Endometriosis and Migraine

Abstract

Endometriosis and migraine are two of the most disabling pain disorders in the world, effecting millions of people and causing a big socioeconomical burden. Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrium-like tissue outside of uterus. It is a chronic, hormone dependent, neuroinflammatory disorder, presented with pain and infertility as its two main symptoms. Migraine is characterized by episodic headaches accompanied by nausea, vomiting and photo-phonophobia. Even though both disorders have been studied extensively, our understanding of their pathophysiology and treatment are limited. There are population based and genetic studies showing their co-morbidity. Early menarche and late menopause are well known risk factors for both diseases. Migraine is seen three fold more in women than men. The main strategy for the medical treatment of endometriosis related pain is estrogen suppression. In this review, we approached endometriosis and migraine co-morbidity by discussing the hormone-inflamation relationship, neurovascular structures and the modifications in the central and peripheral nervous system.