Kate Sanger
Head of Policy and Communications, The Migraine Trust
To address migraine pain, we must uncover how this common condition affects different people. Explore hormone influences in women, underfunded research and tailored treatments.
Around 10 million people live with migraine in the UK; approximately 70% are women. Female hormones increase the likelihood of a migraine attack, with worsening attack occurrence after puberty, across the menstrual cycle and during menopause.
Underfunded migraine research
Despite how common migraine is, it is the least funded neurological condition compared to both its size and economic impact, ranked as the second most disabling disorder globally. In addition to a lack of research about the condition, there is even less that looks at the difference in sexes. This includes the relationships between sex hormones and migraine and changes across the life course, such as perimenopause.
Medication for migraine pain
Triptans are a group of medicines designed to treat migraine attacks by reducing pain and sickness at the time taken. A study by a team of Dutch researchers found that responses to triptans can vary between men and women, with women more likely to experience adverse effects. Further, the contraceptive pill can impact how effective treatments are.
While excruciating head pain is one of
the most common symptoms, migraine
is far more than a simple headache.
Personal impact of migraine
While not fatal, migraine for too long has been a lower priority than other conditions. Yet, the personal impact of living with it can be significant — impacting an individual’s mental health, education, ability to work, capacity to socialise and manage relationships.
While excruciating head pain is one of the most common symptoms, migraine is far more than a simple headache. Other symptoms can include extreme fatigue, sensory hypersensitivity, visual disturbances and vomiting. For women, we know migraine can further influence decisions not to have children and affect how they manage pregnancy, menopause and contraception.
Studying migraine by demographic
Dedicated studies on gender-related differences in migraine are needed, alongside those exploring how treatments affect different groups. This goes beyond gender, with ethnicity being another area. This will support the development of new therapies and treatment plans tailored to individuals. Ultimately, it will help reduce pain levels — both physical and mental — experienced by many living with migraine.
Learn more at migrainetrust.org
