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The Migraine – WHAT! Study

WHAT stands for “Women, Hormones, Attacks and Treatment”. The study comprises three parts. The goal of The Migraine WHAT! – Study is to unravel the pathophysiological role of sex hormonal fluctuations in the provocation of migraine attacks and to find an effective hormone-based treatment for female migraine patients.

The incidence and prevalence of migraine are three times higher in women than in men. Clinical and epidemiological studies suggest a prominent role for sex hormones in female migraine patients. Menstruation is an important factor increasing the susceptibility for an upcoming attack. Hormonal fluctuations during menopausal transition are also associated with increased susceptibility for migraine. In contrast, pregnancy, lactation and postmenopausal status are associated with an improvement in migraine. Furthermore, migraine attacks during menstruation are known to be more severe, longer lasting and more difficult to treat. Currently, there is no evidence-based method to intervene with sex hormones for the treatment of migraine in women. For more information please visit www.whatstudy.nl (English).

Want to participate?

To enrol in one of our WHAT! studies sufficient mastery of the Dutch language is required. It is also necessary for participants to live in the Netherlands and have a Dutch health insurance. Additional information on enrolment is accessible through our website.