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The interplay between migraine, endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome: A systematic review

Gómez-Dabó L, Jordà-Baleri T, Losa-Puig H, Caronna E, Pozo-Rosich P

Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache, 2025

289,519 participants · 4 citations

Abstract

Background Migraine and gynecological conditions, such as endometriosis (EDM) and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), are highly prevalent among females and appear to influence each other, with a potential shared pathophysiological mechanism. Therefore, this study aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the current evidence regarding the relationship between migraine and EDM/PCOS from a clinical perspective. Methods A systematic review was conducted using four databases (MEDLINE(Pubmed), EMBASE (Elsevier), Web of Science and Cochrane Library) along with searches in the grey literature. The protocol was registered prospectively on the PROSPERO platform (CRD42024628010). The primary search was performed on 4 December 2024. Eligible studies included observational studies that compared two or more groups of females with migraine, EDM and/or PCOS diagnosis. The modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Data extraction was performed and results systematically analyzed. Results From an initial 408 identified studies, a final selection of 15 was analyzed (14 focused on EDM and 1 on PCOS) with a total of 289,519 individuals included. All selected studies achieved a score of 6 or higher on the mNOS. When comparing females with and without EDM, the prevalence of migraine reached up to 44.7%, with females affected with EDM having up to a five-fold increased risk of developing migraine (adjusted odds ratio = 5.35, 95% confidence interval =…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 289,519 participants or records.

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