Migraine in women: hormones, triggers and pregnancy

Abstract

Migraine is estimated to affect 8-10% of the adult population, with women affected three times more often than men (Johnson and Johnson, 1998). Before puberty, boys and girls suffer in equal numbers, suggesting the hormonal changes that occur during puberty in girls, and remain throughout adulthood, trigger migraine attacks in women. About 60% of female migraine sufferers have menstrually-related migraine, with attacks exacerbated around this time of the month (Epstein et al, 1975).