migraine and the mirena coil
Last reviewed 01/2018
- few studies differentiate between migraine and headache - most include both as 'headache'. A study by Anderson et al (1) reported an incidence of headache in Mirena users of 2.8% after three months after insertion compared to 0.8% in users of Nova-T. After 60 months of use, headache in Mirena users had fallen to 1.6% compared to 1% in Nova-T users. Therefore, women can be reassured that migraine and headache will settle with continued use (2)
- women with a history of migraine associated with heavy menstrual bleeding may find that migraine improves with a Mirena coil in situ as blood loss is reduced
- unlike combined oral contraceptives, progestogen-only methods, including the Mirena coil, have not been associated with an increased risk of ischaemic stroke
Reference:
- 1) Andersson K, Odlind V, Rybo G (1994). Levonorgestrel- releasing and copper-releasing (Nova T) IUDs during five years of use: a randomised comparative trial. Contraception, 49, 56-72.
- 2) Pulse (2000), 60 (40), 120.