Suffering in silence: a closer look at migraines and women

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.

"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.

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.

Migraines and hormones

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.

More stress, more migraines

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.

Dr. Sheftell notes "Migraine and its effect on women is a serious issue that deserves more attention and awareness."

References

Data on file, American Association for the Study of Headache (AASH).
Mayo Clinic Health Letter 1989 Jan; 7(1):3-4.
Austin, E., "Migraine Mania," Shape 1994 Dec;14(4):34,37.
Houck, C., "No More Migraines," Woman's Day 1994 Apr 26;57(8):36,40.
Rapoport A., Sheftell F., Headache Relief for Women 1995