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Migraine is Associated with Menorrhagia and Endometriosis
Tietjen GE, Conway A, Utley C, Gunning WT, Herial NA.
Posted: April 2006  
Headache 2006;46:422-428

Objective:   To evaluate the frequency of menorrhagia and endometriosis in female migraineurs compared to age-matched women without headache.

Background:   Migraine predominantly affects women of childbearing age and is often associated with the menstrual period, yet there is a paucity of data regarding the relationship of migraine and menstrual disorders.

Methods:   Women diagnosed with migraine, using International Headache Society criteria and an age- and sex-matched control group, were administered a semi-structured questionnaire regarding migraine and migraine-related disability, menstrual history, other bleeding history, vascular event history, and vascular risk factors.

Conclusion:   Women with migraine have a higher frequency of menorrhagia, endometriosis, and associated psychosocial consequences. These findings suggest that there should be further study of factors influencing endometriosis and menstrual blood flow, such as eicosanoids, and platelet function, in migraineurs.