---
title: Are migraines linked to menstruation different from regular migraines?
description: Probably yes. Menstrually-related migraines are more severe and disabling than regular migraines, with worse pain intensity and poorer response to medication.
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/perimenstrual-migraines-are-they-different-from-migraines-in-general-2008/
---

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- Are migraines linked to menstruation different from regular migraines?

Review, 2008

# Are migraines linked to menstruation different from regular migraines?

Probably yes. Menstrually-related migraines are more severe and disabling than regular migraines, with worse pain intensity and poorer response to medication.

 Moderate study design

Women with migraines (review article)

## What they did

Review of research comparing menstrually-related migraines with regular migraines, examining both population-based and clinic-based studies.

## What they found

All studies showed migraines increase around menses. Menstrually-related migraines had worse pain intensity, longer duration, more disability, worse warning signs before the headache, more nausea, and poorer response to acute medication in a significant subset of women.

## What it means for you

Migraines linked to your menstrual cycle may be more severe and disabling than other migraines. This is a review of existing studies, so conclusions depend on the quality of those studies.

## About the study

Original title Perimenstrual migraines: are they different from migraines in general? Authors Tepper SJ Journal Current pain and headache reports Year 2008 Study design Review Read the paper [doi.org/10.1007/s11916-008-0078-2](https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-008-0078-2)

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

## 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?

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