Headaches, migraine and oral contraception
Pluvinage, R.J.
Contraception Fertilite Sexualite 5(2): 113-117
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-861X PMID: 12259793 Document Number: 123373
Reports of migraines and headaches in users of oral contraceptives usually range from less than 1 to 20%, except higher in the 1st cycle, in papers on oral contraceptive trials, and about 30% of series of migraine patients in papers by headache specialists. Headaches usually occur within 1-3 days after a cycle of pills is stopped. Etiologic factors include the progestagen in the pill, possibly the estrogen, perhaps prolactin; and prostaglandins and water retention have been suggested causes. The author saw 4 cases of headaches in women that developed hypertension of 160-170/100-105 when they started the pill. Migraines can be treated with the usual medications, and psychogenic headaches with tranquilizers, antidepressives, or psychotherapy.