In a recent study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, researchers sought to further investigate a possible correlation between migraine and vasomotor symptoms, as well as hypertension, as a cardiovascular disease risk factor, possibly illuminating the correlation in women during midlife.

The researchers conducted a cross-sectional analysis from the Data Registry on Experiences of Aging, Menopause, and Sexuality utilizing questionnaire data from women aged 45 to 60 years who received healthcare in women’s clinics at a tertiary care center from May 15, 2015, through January 31, 2022.

The researchers obtained and evaluated self-reported data regarding migraine history, and menopause symptoms were evaluated with the Menopause Rating Scale. The researchers evaluated relationships between migraine and vasomotor symptoms utilizing multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for multiple factors.

The results revealed that of 5,708 women included in the study, 1,354 (23.7%) reported a history of migraine. The total cohort had an average age of 52.8 years; most (5,184 [90.8%]) were Caucasian, and 3,348 (58.7%) were postmenopausal. The researchers indicated that migraine was correlated with a diagnosis of hypertension in adjusted analysis (odds ratio [OR] 1.31; 95% CI, 1.11-1.55; P = .002). In adjusted analysis, women with migraines were also considerably more prone to report episodes of severe/very severe hot flashes versus no hot flashes when compared with women without migraines (OR 1.34; 95% CI, 1.08-1.66; P = .007).

The authors concluded, “This large cross-sectional study confirms an association between migraine and vasomotor symptoms. Migraine also was associated with hypertension, potentially providing a link with cardiovascular disease risk. Given the high prevalence of migraine in women, this association may help identify those at risk for more severe menopause symptoms.”

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