---
title: How does the menstrual cycle affect the link between stress and migraines?
description: The menstrual cycle changed how women coped with stress and how often they had migraines. The connection between stress and migraines was stronger at certain
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-relationship-between-stress-headache-and-the-menstrual-cycle-in-young-female-1996/
---

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- How does the menstrual cycle affect the link between stress and migraines?

Survey study, 1996

# How does the menstrual cycle affect the link between stress and migraines?

The menstrual cycle changed how women coped with stress and how often they had migraines. The connection between stress and migraines was stronger at certain points in the cycle.

 Early or limited evidence

12 young female students with migraines and 12 without

## What they did

Researchers studied 12 women with migraines and 12 without. All filled out questionnaires about stress at three cycle points: before their period, during their period, and at ovulation. Women with migraines also recorded headaches daily for a month.

## What they found

The menstrual cycle changed how women used coping strategies and affected migraine activity. The link between stress and migraine varied across the cycle. Changes around the period may strengthen the stress-migraine connection.

## What it means for you

Stress may affect migraines differently depending on where you are in your cycle, especially around your period. The study was very small, with only 12 women in each group.

12

women with migraines

12

women without migraines

1 month

daily headache recording

## About the study

Original title The relationship between stress, headache, and the menstrual cycle in young female migraineurs Authors Holm JE, Bury L, Suda KT Journal Headache Year 1996 Study design Survey study Participants 12 Read the paper [doi.org/10.1046/j.1526-4610.1996.3609531.x](https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1526-4610.1996.3609531.x)

## Topics

[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Pain and headache](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-pain/)[Stress](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-stress/)[Migraine](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-migraine/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)

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Does stress affect the menstrual cycle in college students?

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Can headaches happen in the middle of a woman's cycle?

Non-randomised trial, 2006

Does the menstrual cycle affect brain activity differently in women with migraine?

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