What Causes Migraine in Women?
November 06, 2024
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Let's understand why migraines are more common in women.
Migraines are a commonly misunderstood neurological condition, especially regarding how they affect women. It affects millions worldwide with women more likely to suffer from migraines than men. Research shows that nearly 85% of chronic migraine sufferers are women, and women are three times more at risk of experiencing migraines compared to men. This striking gender difference is largely attributed to hormonal changes that happen throughout a woman’s life, from menstruation to menopause. These hormonal changes can play a big role in triggering migraines.
Causes of Migraines in Women
In this article, we’ll examine why migraines are more common in women, their impacts on one’s life, and effective strategies to manage them.
Migraines During Menstruation
Menstrual migraines are a well-recognised subset of migraines that occur in direct relation to a woman's menstrual cycle. According to a 2017 study published in Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, up to 60-70% of women experience migraines around the time of menstruation. These menstrual migraines are triggered by the sudden drop in oestrogen levels that occurs just before a period cycle. Unlike other migraine triggers, these migraines are harder to avoid because they are tied to a natural biological cycle.
A study published in Neurology (2015) found that women with menstrual migraines are more likely to experience severe attacks that last way longer. These attacks also are less responsive to common over-the-counter medications compared to non-menstrual migraines. Hormonal fluctuations make managing migraines more challenging for women than for men, whose hormone levels remain relatively stable.
Oestrogen Influence
Hormones, in particular oestrogen, are the most significant factor connected to the higher prevalence of migraines in women. Oestrogen is considered crucial in regulating several bodily functions including brain activity related to pain perception. Fluctuating oestrogen levels, particularly the drop in oestrogen before menstruation, are closely linked to more migraine attacks in women than men.
Changes During Pregnancy
Women are impacted by hormonal changes not only during their menstrual cycle but also during pregnancy and menopause. Oestrogen levels rise sharply during pregnancy, and many women report having fewer migraines overall, especially in the second and third trimesters. Pregnant women going through their first trimester can have more frequent migraines because of the abrupt changes their body goes through.
Menopause Migraine
Migraines may also be influenced by menopause, namely the perimenopause period which is a transitional phase. During perimenopause, the changing oestrogen levels might exacerbate migraine frequency and severity. Many women report a dramatic decrease in the frequency of migraines once they enter menopause and their oestrogen levels settle. Some individuals, particularly those undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT), continue to experience headaches. This is because HRT can increase sensitivity to hormonal changes, making one more prone to migraines.
Gender Disparity in Migraine
There is a clear gender difference in the prevalence of migraines in women and men. According to the Migraine Research Foundation, 6% of males and 18% of women in the United States are affected by migraines. During the reproductive years, the discrepancy expands even more, with women between the ages of 18 and 44 reporting the highest prevalence of migraines. This time frame aligns with women's most active cycles, supporting research that suggests hormone fluctuations may play a major role in the onset of a migraine.
According to a Cephalalgia (2020) study, women experience headaches more frequently and with greater severity than men do. They also have a higher likelihood of developing migraine-related disorders, such as chronic migraines, which can continue for up to 15 days per month. Men, on the other hand, are less prone to suffer from chronic migraines and they tend to have shorter, less intense attacks.
How Migraines Affect Women’s Lives
Migraines can severely impact a woman’s daily life, affecting work, family responsibilities, social relationships, and overall quality of life. Studies show that women are more likely to experience a diminished ability to perform daily activities, leading to increased stress and emotional strain. Chronic migraine sufferers are also prone to developing anxiety, mental health issues like depression, and sleep disorders. The psychological burden is often greater for women because they frequently report more intense pain and longer-lasting migraines than men.
Managing Migraines
Given the significant impact of migraines on women, it is crucial to adopt strategies that help manage or prevent migraine attacks. Adopting healthier lifestyle habits can make a lot of difference in managing migraines. Avoiding certain foods that can act as migraine triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, aged cheeses, and processed meats can be beneficial. A balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods is essential. Physical activity, especially aerobic exercise, can reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines by lowering stress and improving overall health.
Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and ensuring adequate rest is key to preventing the onset of a migraine. Irregular sleep is a well-known trigger for migraines. Other than these, stress is a common trigger for migraines. Practising stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help manage both the frequency and intensity of migraines. These approaches, along with consulting a doctor, can help in managing migraine symptoms effectively.
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