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A migraine isn’t just a bad headache — it can completely derail your day, forcing you to cancel plans, miss work, or hide away in a dark room while the world keeps moving without you. And if you’ve ever tried explaining migraine to someone who hasn’t experienced it, you know the struggle. “Oh, just take some Tylenol!” If only it were that simple.
Migraine is a common health issue that affects approximately 40 million people in the U.S., often in ways that go beyond just pain. Let’s break down why it happens, why it seems to pick on women more, and what you can do to take back control.
What exactly is migraine?
Migraine is a complex neurological disorder that can be a full-body experience for those who experience it. The pain is often a pounding, one-sided sensation that lasts for hours or even days, making it impossible to focus. But the headache itself is only one piece of the puzzle. Many women also deal with nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and an extreme sensitivity to light and sound, making migraine a chronic disease because of these recurrent attacks of pain. Some even experience auras — flashing lights, blurry vision, or zigzag patterns — before the pain kicks in.
Migraine can be unpredictable, making it hard to plan life around it. But understanding what’s happening in your body can help you manage the condition better.
Why does migraine affect women more?
Did you know women are up to three times more likely to live with with migraine than men? They also experience longer-lasting migraine attacks, and hormones are a big reason why.
Estrogen, the hormone that fluctuates during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause, plays a major role in migraine patterns. Many women notice migraine hitting right before their period, when estrogen levels drop. Others find that pregnancy temporarily improves their migraine (thanks, hormones!) or makes it worse (thanks… hormones). Perimenopause? That’s a whole other rollercoaster.
And hormones aren’t the only factor. Women also tend to have more migraine triggers, including stress, disrupted sleep, certain foods, and even changes in the weather. It’s like our bodies are extra sensitive to everything around us.
The different phases of migraine attack
Understanding the phases can help you catch an attack early and maybe even stop it before it gets worse.
- Prodrome (the early warning signs): A day or two before the headache, you might feel off — moody, tired, craving certain foods, or just not yourself.
- Aura (for some people): You might see flashing lights, have trouble speaking, or feel tingling in your hands or face. This usually lasts about an hour before the real headache starts.
- Headache (the main event): Throbbing pain, nausea, dizziness, and sensory overload. This phase can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
- Postdrome (the “migraine hangover”): Even after the pain is gone, you might feel drained, foggy, or just wiped out for another day or two.
- Interictal (the anxiety): The time between migraine attacks when you are headache-free, but may feel fearful, anxious, or worried about when the next attack with occur or how it might affect your upcoming plans!
Knowing your symptoms can help you get ahead and manage symptoms before they take over.
Getting the right diagnosis
If you think you have migraine and your headaches (and other symptoms) are interfering with your day-to-day life, it’s time to talk to a healthcare provider. But here’s the catch — there’s no single test to diagnose migraine. No bloodwork, no scans, no magic answer. Your provider will rely on what you describe, which is why keeping a headache diary is so important.
Track when your migraine attack occurs, how long they last, what symptoms come with them, and any potential triggers (stress, food, sleep changes, menstruation, etc.). The more details you have, the easier it is to find patterns and get the right treatment plan.
Managing migraine with meds
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but migraine treatment usually falls into two categories: treating attacks when they occur (acute treatment) and stopping them from happening in the first place (preventive treatment).
Acute migraine medications include over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen and acetaminophen), prescription triptans, and newer CGRP-targeting drugs. These medications work by blocking CGRP, a protein involved in migraine.
There are several preventive medications that also block CGRP, for example oral gepants medications like Nurtec and Qulipta, as well as injectable CGRP monoclonal antibodies (e.g. Aimovig, Emgality). Others help reduce migraine frequency and include repurposed drugs, like beta-blockers (used for blood pressure), anti-seizure medications, and even Botox.
If you’re considering medication for migraine, it’s best to work with a healthcare provider to find the right option based on your symptoms, health history, and any potential side effects.
Everyday self-care for migraine relief
While medication can help, lifestyle changes are just as important. Try the SEEDS method to take better care of yourself and reduce migraine attacks.
The SEEDS method
- Sleep: Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends.
- Exercise: Regular movement can help prevent migraine (but don’t overdo it).
- Eat: Stay hydrated and avoid skipping meals.
- Diary: Keep track of when you experience migraine to identify triggers.
- Stress management: Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help keep stress-induced migraine in check.
If you feel a migraine attack coming on, try to create a migraine-friendly environment — find a quiet, dark space, use a cold or hot compress on your head or neck, and rest as much as possible.
Advocating for yourself in healthcare
Women’s health concerns are often brushed off, and migraine is no exception. If a doctor isn’t taking you seriously, don’t be afraid to push for answers or get a second opinion. You know your body better than anyone else.
- Bring your headache diary to appointments.
- Ask about different treatment options — there’s more out there than just painkillers.
- Find a provider who listens and takes your symptoms seriously.
You’re not alone
Living with migraine can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. Whether it’s finding the right treatment, speaking up in the workplace, or learning what works for your body, you can take control. It might take time to figure out the best approach, but don’t give up — your health is worth it.
Take it one day at a time, listen to your body, and know that you deserve relief.
Blair Sharp is a freelance writer who lives in Minnesota with her husband and son. Her words have been published in various publications, including Parents, SheKnows, The Bump, and Insider. You can find her watching reality TV and sharing too many reels with her friends when she's not writing. To connect with Blair, find her on LinkedIn and Instagram, or head to her website www.blairsharp.com.