1. As per studies, women are two or three times more likely to have migraine than men
Several researchers have worked on the gender gap between the occurrence of migraine. A 2018 study by scientists at the Universitas Miguel Hernández in Elche, Spain found that migraines are more common among women and that sex hormones play a crucial role in it. The finding, which has been published in the journal Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences, is one among several such studies on migraine. Let's understand what this means and how it differs per gender.
02. What is a migraine?
Migraine is a type of headache that causes severe throbbing pain on one side of the head. This type of headache feels like a pushing sensation on just one part of the head. Migraine lasts for a few hours to days and the pain associated with it is so terrible that it affects the quality of life. In many cases, migraine leads to nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.
03. How to know if it is a migraine?
Before a migraine attack, the individual experiences several signs, and these signs are not definite and vary from individual to individual. MayoClinic describes this warning sign as an aura. "An aura can include visual disturbances, such as flashes of light or blind spots, or other disturbances, such as tingling on one side of the face or in an arm or leg and difficulty speaking," it says.
04. Why is there a gender gap in the way migraines occur?
"Hormones, particularly estrogen, play a significant role in migraine development. Women are more vulnerable because of the cyclical pattern of menstrual cycles, the seismic changes that occur during pregnancy, and the transitional phases of menopause. Changes in estrogen levels, such as those that occur during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause, can trigger, or exacerbate migraines in some women," says Dr. Sonia Lal Gupta, Director - Metro Group of Hospitals, Sr. Consultant, Neurologist (Stroke & Headache Specialist).
05. What are the other factors?
Dr Gupta says other factors like stress, irregular sleep patterns, dietary habits, and other lifestyle factors can contribute to the occurrence of migraine in women. "Studies have suggested that women may have a lower pain threshold and a higher sensitivity to pain than men. This heightened sensitivity could potentially contribute to the increased frequency of migraines in women," she says and adds that sociocultural factors, including differences in stressors, coping mechanisms, and healthcare-seeking behaviours, could also play a role in the gender disparity observed in migraine prevalence.
06. How to reduce the pain during a migraine attack?
Migraine attacks can be extremely painful. These severe headaches can be treated in simple ways. The first and foremost way to treat this headache is to understand what triggers migraine in you. Stress, food, low appetite, caffeine, sensitivity, medication, physical activity, and change in sleep pattern trigger migraine in many individuals. Avoid these triggers and get help at the earliest. There are few medications that reduce the impact of migraine. To reduce the pain try temperature therapy by placing hot or cold packs on your head and neck, have some coffee, turn off the lights, relax in a dark room, calm yourself with a piece of good music, maintain regular sleep hours, don't skip meals and engage in productive work.
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