read the paper [doi.org/10.1007/s11916-008-0077-3](https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-008-0077-3)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Pain and headache](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-pain/)[Migraine](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-migraine/)

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## Related studies

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Cohort study, 2022

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Randomised trial, 2014

Does the combination of sumatriptan and naproxen sodium reduce menstrual symptoms and migraine?

Randomised trial, 2005

Does sumatriptan work for migraines around the menstrual cycle?

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