Oral Contraceptive Use in Migraine Prevention

Presenter

Chaya Paige Lipman-Tessicini

Campus

UMass Amherst

Sponsor

Sarah Gonzalez-Nahm, Department of Nutrition, UMass Amherst

Schedule

Session 5, 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A64, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 4 (A61-A80) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

Migraine is a neurological condition distinct from the average headache. It is a disabling disorder, characterized by diminished capability to do everyday tasks, headache, and other disconcerting symptoms (usually of a sensory nature). In the past twenty years, the prevalence has been 3.25 times greater for women than it has been for men, and this seems to be increasing with time (Allais et al., 2020). This phenomenon is especially linked to hormonal birth control use, particularly oral contraceptive pills (OCPs). In this narrative review, the most recent⸺within 20 years⸺empirical data relevant to the question, “Which OCP is the better long term option when accompanied by migraines, progestin-only pills (POPs) or continuous estrogen-progestin combined oral contraceptives (COCs), and is this influenced by experiences with migraine with aura (MA) compared to migraine without aura (MO)?” will be aggregated. Evidence will be obtained from prospective and retrospective studies, and randomized controlled trials described in peer reviewed empirical research papers, and accessed through four trusted databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. According to preliminary data, it can be hypothesized that POPs will prove to be more effective in reducing migraine prevalence and severity safely, for more enduring periods of time. The hope is that the consecutive results will provide guidance for the suggestion of a migraine treatment plan considering both the most widespread, efficacious therapies, and the individual health risks associated (e.g. vascular risks linked to MA), to then be implemented by neurologists and gynecologists alike.

Keywords

Hormonal Birth Control, Individualized Care, Risk Assessment, Pain Management, Estrogen Withdrawal

Research Area

Neuroscience and Cognitive Science

SIMILAR ABSTRACTS (BY KEYWORD)