Menstrual Migraine: Current Strategies for Diagnosis and Management

Migraine is a common health problem among women and can cause significant disability. Approximately 60% of women with migraine report a correlation between migraine and their menstrual cycle. Because of this prevalence, the International Headache Society outlined criteria for the diagnosis of pure menstrual migraine and menstrually related migraine. After practitioners accurately diagnose menstrual migraine based upon these criteria, they can then work with individual clients to determine the best treatment plan. This article focuses on the accurate diagnosis of menstrual migraine and several evidence-based treatment options available to women who suffer from this debilitating condition.