Randomised trial, 1994
Does estradiol patches reduce menstrual migraine?
No. The study found no significant difference between estradiol patches and placebo patches in reducing migraine attacks.
What they did
20 women with pure menstrual migraine wore either Estraderm TTS 50 patches or placebo patches in random order over three successive menstrual cycles. Neurological tests were done before treatment.
What they found
The number, duration, and severity of migraine attacks did not differ between estradiol and placebo. Neither did the use of painkillers. One subgroup with certain test results may have benefited.
What it means for you
Estradiol patches do not help with menstrual migraine for most women. Main limits: very small sample size (20 women) and negative finding, so a larger study might find different results.
20
women studied
three
menstrual cycles
50
patch strength
About the study
- Original title
- Perimenstrual migraine: effect of Estraderm TTS and the value of contingent negative variation and exteroceptive temporalis muscle suppression test
- Authors
- Smits MG, van der Meer YG, Pfeil JP et al.
- Journal
- Headache
- Year
- 1994
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 20
- What was tested
- Estraderm TTS 50 hormone patches
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-4610.1994.hed3402103.x
Topics
Related studies
Systematic review, 2023
What hormonal treatments have been tested for PMDD, menstrual migraine, and catamenial epilepsy?
Cohort study, 2022
Can women accurately tell if they have period-related migraines, or do they need to track them?
Guideline, 2021
How should migraine be managed in women, particularly menstrual migraine?
Randomised trial, 2016
Does telcagepant prevent migraines during the menstrual period?
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?