Both the World Health Organization and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have published consensus guidelines addressing migraine. Both recommend that women with migraine who are older than 35 years generally should not use oral contraceptives nor should women of any age with migraine with aura.
In general, Dr. Tietjen does not use oral contraceptives to treat menstrual migraines. If a migraine patient wants to use oral contraceptives, she recommends a low-dose monophasic regimen.
Dr. Tietjen reported that she has received research support from GlaxoSmithKline Inc. and NMT Medical Inc.