Study, 1983
Does keeping steady oestradiol levels prevent menstrual migraines?
Yes. When oestradiol levels were kept steady with implants, 20 out of 24 women (83%) became completely or almost completely headache-free, with no problems associated with the treatment.
What they did
The study treated 24 women with menstrual migraine using oestradiol implants placed under the skin to keep hormone levels constant. They were given cyclical oral progestogens to maintain regular monthly periods.
What they found
Twenty-three women improved overall. Twenty (83%) became completely or almost completely headache-free. The treatment caused no problems.
What it means for you
The drop in oestrogen during the menstrual cycle appears to trigger menstrual migraines. Keeping oestrogen levels steady can prevent these attacks. The main limits are the small sample size and lack of comparison to other migraine treatments.
24
women treated
20
became headache-free
83%
headache-free rate
About the study
- Original title
- Treatment of menstrual migraine by oestradiol implants
- Authors
- Magos AL, Zilkha KJ, Studd JW
- Journal
- Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry
- Year
- 1983
- Study design
- Study
- Participants
- 24
- What was tested
- Oestradiol implants to keep hormone levels steady
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1136/jnnp.46.11.1044
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