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Transdermal Hormonal Therapy in Perimenstrual Migraine: Why, When and How?

  • Perimenstrual Headache (S Evers, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Experimental and clinical evidence is strongly in favor of a role for estrogens in migraine. It is clear that estrogen fluctuations represent trigger factors for the attacks, while the resolution of these fluctuations (menopause) may be associated to the remission or, conversely, to the worsening of the disease. However, the exact mechanisms and mediators underlying the effects of estrogens in migraine are largely unknown. The exact mechanisms and mediators underlying the effects of estrogens in migraine are largely unknown. In this review, we summarize clinical and preclinical data that are relevant for the role of estrogens in migraine and we discuss how estrogen modulation can be exploited positively to improve hormonal-related migraine.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Headache Science Centre, IRCCS National Neurological Institute C. Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy

    Cristina Tassorelli, Rosaria Greco & Marta Allena

  2. Department of Public Health and Neurosciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy

    Cristina Tassorelli

  3. Research Centre for Reproductive Medicine, IRCCS S. Matteo Foundation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy

    Erica Terreno & Rossella E. Nappi

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  1. Cristina Tassorelli
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  2. Rosaria Greco
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  3. Marta Allena
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  4. Erica Terreno
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  5. Rossella E. Nappi
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Correspondence to Cristina Tassorelli.

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Tassorelli, C., Greco, R., Allena, M. et al. Transdermal Hormonal Therapy in Perimenstrual Migraine: Why, When and How?. Curr Pain Headache Rep 16, 467–473 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-012-0293-8

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