Management of the menopause in women with migraine

Abstract

Migraine is more common in women than in men, with a prevalence ratio of 3:1 respectively during the early 40s. The years leading up to the menopause mark a time of exacerbation of migraine for many women.1 Menstruation becomes a more prominent trigger and attacks often increase in frequency, as periods become increasingly irregular. Unpredictable attacks, coupled with menopausal symptoms, can make it hard for many women to cope. Unfortunately, women are often told that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) will make migraine worse and they do not receive effective treatment.