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Published on: August 13, 2019
Migraine and Stroke Risk in Postmenopausal Women in the Women's Health Initiative
Tracy E Madsen1, Christina A Raker2, Jelena M Pavlovic3
1Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT.
Neurology
|June 5, 2026
Summary
Postmenopausal women with a history of migraine face a higher risk of ischemic stroke, but not total or hemorrhagic stroke. Migraine history is a significant risk marker for ischemic stroke in this population.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiovascular Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Migraine is a recognized stroke risk factor in younger women.
- The association between migraine and stroke in postmenopausal women is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between a history of migraine and the incidence of stroke in postmenopausal women.
- To determine if migraine is an independent risk factor for different types of stroke after menopause.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 130,277 postmenopausal women in the Women's Health Initiative cohort.
- Longitudinal follow-up for incident stroke (total, ischemic, hemorrhagic) over a median of 19.9 years.
- Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for cardiovascular and female-specific risk factors.
Main Results:
- Migraine history was significantly associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke (HR 1.12, 95% CI 1.02-1.23).
- No significant association was found between migraine history and total or hemorrhagic stroke.
- Associations were most pronounced for cardioembolic and undetermined ischemic stroke subtypes.
Conclusions:
- A history of migraine is linked to a higher risk of ischemic stroke in postmenopausal women.
- Migraine should be considered a potential risk marker for ischemic stroke in postmenopausal women.
- Further research may explore migraine subtypes and their specific stroke risks.
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