title: Headache classification and aspects of reproductive life in young women.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To classify headaches as a function of the menstrual cycle and to contrast aspects relating to the reproductive cycle as a function of headache type.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants responded to a structured questionnaire consisting of 44 questions. Detailed headache information, enabling the classification of headaches, and questions relating to the menstrual cycle were obtained.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The sample consisted of 422 students. Menstrual headaches were experienced by 31.8%. Migraine without aura (MO) occurred in 13.3%, migraine with aura (MA) in 7.8%, and probable migraine in 6.4%. Women with MA were significantly more likely to have reached menarche at earlier ages than women without headaches (p=0.03). Use of a hormonal contraceptive was related to the function of having MA headaches or not.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Most female college students are affected by menstrual headaches. Although the vast majority experience MO, other headaches also occur. Women with MA are equally likely to receive hormonal contraceptives as others.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Neurologia, Faculdades Integradas Padre Albino, CatanduvaSP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Eliana M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Melhado
authors.affiliation: Labrys Biologics, San MateoCA, USA.
authors.forename: Marcelo E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Bigal
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Neurologia, Faculdades Integradas Padre Albino, CatanduvaSP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Andressa R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Galego
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Neurologia, Faculdades Integradas Padre Albino, CatanduvaSP, Brazil.
authors.forename: João P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Galdezzani
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Neurologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil.
authors.forename: Luiz P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Queiroz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000367:Age Factors; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000145:classification* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000145:classification* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011247:Pregnancy; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003276:Contraceptives, Oral