Migraine and women. The link between headache and hormones.

Levels of sex hormones fluctuate throughout the female life cycle, and these fluctuations may trigger, intensify, or alleviate migraine. Drugs can be used both preventively and therapeutically to combat the headache that results in some women from such fluctuations. Effective prophylactic agents include beta blockers, antidepressants, calcium channel blockers, and hormones. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ergotamine and its derivatives, and narcotics are among the abortive therapy options. Pharmacologic management of migraine in pregnant women must be conservative because of the risks of injury and dependence to the fetus and newborn.