Hormonal migraines affect millions of women and are closely tied to fluctuations in estrogen and other hormones. A hormonal migraine can be intense, recurring during specific phases of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or menopause. Understanding the hormonal triggers and available treatment options is key to managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
The Science Behind Migraine Devices
Migraine devices are advanced medical tools that relieve or prevent migraines through external stimulation of nerves or brain areas involved in pain processing. Unlike medications, these tools are drug-free, which makes them particularly attractive for people who cannot tolerate side effects or are pregnant, breastfeeding or on hormone therapies. They’re often compact, portable and user-friendly, designed to be integrated into your daily routine.
Some devices work preventively, reducing the frequency and severity of attacks, while others are used at the onset of a migraine to stop it from escalating. Technologies include transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). Each one targets different neurological pathways.
How To Choose The Right Migraine Device
Choosing the right migraine treatment device starts with understanding your symptoms, preferences and treatment goals. Consider factors such as:
- Type of migraine: Some devices are better suited for specific types of migraine — like hormonal, chronic or aura-related. Check if it’s FDA-cleared for your migraine type.
- Preventive and acute treatment: Certain devices focus on prevention or on relieving attacks once they begin. Others offer the two options in one product. Choose based on whether you need daily management or on-demand relief.
- Age and safety information: Check the age clearance and safety data. For instance, if you’re considering a device for a teenager or during pregnancy, you may not be able to use it.
- Ease of use and portability: Look for a device that fits your lifestyle — whether it’s wearable, app-connected, rechargeable or discreet enough for on-the-go use.
- Clinical backing and user reviews: Prioritize a product clinically proven, FDA-cleared and with positive feedback from real users. This ensures the product is both safe and effective.
What Treatments Help With Hormonal Migraine? The Top 8 Devices
These solutions are backed by clinical research and recommended by headache specialists worldwide:
1. CEFALY
Founded in 2008, CEFALY is the leader in migraine treatment. Its mission is to deliver innovative, constantly evolving technology that empowers people with migraines to take control of their treatment and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Its product — CEFALY Enhanced — is the best migraine device available on the market. Recommended by leading healthcare professionals, it relieves and prevents migraine attacks. In fact, 79% of users experience pain relief after just one hour of acute treatment. This wearable device sits on your forehead and targets the trigeminal nerve, which often causes migraine headache pain. With more than 10 years on the market and CEFALY Enhanced continues to prove itself as a top choice for effective, drug-free migraine relief.
Key Features:
- FDA-cleared
- Free shipping for all device orders and 90-day money-back guarantee
- No prescription needed
- Clinically proven
- 3-year warranty
2. ElectroCore
ElectroCore is a leader in bioelectronic medicine, founded in 2005 to explore the potential of noninvasive neuromodulation for treating pain and chronic conditions. The company develops innovative, clinically backed therapies using vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) to offer drug-free alternatives to traditional treatments. With over 200 global patents, ElectroCore has built a strong intellectual property portfolio that secures its proprietary technology.
ElectroCore developed gammaCore™ is a a handheld, noninvasive vagus nerve stimulator (nVNS) for drug-free headache relief, including migraine and cluster headaches. The device can be used twice daily to help prevent migraine attacks. For acute treatment, you can apply it at the first sign of pain. Just a few 2-minute sessions may deliver fast, long-lasting relief.
Key Features:
- Clinically proven and FDA-cleared for migraine treatment in adults and children 12+
- Prevention and acute option
- Almost half of the users had little to no migraine pain within 2 hours after first use
- Portable design to take everywhere
- Positive reviews online and a reliable company
3. TensCare
TensCare aims to improve lives through innovative, drug-free pain relief and well-being solutions. Guided by values of teamwork, encouragement and personal growth, the company fosters a strong sense of purpose and shared success. With ISO 13485 accreditation and global regulatory approvals, the company ensures its products meet the highest safety and performance standards.
The Mynd Migraine Relief device is a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) provides effective and instant relief from migraine headaches and prevent future attacks. This slim, portable and rechargeable tool attaches to the forehead using reusable electrode pads, delivering small electrical currents to stimulate the trigeminal nerve via the supraorbital and supratrochlear branches.
