Predictability of exogenous hormone effect on subgroups of migraineurs.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate whether self-reported past migraine response to reproductive life events (menses, pregnancy, menopause) alters the likelihood of worsening of migraine with exogenous hormone use.


METHODS
A retrospective study was conducted on 451 female patients at the University Headache Center who had a diagnosis of migraine with or without aura.


RESULTS
The majority of migraineurs recalled no change in headaches with oral contraceptive use or hormone replacement therapy (67.2% and 77%, respectively). Worsening of migraines with oral contraceptive use was associated with a menstrual trigger, worsening during pregnancy, and a diagnosis of migraine without aura. Worsening with hormone replacement therapy was associated with worsening during prior oral contraceptive use, improvement during pregnancy, worsening during menopause, and a diagnosis of migraine without aura.


CONCLUSIONS
Prospective studies are needed to confirm these associations.
Mueller
L
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University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey-School of Osteopathic Medicine, Moorestown.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause / Q000187:drug effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral