MIGRAINE AND OVARIAN DEFICIENCY

Abstract

In approaching the study of such a complex subject as migraine, one encounters little exact data as to its cause, mechanism or treatment; however, recently three outstanding contributions approaching from different aspects seem to point the way to a better understanding of this disorder. Draper et al. (1) reported significant observations on the emotional and psychological states of a group of migraine patients and concluded that the migraine seizure is a syndrome analagous to any other neurosis. Lennox and his co-workers (2) reported their encouraging experience with the use of ergotamine tartrate in aborting attacks of migraine headaches. Yet more promising is the work of Riley, Brickner and Kurzrok (3) who demonstrated new evidence of an endocrine imbalance in the production of headaches. Their cases revealed an abnormal ratio of secreted ovarian and pituitary sex hormones, as measured by their excretion in the urine. They showed that the migraine seizure was preceded by an increased prolan output, and they were able actually to induce headaches by the injection of prolan in these individuals. This report presents further observations on these hormonal relationships. Objective evidence, such as that of Riley et al., strengthens the concept that the endocrines play a decisive rôole in migraine. It might be argued that a headache which is so frequently associated with the reproductive life of women should be given an endocrine classification; however, until the evidence is more conclusive, it will be safer to classify any paroxysmal headache recurring regularly with the monthly cycle, as menstrual migraine. Until a more exact definition for migraine in general is established, any intense recurring headache associated with the usual concomitant symptomatology, whether menstrual or otherwise, should rightly fall into the general category of migraine.