period related pain x preventer nice CG150 Headaches in over 12s: diagnosis and management Clinical guideline [CG150] Published date: September 2012 Last updated: November 2015

Menstruation‐related Headache in Adolescents: Point Prevalence and Associated Factors

K B Carman 

 

D Arslantas 

 

A Unsal 

 

E Atay 

 

EE Ocal 

 

Z Demirtas 

 

R Saglan 

 

M Dinleyici 

 

C Yarar

First published: 2 April 2018

 

https://doi.org/10.1111/ped.13572

This article has been accepted for publication and undergone full peer review but has not been ... More 

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Abstract

Background

To study the prevalence of menstruation‐related headache and the impact of associated factors in adolescents.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted in seven randomly selected high schools, and 3,886 girls attending those schools were invited. After the consent of the school principals, a final total of 2,485 girls (63.9%) were involved in the study. A specific questionnaire was distributed to adolescent girls (14–19 years old). The first part of the survey investigated the features of menstruation (age of first menstruation, duration of period, pad fully soaked per day). The last part of the questionnaire surveyed the presence of headache during the menstruation period. The severity of headache was measured by a visual analogue scale. Lastly, participants were requested to complete the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The prevalence of menstruation‐related headache and associated factors were studied.

Results

The mean age of the study group was 15.89 ± 1.07 (14–19) years old. The age of onset of menarche was younger than 12 years old in 32.4% of girls, and mean age of onset of menarche was 12.96 ± 1.09 years old. The prevalence of menstruation‐related headache was calculated to be 25.9% (n = 646). The onset of menstruation before the age of 12 years old, longer duration of menstruation period, dysmenorrhea, daily consumption of coffee and cola and smoking significantly affected the frequency of menstruation‐related headache. The mean scores of the BDI were calculated as 21.68 ± 13.65 and a significant relationship was found between headache and BDI scores.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that menstruation‐related headache is a common problem of adolescent girls. It might be associated with different comorbidities such as depression. Accordingly, a multidisciplinary treatment approach must be considered to improve their life quality.

Combined hormonal contraceptive use by women and girls with migraine

1.3.24Do not routinely offer combined hormonal contraceptives for contraception to women and girls who have migraine with aura. [2012]

Menstrual‑related migraine

1.3.25For women and girls with predictable menstrual‑related migraine that does not respond adequately to standard acute treatment, consider treatment with frovatriptan[15] (2.5 mg twice a day) or zolmitriptan[16] (2.5 mg twice or three times a day) on the days migraine is expected. [2012]