Double Trouble: Migraine and Endometriosis Often Strike Together
A systematic review of 15 studies (289,519 people) found a strong link between migraine and endometriosis. Up to 44.7% of women with endometriosis had migraine (risk up to 5-fold, aOR 5.35). Among women with migraine, endometriosis rates reached 53.4% (aOR up to 10.5). Data on PCOS and migraine were too limited to draw conclusions.
Headaches and gynecologic pain are common problems for many women. Studies show these conditions often appear together and may share causes.
Researchers pooled results from 15 studies that included 289,519 women. They compared groups with migraine, endometriosis, and, to a lesser extent, PCOS.
The strongest finding involved endometriosis and migraine. Up to 44.7% of women with endometriosis also had migraine. One analysis found endometriosis could raise migraine risk up to five times (adjusted odds ratio 5.35).
The link works both ways. Among women with migraine, up to 53.4% had endometriosis. Some results suggested the chance of endometriosis was much higher in women who had migraine (adjusted odds ratio up to 10.5).
Women who had both conditions scored worse on disability tests like the Headache Impact Test-6 and the 30-item Endometriosis Health Profile. That means daily tasks, work, and mood can be more strongly affected when the two conditions occur together.
The studies gave mixed results about whether endometriosis changes how severe migraines are, or whether migraine affects endometriosis symptoms. More detailed research is needed to understand how the conditions influence each other.
Only one study addressed PCOS and migraine, so no clear link could be established. In the meantime, health providers should consider screening for headaches in women with endometriosis and thinking about joint care to ease overall burden.
Better, targeted studies are needed to find why these conditions overlap and how best to treat women who have both. Recognizing the connection can lead to faster diagnosis and more complete care.