Changes in Menstrual Cycle After Concussion: What You Need to Know

How Concussions Can Affect the Menstrual Cycle

If you've noticed changes in your menstrual cycle after a concussion, you're not alone. Research shows that concussions can disrupt hormonal balance, leading to irregular cycles, missed periods, or abnormal bleeding patterns. Approximately 1 in 10 adolescents experience menstrual changes within 3-4 months post-concussion, while some women report longer-lasting disruptions. [1]

Why Does This Happen?

The brain plays a vital role in regulating hormones, particularly through the pituitary gland, which controls estrogen and progesterone levels. [2] When a concussion occurs, this delicate system can be thrown off balance, leading to:

• Irregular Menstruation – Women with concussions are more likely to experience unpredictable cycle lengths. [3]

• Missed Periods (Amenorrhea) – Some may completely miss cycles after a head injury. [4]

• Abnormal Bleeding – Unusual spotting or heavier/lighter periods can occur post-concussion.

Long-Term Impact on Health

Menstrual cycle changes can persist for months after a concussion. A study on adolescent concussion patients found that 23.5% experienced two or more abnormal menstrual patterns post-injury. [5] Since hormones influence everything from mood to metabolism, these changes can affect overall well-being.

No, Women Aren’t “Small Men” – Why Gender Differences Matter

Studying gender differences in concussions shows the importance of understanding male and female bodies and their unique physical and chemical differences. In the past, medical research often treated women as "small men," mainly focusing on male subjects and assuming treatments would work the same for women. We now know this is wrong.

Men and women have key differences in brain structure, hormone levels, and recovery that affect how they experience and heal from concussions. This field, called gender-specific medicine, emphasizes the need for healthcare that addresses women's unique needs. Understanding these differences leads to better concussion management and health outcomes for female patients. [6]

Why Early Concussion Care Matters

The best predictor of a successful concussion recovery is how soon you seek professional care. At the Headache Clinic, we excel in concussion management, ensuring you receive the right treatment at the right time. Our approach includes:

• Comprehensive concussion assessment to monitor brain function and hormonal health.

• Personalised treatment plans to support faster recovery.

• Brainstem desensitisation techniques to improve post-concussion symptoms.

References

1. Menstrual Cycle Patterns After Concussion in Adolescent Patients
   Roby PR, Grimberg A, Master CL, Arbogast KB. Menstrual cycle patterns after concussion in adolescent patients. J Pediatr. 2023 Nov;262:113349. doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2023.02.002. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36796579/.

2. The Association Between Migraine and Mental Disorders: A Narrative Review
   Xu J, Kong F, Buse DC, Lipton RB, Minen MT. The association between migraine and mental disorders: A narrative review. Headache. 2023 Feb;63(2):253-265. doi:10.1111/head.14470. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36796579/.

3. The Molecular Genetics of Migraine: A Review
   Chowdhury D. The molecular genetics of migraine: A review. Ir J Med Sci. 2019 Aug;188(3):831-839. doi:10.1007/s11845-019-02007-6. Available from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11845-019-02007-6.

4. Menstrual Phase as Predictor of Outcome After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Women
   Wunderle K, Hoeger KM, Wasserman E, Bazarian JJ. Menstrual phase as predictor of outcome after mild traumatic brain injury in women. J Head Trauma Rehabil. 2014 Sep-Oct;29(5):E1-E8. doi:10.1097/HTR.0000000000000006. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5237582/.

5. Snook ML, Alderman BL, Fenton LK, et al. Association of concussion with abnormal menstrual patterns in adolescent and young women. JAMA Pediatr. 2017;171(9):879-886. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2017.1140. Available from: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2633491.

6. Moore IS, McCarthy-Ryan M, Palmer D, Perkins J, Verhagen E. Is your system fit for purpose? Female athlete health considerations for rugby injury and illness surveillance systems. Eur J Sport Sci. 2024;24(12):1688-1700. doi:10.1002/ejsc.12089. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ejsc.12089.