Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology : the journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
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Migraine is a disabling headache disorder, which affects up to 17% of the female population. Oestrogen withdrawal during the menstrual cycle or the hormone-free interval in users of combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) plays a pivotal role. Two diary-based studies demonstrated a positive impact of the progestin-only pill (POP) desogestrel 75 μg on the frequency of the migraine attacks and pain intensity. ⋯ With the present study, we compared the therapeutic effect of the POP desogestrel 75 μg on migraine in current CHC users and nonusers. We found a positive influence of desogestrel on migraine not only in women who switched from CHCs to desogestrel, but also in those who had not used hormones over 6 months before starting it. Our findings need to be confirmed in prospectively conducted studies with larger sample size.