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Updated: Jun 14, 2026

A Hyperandrogenic Mouse Model to Study Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Published on: October 2, 2018
Is there any association between migraine headache and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? A review article
Nahid Sarahian1,2, Mahsa Noroozzadeh1, Marzieh Saei Ghare Naz1
1Reproductive Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Background:
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and migraine headaches are considered to be common health problems that may share some risk factors. This study aimed to discuss the possible association between migraine headache and polycystic ovary syndrome.
Methods And Results:
In this narrative review, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were systematically searched for retrieving and summarizing published studies up to January 2021 to explore the possible interplay between migraine headache and PCOS. We discuss the possible pathways that may explain the association between migraine headaches and PCOS signs/symptoms and complications. While genetic factors have profound effects on the pathogenesis of migraine headaches, sex hormones, including estrogen and progesterone may also play an important role in inducing migraine headaches. Some disorders, such as sleep apnea, amenorrhea, and vascular disease that are more likely to occur in women with PCOS, may cause or exacerbate migraine headaches in women with PCOS.
Conclusions:
Future comprehensive studies are needed to investigate the exact underlining mechanisms related to the association between PCOS and migraine headaches.
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