Methyl testosterone for migraine of women
Moehlig, R.C.; Gerisch, R.A.
Journal - Michigan State Medical Society 48(8): 1025-1028
1949
ISSN/ISBN: 0098-7522 PMID: 18147283 Document Number: 13553
In thirty-five women suffering from migraine, the use of methyl testosterone was followed by relief in thirty-one patients, a percentage of 88.5. Of this number, twenty-eight were considered as suffering from typical migraine, usually with a familial history of migraine and the typical symptoms of the disease. The initial dose was usually 20 mg. daily and was reduced to 10 mg. after four to six weeks. Experience showed that if relief was not obtained in six weeks, there was no need to continue beyond this point. The improvement noted was not alone in relief of headaches but in a feeling of well being, increased ambition, increased muscular strength, improved memory, increased libido and a healthy mental outlook. It has been emphasized that there are certain undesirable effects which call for caution and strict supervision of the treatment. Some of the undesirable effects which are particularly distressing in women are the masculinizing effects such as hirsutism, voice changes and acne. Women would rather have migraine than mar their beauty by using testosterone. Beside these undesirable cosmetic and masculinizing changes, the drug should be given with caution in patients with goiter or diabetes mellitus. Despite the undesirable effects, which can be guarded against by proper supervision, the benefits far outweigh the risk involved. One patient has experienced no recurrence in two and a half years; another one has had no recurrence in two years. We feel that methyl testosterone deserves a place in the treatment of women with migraine, but a larger series over a longer period of time will be necessary to evaluate the treatment. For the present we are enthusiastic about the short-term results.
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