Excedrin.com > Headache Center > Migraines and Women

Each year, migraine headaches disrupt the lives of millions of women, their children, families, colleagues and friends. The statistics are disturbing: migraine headaches are three times more common in women than men, and an estimated 20 percent of all American women say they've experienced a migraine at some point in their lives.

Women typically experience their first migraine between 13 and 17 years of age. Female migraineurs describe migraine headaches as "frustrating" and "isolating" because the pain of the attacks prevents them from being with their friends and families and from doing the things they like to do.

"Unfortunately, many women minimize or downplay migraine headache pain because they don't want to be considered overly emotional or weak," explains Fred Sheftell, MD, author of Headache Relief for Women and Director, New England Center for Headache. "The problem with suffering in silence is that the pain is very real and can be very severe. Too often, women migraine sufferers end up feeling frustrated, angry and even guilty."

In an effort to relieve their migraine headache pain, more than 70 percent of women with headaches say they use over-the-counter pain medications. "Neither my husband nor my children can fully appreciate the pain I experience when I have a migraine attack," noted one long-time sufferer. "All they know is that my migraine attacks are responsible for a number of canceled family outings and missed birthday parties."

While studies confirm that migraines cause a greater impact on family and social activities for women than men, migraine pain also takes a greater toll on women in the workplace. Women are twice as likely to report reduced productivity or absenteeism from work or school compared to men.

Common triggers of migraine headaches for women and men include stress; certain foods such as chocolate, alcohol and citrus fruits; changes in altitude, climate or time zones; bright lights; physical exertion, and even polluted air. Women commonly report migraines in association with hormonal changes including menarche, menopause, menstruation, pregnancy and childbirth. Scientists believe migraines in women correlate with hormonal fluctuations, including the rise and fall of estrogen levels during the month.

Many experts note that as technology continues to accelerate the pace of life at home and work, managing stress will become more challenging for women. As a result, they warn that migraine may become even more prevalent among women.

"Migraine is a serious, often misunderstood, condition that afflicts millions of women, their families, friends, and colleagues because of the severity of the pain and accompanying symptoms," notes Dr. Sheftell. "Migraine and its effect on women is a serious issue that deserves more attention and awareness."

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