Tension Headache: A Comparison of Menstrual and Non‐Menstrual Occurrences

SYNOPSIS Headache is a common complaint with the menstrual period. Although research studies now appear on menstrual migraine headache, little research has examined the differences in tension headaches occurring with the menses and at other times. In this study 32 women were followed over nine months during which headache activity was charted daily for both menstruating and non-menstruating days. All subjects had been diagnosed with tension headaches. The average sample age was 29 years; subjects reported having a headache problem an average of 13 years prior to study entry. Comparisons of headache activity using headache frequency, duration, and intensity and disability based on example-anchored scales, were made between menstrual and non-menstrual days. Menstrual days were defined as the three days prior to the flow and the days of the flow. Treatment outcome comparing the effectiveness of non-drug techniques for the menstrual and non-menstrual days was also evaluated. Problems unique to the study were encountered in the analysis and interpretation of the data due to the individual differences in menstrual patterns and cycle starting points in the study. Statistical analysis showed some differences between the menstruating and non-menstruating headache occurrences. In general, the menstrual headaches were slightly more intense, decreased less across time, and responded less to non-drug treatments than the non-menstrual headaches.