Abstract

As the pathophysiological factor of migraine, the role of female sex hormone has long been recogni- zed. On the basis of current epidemiological data, migraine occurs three times more frequently in women than in men, and the peak incidence of female migraine occurs at menarche. A half of female migrai- neurs may be worsened around menstruation. Pregnancy, use of oral contraceptives, and menopause can change its natural course. Hormonal replacement therapy with estrogen can exacerbate migraine. Changes in the clinical presentation of migraine with menstruation, pregnancy, use of oral contraceptives, and menopause may be related to estrogen level. The relationship between migraine and female sex hor- mone is discussed. Korean Journal of Headache 1(1):39-48, 2000