Menstrual Migraine: The hidden hormone link

In this episode of Heads Up, host Dr Katy Munro, headache specialist at the National Migraine Centre, is joined by Dr Rebecca Walker, a GP with an extended role in headache medicine and menopause care. Together they unpack menstrual migraine and the powerful role of hormones. They explain how migraine often changes at puberty, during pregnancy and through the menopause transition, and why women are three times more likely than men to experience it. Practical takeaways include how to track headaches alongside your cycle, which contraceptive options are safe with and without aura, and when combined pills, progestogen-only methods or coils may help stabilise hormones. They also review treatment options—from anti-inflammatories, triptans and newer gepants to anti-sickness tablets, lifestyle measures, supplements and non-drug neuromodulation devices. Additional Links: • Dr David Kernick and Exeter Headache Care: https://exeterheadachecare.co.uk/ • Dr Aziza Sesay and S6 E4: [Endometriosis, Adenomyosis and Migraine - exploring the links - Part one] www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk/understanding-migraine/heads-up-podcast/ • Nerivio: https://www.nerivio.co.uk/ • Cefaly: https://www.cefaly.com/ • Dr Gina Kennedy • Dr Salwa Kamourieh and S2 E10: [Migraine Prevention: Neuromodulation Devices] www.nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk/understanding-migraine/heads-up-podcast/ • MyHeadache app: o Apple AppStore: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/myheada... o Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/de... o https://www.headacheaudit.org.uk/migr... • NICE: https://www.nice.org.uk/ • S5 E4: http://headsup.libsyn.com/exploring-n... Disclaimer The Heads Up podcast is provided for general information only. It is not intended to amount to medical advice on which you should rely or to advocate or recommend the purchase of any product or to endorse or guarantee the credentials or appropriateness of any health care provider. The National Migraine Centre is not responsible for the views of those featured on this podcast and does not endorse, approve, or certify their recommendations or opinions, and information from this podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. No material within this podcast is intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of information provided in this podcast. Do not begin a new medical regimen, or ignore the advice of a medical professional, as a result of information expressed in this podcast, this website or from any of the sources of information to which we may link. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that the National Migraine Centre makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this podcast. Any hyperlinks or references are provided for your convenience & information only. We have no control over third party websites and accept no legal responsibility for any content, material or information contained in them.