---
title: Does estrogen therapy help migraines linked to the menstrual cycle?
description: Evidence shows estrogen fluctuations trigger these migraines. Stopping these changes through treatment or menopause may help or sometimes worsen symptoms, tho
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/transdermal-hormonal-therapy-in-perimenstrual-migraine-why-when-and-how-2012/
---

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- Does estrogen therapy help migraines linked to the menstrual cycle?

Review, 2012

# Does estrogen therapy help migraines linked to the menstrual cycle?

Evidence shows estrogen fluctuations trigger these migraines. Stopping these changes through treatment or menopause may help or sometimes worsen symptoms, though we need more research to confirm this works in practice.

 Moderate study design

Literature review of research on hormone-related migraine

## What they did

This was a review of research on estrogen's role in migraine. The authors summarized both laboratory studies and clinical studies.

## What they found

Evidence strongly supports that estrogen fluctuations trigger migraine attacks. Stopping these fluctuations (as happens at menopause) may lead to remission or, conversely, to worsening of migraines. The exact mechanisms remain unknown.

## What it means for you

Controlling estrogen levels might help menstrual migraines. The main limitation is that this reviews existing research rather than testing new approaches, so clinical trials are needed to confirm effectiveness. The exact mechanisms are still unknown.

## About the study

Original title Transdermal hormonal therapy in perimenstrual migraine: why, when and how? Authors Tassorelli C, Greco R, Allena M et al. Journal Current pain and headache reports Year 2012 Study design Review What was tested Estrogen modulation through transdermal therapy Read the paper [doi.org/10.1007/s11916-012-0293-8](https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-012-0293-8)

## 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

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Guideline, 2021

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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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