Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 9: Migraine is more than just a headache. It is a neurological condition that can cause intense throbbing pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and difficulty concentrating. For many women, migraine attacks can disrupt work, family life and daily routines.
Health experts say women are more likely to experience migraines than men, often due to a combination of hormonal changes and lifestyle factors.
According to Kapil Khandelwal, Senior Consultant in Neurology at CK Birla Hospitals in Jaipur, hormonal fluctuations play a major role in triggering migraines in women.
At the same time, modern lifestyle habits such as prolonged screen exposure, irregular sleep schedules and workplace stress are increasing the frequency of these attacks.
Hormones, particularly oestrogen, strongly influence migraine patterns in women. Oestrogen levels naturally fluctuate during different stages of life, including the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and the transition to menopause.
These hormonal changes can affect brain chemicals and blood vessels, making some women more prone to migraine attacks.
Many women experience migraines around the time of their menstrual period when oestrogen levels drop. This condition is commonly known as menstrual migraine.
Similarly, hormonal changes during pregnancy or perimenopause can alter the frequency and intensity of migraines.
Dr Khandelwal explains that such hormonal shifts can make the brain more sensitive to triggers, increasing the likelihood of migraine episodes.
While hormones play a key role, lifestyle factors are also becoming major triggers.
Long hours of screen time from computers and smartphones can strain the eyes and lead to headaches. Irregular sleep patterns, skipping meals due to busy work schedules and dehydration can further worsen symptoms.
Workplace stress is another significant factor. High-pressure environments, tight deadlines and mental fatigue can increase the chances of migraine attacks, especially for women managing both professional and personal responsibilities.
Migraine attacks often begin with early warning signs known as prodrome symptoms. These may include mood changes, fatigue, neck stiffness, food cravings or difficulty concentrating.
Recognising these early signals can help prevent the migraine from becoming severe. Resting in a quiet room, staying hydrated or avoiding bright screens may help reduce the intensity of an attack.
Doctors emphasise that identifying personal triggers and patterns is an important step in managing migraines effectively.
Experts say lifestyle management can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.
Maintaining regular sleep and meal schedules helps stabilise the body’s internal rhythms. Limiting excessive screen time, particularly before bedtime, can also improve sleep quality.
Drinking enough water throughout the day helps prevent dehydration-related headaches.
Stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises and regular physical activity can also help control migraine symptoms while improving overall brain health.
While lifestyle changes can help reduce migraines, medical consultation is important for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Frequent or severe migraines should not be ignored, as they may require specialised care. A neurologist can evaluate symptoms, identify triggers and recommend personalised treatment plans, including medication and preventive therapies.
Dr Khandelwal notes that combining medical care with healthy daily habits offers the best approach to long-term migraine control.
With greater awareness of triggers and timely treatment, many women can significantly reduce the impact of migraines on their daily lives.