Menopause hormone therapy, migraines, and thromboembolism

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Migraine is a common, disabling neurovascular disease with higher prevalence in females.
• Migraine subtypes include migraine with and without aura.
• Sex steroids, particularly estrogen, significantly influence migraine patterns in women.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the relationship between sex steroids and migraine.
• To discuss the association between migraine with aura and stroke risk.
• To highlight the importance of early diagnosis and management strategies for migraine.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on migraine, sex steroids, and stroke.
• Analysis of epidemiological data on migraine prevalence and risk factors.
• Synthesis of current understanding of migraine pathophysiology and treatment.

Main Results:

• Migraine remission in women correlates with stable estrogen levels.
• Migraine with aura is linked to an increased stroke incidence, particularly in younger individuals.
• Tobacco use and high-dose oral estrogens may elevate stroke risk in migraine patients.

Conclusions:

• Migraine management requires early diagnosis, follow-up, and nonhormonal treatments.
• Judicious hormonal therapy can improve quality of life for individuals with migraine.
• Addressing the neurovascular aspects and hormonal influences is crucial for effective migraine care.