Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Does the menstrual cycle influence the motor and phosphene thresholds in migraine?
1Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany. klara.boros@med.uni-goettingen.de
Background And Purpose:
The excitability of the visual and motor cortical areas is altered in migraineurs. Controversial results of previous studies on cortical excitability may depend on the hormonal status of female subjects. The present study aimed to determine whether the different phases of the menstrual cycle influence the phosphene thresholds (PT) and resting motor thresholds (RMT) in migraineurs.
Methods:
Thirty-two migraine patients participated in this study. Three to six PT and RMT measurements were done in headache-free intervals during the follicular, middle and luteal phases of the female cycle, or in active dosage and withdrawal phases in patients who were taking low dosage oral contraceptives.
Results:
Generally, PTs showed higher individual variabilities than RMTs. Additionally, we have observed that the RMTs and PTs were significantly independent from hormonal changes. However, patients who were taking a low dosage of oral contraceptives had lower PTs compared with patients who were not taking oral contraceptives. RMTs show the opposite tendency.
Conclusion:
The results imply that PTs and RMTs can be reliably measured independently from the menstrual hormone status in female migraineurs.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
01:18Menses Phase
When fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum deteriorates, causing a significant drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This hormonal decrease triggers the release of prostaglandins, which cause the uterine...
01:19The Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
01:19Secretory Phase
Following ovulation, the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure, produces progesterone and estrogens. These hormones stimulate the growth and coiling of endometrial...
01:30Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...