Impact of sex hormonal changes on tension-type headache and migraine: a cross-sectional population-based survey in 2,600 women

Karli N., BAYKAL B., Ertas M., ZARİFOĞLU M., SİVA A., Saip S., ...More

JOURNAL OF HEADACHE AND PAIN, vol.13, no.7, pp.557-565, 2012 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 13 Issue: 7
  • Publication Date: 2012
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s10194-012-0475-0
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF HEADACHE AND PAIN
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.557-565
  • Keywords: Sex hormones, Headache, Migraine, Tension-type headache, Menstruation, Menopause, REPRODUCTIVE LIFE EVENTS, UNDERSTANDING MECHANISMS, OVARIAN HORMONES, MENSTRUAL-CYCLE, DOUBLE-BLIND, PREVALENCE, AURA, PATHOGENESIS, PREGNANCY, ATTACKS
  • Bursa Uludag University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Sex hormones have some implications on headaches. The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of hormonal changes comparatively on tension-type headache (TTH) and migraine, in a population-based sample. A nationwide face-to-face prevalence study was conducted using a structured electronic questionnaire. 54.3 % of the migraineurs reported that the probability of experiencing headache during menstruation was high, whereas 3.9 % had headache only during menstruation. Forward logistic regression analysis revealed that menstruation was a significant trigger for migraine in comparison to TTH. On the other hand, nearly double the number of TTH sufferers reported "pure menstrual headache" compared to migraineurs (p = 0.02). Menstrual headaches caused significantly higher MIDAS grades. One-third of the definite migraineurs reported improvement during pregnancy and oral contraceptives significantly worsened migraine. Menopause had a slight improving effect on migraine compared to TTH. Sex hormonal changes have major impacts particularly on migraine; however, the effects of hormonal fluctuations on TTH should not be underestimated.