Treatment of menstrual migraine: utility of control of related mood disturbances

Expert Rev Neurother. 2014 May;14(5):493-502. doi: 10.1586/14737175.2014.906304. Epub 2014 Apr 7.

Abstract

Menstrual migraine (MM) has a prevalence in the general population of approximately 7%, although it seems to be much higher within the population of females with migraine. Episodes of MM have been reported to be longer, more intense, more disabling, less responsive to acute therapy and more prone to recurrence than those of other types of migraine. MM is demonstrated to have a bi-directional link to affective illnesses such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder and depression. There is clinical and pathophysiological evidence suggesting that the relationship between MM and affective disorders could be linked to ovarian hormones. The aim of this review is to analyze treatment strategies in patients with co-existent MM and affective disorders.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics / therapeutic use*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Menstruation Disturbances / complications*
  • Migraine Disorders* / complications
  • Migraine Disorders* / drug therapy
  • Migraine Disorders* / epidemiology
  • Mood Disorders* / complications
  • Mood Disorders* / etiology
  • Mood Disorders* / therapy

Substances

  • Analgesics
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antidepressive Agents