Are Migraines and Headaches Common for Women?

Migraines and headaches are among the most frequent neurological complaints across the globe. Interestingly, they affect women far more than men. In fact, studies show that women are nearly three times more likely to suffer from migraines than their male counterparts. But why is that the case?

In this article, we explore why migraines and headaches are common in women, how hormones contribute to this prevalence, what the symptoms are, and how to treat and prevent these painful conditions effectively.

What Are Migraines?

A migraine is not just a bad headache. It is a complex neurological condition often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, and extreme sensitivity to light or sound. The pain can be so debilitating that it interferes with daily activities and work.

Common Migraine Symptoms Include:

• Throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Visual auras (flashes, blind spots, zigzag lines)
• Increased sensitivity to light and noise
• Fatigue and dizziness

What About Regular Headaches?

Unlike migraines, regular headaches (such as tension headaches) are usually milder and don’t involve aura or neurological symptoms. Tension-type headaches are often caused by stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, or eye strain and are characterised by dull, steady pain across the forehead or back of the neck.

Why Are Migraines More Common in Women?

Hormonal fluctuations are one of the leading factors that make women more prone to migraines and headaches.

Key Contributing Factors:

• Oestrogen fluctuations: Hormone levels drop just before menstruation, triggering migraines in many women.
• Menstrual migraines: These occur in the days leading up to or during a woman’s period and can be particularly severe.
• Pregnancy and postpartum shifts: Oestrogen changes during pregnancy may improve or worsen migraines.
• Menopause and perimenopause: Hormonal instability during these phases can worsen migraine frequency.
• Hormonal birth control: Pills that contain oestrogen can either trigger or reduce migraine symptoms.

Related: What Are Menopause Symptoms?

Menstrual Migraines: A Special Case

Around 60% of women who experience migraines report a link to their menstrual cycle. These migraines are typically triggered by a drop in oestrogen before menstruation and can last longer than non-menstrual migraines.

Symptoms of Menstrual Migraines:

• More intense pain than usual
• Longer duration—up to 72 hours
• Resistance to standard migraine medications

Some women may benefit from preventive treatment in the days before their period begins.

How Pregnancy Affects Migraines

Pregnancy affects migraine patterns in different ways:

• Improvement: Some women experience relief during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters.
• Worsening: Others may find their migraines intensify in early pregnancy or after delivery.
• Safe treatments: Not all migraine medications are safe during pregnancy, so consult your doctor for guidance.

Migraines After Menopause

Hormone levels become more stable after menopause, and some women notice a significant improvement in migraine frequency. However, women undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may continue to experience hormone-triggered headaches.

Other Common Triggers in Women

While hormones play a major role, other lifestyle and environmental factors can also trigger migraines or headaches:

• Sleep deprivation or irregular sleep patterns
• Stress or emotional tension
• Skipping meals or poor nutrition
• Dehydration
• Excessive screen time
• Strong smells, lights, or noises
• Certain foods—especially those with MSG, aged cheese, caffeine, or alcohol

Also Read: How to Avoid Anxiety Attacks

How Are Migraines Diagnosed?

If you suspect you’re experiencing migraines, especially if they’re affecting your daily life, consult your GP. You may be referred to a neurologist for further investigation.

Diagnosis usually involves:

• A medical history and discussion of symptoms
• Keeping a headache diary (frequency, duration, and triggers)
• Physical and neurological examinations
• In some cases, brain scans to rule out other causes

Treatment Options for Women

Treatment plans should be tailored to your specific symptoms, triggers, and hormonal status. Options include:

1. Acute (Symptom Relief) Treatment

• Over-the-counter painkillers (e.g., paracetamol, ibuprofen)
• Triptans (e.g., sumatriptan) – effective migraine-specific drugs
• Anti-nausea medications
• Rest in a dark, quiet room

2. Preventive Medications

• Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol)
• Antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline)
• Anti-seizure medications
• Botox injections (for chronic migraines)

3. Hormonal Therapy

• Hormonal birth control pills (under specialist advice)
• HRT adjustments during menopause
• Oestrogen patches or gels to stabilise levels

4. Natural Remedies and Lifestyle Adjustments

• Magnesium supplements (especially for menstrual migraines)
• Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
• Acupuncture or yoga
• Mindfulness meditation
• Regular exercise and hydration

Prevention Tips

You can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines and headaches by taking preventive steps:

• Keep a consistent sleep schedule
• Eat balanced meals at regular intervals
• Stay hydrated throughout the day
• Manage stress with breathing exercises or counselling
• Limit caffeine and alcohol intake
• Track hormonal patterns and speak to your GP about managing them

When to See a Doctor

You should seek medical attention if you experience:

• Migraines more than once a week
• New or worsening headache patterns
• Headaches that disrupt daily life
• Neurological symptoms (e.g., numbness, speech issues)
• Severe headaches after age 50

Related: What to Avoid When Trying to Get Pregnant

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are migraines more common in women?

Oestrogen fluctuations linked to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause make women more prone to migraines.

Can birth control help with migraines?

It depends. Some women find relief with hormonal birth control, while others experience more frequent migraines.

Is it normal to get a headache before a period?

Yes, many women experience premenstrual headaches due to the drop in oestrogen levels just before menstruation.

Are migraines dangerous?

Most are not life-threatening but can severely affect quality of life. Rarely, they may mimic signs of stroke and need urgent care.

Can migraines be cured?

There’s no cure, but with proper management, triggers can be controlled and episodes reduced in frequency and severity.

Final Thoughts

Women experience migraines and headaches more frequently than men due to the complex interplay of hormones, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Recognising the unique symptoms and triggers that affect women can help in finding the most effective treatment and preventive strategies.

If migraines are affecting your life, don’t suffer in silence. Consult a GP or specialist for a personalised treatment plan. With the right support, you can regain control and improve your quality of life.