---
title: How can menstrual migraines and headaches be treated? | Niyora
description: At least half of women with migraines experience menstrual-related migraines. Treatments like triptans and estradiol have been shown to be effective. This is
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/perimenstrual-headache-treatment-options-2009/
---

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- How can menstrual migraines and headaches be treated?

Survey study, 2009

# How can menstrual migraines and headaches be treated?

At least half of women with migraines experience menstrual-related migraines. Treatments like triptans and estradiol have been shown to be effective. This is a review article summarizing existing research, not new research.

 Early or limited evidence

Review article on women with migraines

## What they did

This is a review article that summarizes existing research on menstrual migraine treatment. The authors discussed what is known about the relationship between estrogen and migraine and reviewed different treatment options.

## What they found

At least half of women with migraines experience menstrual migraine. Triptans are effective for both treating and preventing menstrual migraines in the short term. Estradiol is also effective for short-term prevention. Other treatments showing promise include ergotamines, sumatriptan-naproxen sodium combinations, and rizatriptan with dexamethasone.

## What it means for you

There are several treatment options available for menstrual migraines. However, this is a review summarizing other research, not a new study, so the strength of evidence depends on the original studies reviewed.

50%

of women migraineurs experience menstrual migraine

## About the study

Original title Perimenstrual headache: treatment options Authors Henry KA, Cohen CI Journal Current pain and headache reports Year 2009 Study design Survey study What was tested Various medications reviewed: triptans, estradiol, ergotamines, sumatriptan-naproxen sodium, and rizatriptan Read the paper [doi.org/10.1007/s11916-009-0016-y](https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-009-0016-y)

## Topics

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

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

Randomised trial, 2014

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

Randomised trial, 2011

Does sumatriptan-naproxen help women with period migraines and period pain function better?

Randomised trial, 2010

Does a sumatriptan and naproxen combination help menstrual migraine and period pain?

Survey study, 2010

What treatments work for migraine during the menstrual cycle?

Review, 2009

What medications work for migraines around the menstrual period?

Survey study, 2007

Why does migraine get worse around menstruation and how can it be treated?

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