Hormones & Migraine: Debunking the Myths of HRT
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Key Questions
- What is hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
- When should or should not HRT be used?
- Is HRT a treatment considered for people who experience menstrual migraine?
- What role do hormones play in migraine attacks?
- Is it safe for a person who experiences migraine with aura to use HRT?
- How effective is HRT in treating migraine during perimenopause and menopause?
- When should comprehensive hormone treatment be done? What are its limitations?
- Can HRT make migraine worse?
- Are there forms of HRT or delivery methods that are better than others?
- Who should not use HRT?
- How do conditions like endometriosis or PCOS factor into whether to use HRT?
- Can HRT be used in women older than 60? What are its limitations for that age group?
- Are there any established standards for prescribing HRT?
Interview Notes
Treatments Mentioned
- Bioidentical hormones
- Body-identical hormones
- Estradiol (tablet, patch, gel, spray)
- Filtered water
- Hormonal contraceptives
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Mediterranean diet
- Micronized progesterone
- Progestogen
- Progesterone (tablet, capsule)
- Tibolone
Please note: The Migraine World Summit’s aim is to bring you a variety of perspectives and expertise, independent of bias or judgment. Alternative theories presented in this video have not been medically reviewed. Views expressed in this interview do not necessarily represent the views of the Migraine World Summit. Please always consult your health care professional and do your own research before making changes to your treatment plan.
Anne MacGregor, MD
Professor
Centre for Reproductive Medicine, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, UK
Dr. Anne MacGregor is a world leader in studying the link between the menstrual cycle and migraine. She holds a doctorate in medicine from the University of London and a master’s in medical education from the Royal College of Physicians and University College London. Dr. MacGregor is an honorary professor at the Blizard Centre for Neuroscience, Surgery and Trauma; the Blizard Institute of Cell and Molecular Science; and Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry. She has published more than 200 research papers, authored five books, co-authored an additional five books, and co-edited three books.
Dr. MacGregor has conducted extensive research on drug treatments for migraine and cluster headache, including significant research on menstrual migraine. Her doctoral thesis explored the role of estrogen in migraine, which led to the development of research criteria for menstrual migraine that were adopted by the International Headache Society in 2004. She has been awarded the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Award for her extraordinary contribution to relieving those affected by the burden of headache, and has received the Special Recognition Award and Honorary Life Membership from the International Headache Society. Dr. MacGregor regularly contributes to media discussions on the topic of migraine, particularly menstrual migraine.
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