TIPS TO AVOID MIGRAINE IN WOMEN

The American Council for Headache Education, known as ACHE, is helping U.S. women avoid migraines linked to the menstrual cycle. The patient Education Page, published in the journal Headache, includes concise information that is useful for both patients and physicians. It provides migraine definitions, advise on what to do, and various therapies -- sufferers are encouraged to keep a calendar to track menstruation and migraine headaches, while avoiding triggers, such as lack of sleep, alcohol or skipping meals. Examples for treatment are provided including information on various medications such as triptans or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin.

Why women have lower stroke risk

IRVINE, Calif., -- Estrogen may be why premenopausal women have a lower stroke risk than men, according to a University of California at Irvine School of Medicine study. Dr. Vincent Procaccio of the Center for Molecular and Mitochondrial Medicine and Genetics led a team that discovered estrogen receptors in vascular mitochondrial cells. They removed the ovaries from test rats, which suppressed any hormone influence, and identified a significant increase in radical oxygen molecule levels and a decline in the capacity for mitochondria to produce energy. In rats treated with doses of estrogen, however, vascular mitochondria produced energy more efficiently with lower amounts of damaging free radicals. Women aged 30 to 50 have about five times less risk of stroke than men, but the difference disappears when women reach menopause. Recent clinical trials with certain hormone replacement therapies in older women did not show protection from stroke. The study appears in the online version of Molecular Pharmacology.