Some women who use an oral contraceptive do find relief, though most women don't notice a change. Some oral contraceptive users will find an increase in migraine attacks during the placebo week of the 30-day pack. Women who have migraines with aura seem to increase their risk of having a stroke if they take an oral contraceptive.

It will be obvious when you start an oral contraceptive whether or not it helps, makes things worse or has little impact. It's important to talk to your doctor beforehand and to start out with the lowest effective dose of estrogen. Progesterone does not seem to factor into the migraine discussion.