Migraine through puberty and menopausal transition—data from the population-based Norwegian Women and Health study (NOWAC)

Abstract

Abstract Background and purpose Migraine considerably affects women during their reproductive years. This cross-sectional study uses data from the Norwegian Women and Health study (NOWAC) and investigates the typical age at migraine onset and cessation in women and assesses how reproductive milestones affect migraine patterns. Methods 4825 women with a history of migraine were included in the study. Participants completed a questionnaire that procured detailed information on their migraine characteristics and reproductive histories. Results Average ages at migraine onset and cessation were 27.8 and 49.7 years, respectively. Migraine onset after age 50 was reported in 9.2% of the participants. Although 80.7% reported cessation before age 60, 46.3% continued to experience migraines postmenopause. Women with migraine with aura were more likely to report migraine onset before menarche than those with migraine without aura. Conclusion Migraines usually resolve during the fifth decade of a woman’s life and menstruation cessation does not necessarily equate to migraine cessation, as almost half of the women continued to experience migraines postmenopause, and one in five after 60 years. Migraine symptom persistence in a significant proportion of postmenopausal women underscores the need for continued management and research on the factors influencing migraine prevalence in later life stages. Graphical Abstract Age at last migraine attack by migraine type. Orange dotted line represents mean age at menopause.

Keywords

• Migraine
• Menopause
• Menarche
• Postmenopausal women
• Norwegian Women and Health study