Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026
10:39
3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Are menstrual and nonmenstrual migraine attacks different?
Kjersti Grøtta Vetvik1, Michael Bjørn Russell
1Head and Neck Research Group, Research Centre, Akershus University Hospital, 1478, Lørenskog, Oslo, Norway.
Current Pain and Headache Reports
|May 18, 2011
Summary
Menstrual migraine attacks in women are common, but research is inconclusive on whether they differ from non-menstrual attacks. Further studies are needed for definitive answers on migraine differences.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Headache Medicine
Background:
- Migraine is a prevalent neurological disorder, second only to tension-type headache.
- Menstrual migraine affects a significant portion of women, with 20% experiencing migraine without aura during their menstrual cycles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze current literature and determine if menstrual and non-menstrual migraine attacks differ.
- To address the ongoing debate regarding the distinct characteristics of menstrual versus non-menstrual migraine.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and analysis of existing scientific literature on migraine characteristics.
- Evaluation of studies addressing the differences between menstrual and non-menstrual migraine attacks.
Main Results:
- The reviewed literature presents conflicting results regarding the differences between menstrual and non-menstrual migraine attacks.
- Current evidence is insufficient to definitively conclude whether these two types of migraine attacks are distinct.
Conclusions:
- It is not possible to firmly answer whether menstrual and non-menstrual migraine attacks differ based on the current literature.
- Future research should focus on the general population, incorporating both prospective and retrospective data.
- Physician-led interviews are recommended for more precise headache diagnoses compared to lay interviews or questionnaires.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
Depressive disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by pervasive feelings of sadness, diminished pleasure in life, and a significant impact on daily functioning. These conditions are most prevalent in individuals during their 30s and affect women at twice the rate of men. Contrary to popular belief, younger individuals are generally more susceptible to these disorders than older adults. Two key types of depressive disorders include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and...
01:19The Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is a recurrent sequence of changes in the uterine endometrium, specifically its functional layer, the stratum functionalis. This cycle prepares the uterus for potential pregnancy. This cycle typically spans 21–35 days, averaging 28 days, and aligns with the ovarian cycle, regulated by fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone.
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
01:18Menses Phase
The uterine cycle begins with the menstrual phase, which is considered day one of the cycle and typically lasts about five days. This phase is characterized by the degeneration and shedding of the stratum functionalis, the functional layer of the endometrium.
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...
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...
01:18Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
01:24Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
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.
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.