Menstrual migraine (MM) is a menstrually related disorder (MRD) characterized by several symptoms in common with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It has been hypothesized that in both MM and PMS hormonal cyclicity could change the balance of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators like monoamine and opioid. In this article we analyze all the data collected by our group on the central opioid tonus and the adrenergic and serotonergic systems in patients affected by menstrual migraine.
MartignoniESancesGNappiGSignificance of hormonal changes in migraine and cluster headache.Gynecol Endocrinol1987;1:295–314
2.
Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society.Classification and diagnostic criteria for headache disorders, cranial neuralgias and facial pain.Cephalalgia1988;Suppl 8:1–96
3.
FacchinettiFNeriIMartignoniEFioroniLNappiGGenazzaniARThe association of menstrual migraine with the premenstrual syndrome.Cephalalgia1993;13:422–5
4.
EpsteinMTHockadayTDMigraine and reproductive hormones throughout the menstrual cycle.Lancet1975;1:543–8
5.
EdelsonRNMenstrual migraine and other hormonal aspects of migraine.Headache1985;25:376–9
6.
FacchinettiFGenazzaniADMartignoniEFioroniLNappiGGenazzaniARNeuroendocrine changes in luteal function in patients with premenstrual syndrome.J Clin Endocrinol Metab1993;76:1123–7
7.
SchmidtPJNiemanLKGroverGNMullerKLMerriamGRRubinowDRLack of effect of induced menses on symptoms in women with premenstrual syndrome.N Engl J Med1991;324:1174–9
8.
TallalPMcEwenBSNeuroendocrine effects on brain development and cognition.Psychoneuroendocrinology1991;16:1–279
9.
VerebeyKOpioids in mental illness: theories, clinical observations and treatment possibilities.Ann NY Acad Sci1982:398
FacchinettiFNappiGPetragliaFVolpeAGenazzaniAROestradiol/progesterone inbalance and the premenstrual syndrome.Lancet1983;ii:1302
12.
FacchinettiFMartignoniESolaDPetragliaFNappiGGenazzaniARTransient failure of central opioid tonus and premenstrual symptoms.J Reprod Med1988;33:633–8
13.
VolavkaJBaumanJPevnickJRekerDJamesBChoDShort-term hormonal effects of naloxone in men.Psychoneuroendocrinology1980;5:225–34
14.
MarinariKTLeshnerAIDoyleMPMenstrual cycle status and adrenocortical reactivity to psychological stress.Psychoneuroendocrinology1976;1:213–8
15.
FacchinettiFMartignoniEFioroniLSancesGGenazzaniAROpioid control of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis cyclically fails in menstrual migraine.Cephalalgia1990;10:51–6
MagosALBrincatMZilkhaEJStuddJWWSerum dopamine-ß-hydroxylase activity in menstrual migraine.J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry1985;48:328–31
18.
AghajanianGKTolerance of locus coeruleus neurons to morphine and suppression of withdrawal response by clonidine.Nature1978;276:186–8
19.
JonesSBBylundDBRieserCAShekimWOByerJACarrGWa-2 adrenergic receptor binding in human platelets: alteration during the menstrual cycle.Clin Pharmacol Ther1983;34:90–6
20.
FacchinettiFMartignoniENappiGFioroniLSancesGGenazzaniARPremenstrual failure of a-adrenergic stimulation on hypothalamus-pituitary responses in menstrual migraine.Psychosom Med1969;51:550–8
21.
CloningerCRVon KlorringLOrelandLPentametric distribution of platelet monoamine oxidase activity.Psychi-atr Res1985:15:133–43
22.
WesthuldntKNDenneyRMKocherspergersLMDistinct monoamine oxidase A and B populations in primate brain.Science (Wash DC)1985;230:181–3
23.
SouthgateJGerantECGPollardWCyclical variations in endometrial monoamime oxidase: correlation of histochemical and quantitative biochemical assays.Biochem Pharmacol1968;17:721–5
24.
BelmakerRHDennisLMWyattRJLovianxDLHuman platelet monoamine oxidase changes during the menstrual cycle.Arch Gen Psychiatry1974;31:553–6
25.
HolbauerMYoudimMBHThe oestruosa cycle and mono-amine oxidase activity.Br J Pharmacol1973;48:600–8