title: "Menstrual" migraine: towards a definition.
abstract: "Menstrual" migraine, a term misused by both patients and doctors, lacks precise definition. This dissertation critically reviews papers on the subject and examines the problem from a clinical perspective. A definition is proposed that the term "menstrual" migraine should be restricted to attacks exclusively starting on or between day 1 +/- 2 days of the menstrual cycle; the woman should be free from attacks at all other times of the cycle. This definition, unlike many used previously, links to a specific mechanism; the timing is consistent with oestrogen withdrawal. If this is correct, "oestrogen withdrawal" migraine may be a better term. Future studies, necessary to support or refute these proposals, are suggested.
authors.affiliation: City of London Migraine Clinic and Department of Gynaecology, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: MacGregor
mesh_terms: D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004967:Estrogens / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000502:physiology; D008599:Menstruation Disturbances / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D004967:Estrogens