Key Features:
- Slim, portable and rechargeable
- Long-life battery
- 40 adjustable levels of intensity available
- NHS recommended
- Eco-friendly and cost-effective
4. Salvia BioElectronics
Founded in 2017, Salvia BioElectronics aims to redefine migraine care with advanced neuromodulation therapy designed to go beyond symptom relief and help patients regain control of their lives. The term Salvia is derived from the Latin word salvere, which translates to “to be in good health” — a reference to the Salvia plant, recognized for its strong medicinal qualities in alleviating pain and headaches.
Salvia BioElectronics Unique Therapy is pioneering neuromodulation therapy to transform migraine treatment. Its innovative approach involves an ultra-thin implant that delivers gentle electrical pulses to key nerves associated with migraines. The product, with its neuromodulation technology has been successfully used in treating other neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.
Key Features:
- Neuromodulation therapy uses electrical pulses to target migraine-related nerves.
- Led by a team of industry veterans with extensive experience
- Worldwide operating
- Ongoing research in multiple countries to validate effectiveness
- 45% of team is women
5. Migracorr
Migracorr Migraine Stopper is a portable, patient-operated pneumatic medical device designed to provide natural migraine relief. It employs a patented Dual Neuromodulation technique, using precise air pressure to stimulate both the trigeminal and vagus nerves simultaneously. This stimulation can help reduce migraine symptoms in less than 15 minutes and — with daily use — may also help prevent future episodes.
Key Features:
- Dual neuromodulation stimulates two cranial nerves for effective relief
- Can alleviate migraines in under 15 minutes.
- Daily use may reduce the frequency of attacks.
- 100% natural, noninvasive, drug-free treatment
- No prescriptions or refills
6. LloydsPharmacy
LlodysPharmacy is a healthcare provider offering much more than medicine dispensing, with services ranging from in-person pharmacy care to digital health solutions. All services are overseen by qualified pharmacists and operate under the regulation of the General Pharmaceutical Council. The company is also committed to sustainability through packaging compliance and recycling initiatives for batteries and electrical items.
It’s product — Migraine TENS pain reliever — uses transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to deliver gentle electrical impulses through the skin, which help block pain signals sent to the brain. You have to wear it on the forehead with self-adhesive pads. This compact device provides immediate relief while also helping to reduce the frequency of future attacks.
Key Features:
- Natural, medication-free alternative to migraine relief
- Delivers targeted pain relief through direct nerve stimulation
- Includes a USB charging station — no batteries needed
- Compact design makes it easy to carry and use anywhere
- Simple to apply using replaceable adhesive pads
7. Neurolief
Neurolief is a pioneering company in mental health innovation dedicated to improving the lives of people with neurological and mood disorders. Backed by a highly experienced leadership team, the company is positioned at the forefront of next-generation neurotechnology. If you are looking for an advanced noninvasive neuromodulation therapy system, it’s Revilion MG is a great choice.
This wearable headset simultaneously stimulates six branches of the trigeminal and occipital nerves — a level of comprehensive nerve engagement that was once only achievable with invasive procedures. This technology is paired with a robust digital platform, including a patient app that tracks treatments and a physician dashboard that allows healthcare providers to remotely monitor patient progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.
Key Features:
- Targeted stimulation
- Dedicated support from coaches to help clients
- User-friendly technology design
- Therapy reports on digital platforms to track success
- Continued On-Demand Support
8. eNeura
eNeura is a forward-thinking healthcare company specializing in innovative neurological treatments. Its leadership team brings deep expertise and a clear vision, driving the development of cutting-edge solutions that aim to transform patient care. With a strong focus on improving outcomes in neurology, eNeura continues to push the boundaries of medical advancement.
The company is revolutionizing migraine treatment with its FDA-cleared sTMS Smart Diary™, a smart, noninvasive therapy designed to both stop and prevent migraine attacks. The sTMS uses low-frequency electromagnetic pulses to treat acute migraine attacks and prevent future episodes by calming hyperactive brain nerves. Safe and based on MRI technology, it allows patients to access this innovative treatment conveniently at home.
Key Features:
- Individualized patient support
- Personalized treatment can work quickly to stop migraine attacks
- Noninvasive, medication-free therapy with high tolerability
- SAVI Smart Diary™ automatically records migraine treatment
- Personalized treatment tailored to individual needs
9. Soterix Medical
Founded in 2008, Soterix Medical stands at the forefront of revolutionary treatments for neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders through cutting-edge, neuromodulation technologies. As the global leader in clinical trials, SMI partners with over 1,050 medical centers worldwide, driving innovation with breakthrough methods like High-Definition transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS) and Limited Total Energy tDCS.
