Menstrual migraine and pathophysiology: estrogens and other factors

Abstract

Migraine is a common disabling brain disorder. Its pathophysiology is now being better understood. It was considered a disorder of blood vessels; new pieces of evidence have led to the conclusion that migraine represents a high interaction between the peripheral and central nervous systems, with the trigeminovascular system and the cerebral cortex among the main players. Menstrual migraine (MM) is a condition in females, where headaches are linked with menstruation. Hormonal fluctuations could have a key role in migraine pathogenesis, as several women experience that their migraine attacks correlate with their menstrual cycle. Estrogen withdrawal appears to have a significant role in migraine associated with menstrual cycles, even though its pathophysiology is not well known. This article highlights some portions of what is known about the pathophysiology of MM and aims to provide a better understanding of MM in women with this condition.

Keywords

• Headache. Migraine disorders. Menstrual migraine. Pathophysiology. Estrogen.