Gender-specific issues in the treatment of migraine

Abstract

Migraine is approximately three times more common in women than in men. Women tend to have longer attacks and are more likely than men to experience aura with migraine, but both sexes can experience frequent and severe attacks. Treatment principles for migraine and guidelines for the use of prophylactic and abortive therapies are generally consistent between males and females. However, due to hormonal changes induced in the female during menstruation, oral contraceptive use, pregnancy, and menopause, gender-specific therapeutic strategies are often necessary when treating migraine in females.