The PainX® tDCS System is a pioneer in a noninvasive, safe and effective device that avoids the need for surgical procedures. Developed and clinically tested by physicians at Soterix Medical, this tDCS system presents a promising solution. It’s a great option for patients with migraines unresponsive to medication, thanks to its proven success without needing surgery.
Key Features:
- World leader in noninvasive neuromodulation and brain monitoring
- Patented technologies, including HD-tES and LTE-tDCS
- Each treatment session lasts less than 30 minutes
- Tailored systems for depression, pain management and more
- Designed for ease of use and consistent, comfortable stimulation
10. EmeTerm
EmeTerm specializes in methods such as TEAS and tDCS to deliver safe and effective relief. Its team includes leading experts in medical research and product innovation. The business is committed to delivering smart, drug-free solutions that are accessible and user-friendly worldwide.
HeadaTerm 2 is an FDA-approved device that uses electrical impulses to target nerves on the forehead and treat primary headaches. It offers fast, noninvasive relief from migraine, tension and cluster headaches with no side effects.
Key features:
- FDA-cleared
- Manual intensity control
- Rechargeable device
- Fast-acting relief with eTNS technology and no side effects
- Non-prescription needed.
Key Differences Between Migraine Relief Devices
Comparing companies and features helps you understand which option may best suit your needs:
| Device | Technology | Targeted Nerve | FDA-Cleared | Relief Type | Use Case |
| CEFALY Enhanced | External Trigeminal Nerve Stimulation (eTNS) | Trigeminal nerve | Yes | Acute + Preventive | Daily use or at migraine onset |
| gammaCore Sapphire | Noninvasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation (nVNS) | Vagus nerve | Yes | Acute + Preventive | 2x daily for prevention or as needed |
| TensCare Mynd | Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) | Trigeminal branches | Yes (UK/NHS) | Acute + Preventive | Forehead placement, portable use |
| Salvia BioElectronics | Implantable Neuromodulation | Various cranial nerves | In development | Preventive | Under evaluation, long-term management |
| Migracorr Migraine Stopper | Pneumatic Dual Neuromodulation | Trigeminal + Vagus nerves | No (under review) | Acute + Preventive | On-demand relief and daily prevention |
| LloydsPharmacy Device | TENS | Forehead nerves | Not FDA (UK only) | Acute + Preventive | Home and travel-friendly relief |
| Neurolief Revilion MG | Multi-site Neuromodulation (6 nerves) | Trigeminal + Occipital nerves | In progress | Preventive | Wearable with remote monitoring |
| eNeura sTMS | Single-pulse Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (sTMS) | Cortical neurons | Yes | Acute + Preventive | Home use with smart tracking |
| Soterix PainX® tDCS | Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) | Cortical areas | Research use | Preventive | For refractory migraines, clinical settings |
Who Should Not Use Migraine Devices
Patients who have active medical implants such as pacemakers, defibrillators, cochlear implants, or any other electronic devices implanted close to the treatment area should not use noninvasive vagus nerve stimulators. Additionally, these stimulators are not recommended for those who have a history of significant carotid atherosclerosis or cervical vagotomy. When using a vagus nerve stimulator, have extra caution in cases of vasovagal syncope and skin irritation around the treatment site.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak with a healthcare provider before use, even if the device is drug-free. Some are not cleared for use in children or adolescents, so age restrictions should always be checked.
What Treatments Help With Hormonal Migraine?
Selecting a migraine device requires balancing clinical evidence, personal comfort and lifestyle needs. Some options prioritize prevention, while others focus on acute symptom relief. With options ranging from proactive prevention to rapid symptom relief, you can find a device that truly resonates with you. Track how often migraines occur, what intensifies them and how you respond to other treatments. Drug-free devices offer targeted support without daily side effects, making them a valuable tool in long-term migraine care.
What Are Hormonal Migraines?
Migraine is a neurological disorder that affects 12% of adults worldwide at any given time. It presents many symptoms and it’s primarily known for causing intense and debilitating headaches. Common symptoms of a hormonal migraine include nausea, vomiting, trouble speaking, numbness and heightened sensitivity to light and sound.
Migraines affect women about three times more than men, mostly because of hormone changes. Understanding these gender-specific factors is key to improving how migraines are diagnosed and treated in women. For instance, migraines often begin around the start of menstruation and continue through pregnancy and menopause. Due to this, hormone-based treatments may help manage migraines during these stages.
