Our Impact
Migraine Isn’t Invisible – Its Impact on Women Shouldn’t Be Either
Often dismissed as “just a headache,” migraine’s impact is anything but.
Migraine is a complex neurological condition that can disrupt many aspects of daily life.i For many women, it remains misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and undertreated, despite being both common and highly disabling.i
Migraine has an estimated prevalence of over one billion cases globallyii and it ranks second among the world’s leading causes of disability – and first among women aged 15-49.iii Studies show that migraine affects women two to three times more than men, and women often face longer, more frequent and intense headache pain.iv,v,vi,vii
For a condition with this level of impact, improving care starts with understanding how migraine affects women.
The Hormonal Connection: Migraine Affects Women Differently
While a combination of factors can influence migraines for women – including genetics, brain biology, and environmental aspects – hormones can play a particularly significant role.iv,viii
“Migraine for many women is intertwined with the body’s hormonal rhythms,” said Eynat Ben Ari, Medical Advisor, Organon Europe East, Israel (EEI). “We see this most clearly around menstruation, when hormonal shifts can increase both the frequency and intensity of attacks. But this relationship can span across reproductive life stages – from puberty through menopause – shaping how migraine may be experienced at each stage.”
- Early Onset: Migraine prevalence is similar in boys and girls before puberty, but it becomes about three times more common in women afterward – a change linked to female sex hormones, particularly estrogen.ix
- Menstrual Migraine: Typically affects approximately 50% to 70% of women suffering from migraine and these attacks are often more severe, longer lasting, and less responsive to treatment.v,x,xi
- During Pregnancy: Many women experience improvement during pregnancy, with attacks becoming less frequent and less severe, particularly from the second trimester onward.xi
- Post Partum: The recurrence rate of migraine attacks may increase, especially during the first month, as it’s a time when people are often exhausted, not sleeping well and dealing with stress.xii
- Perimenopause: Shifting hormone levels can trigger new or worsening attacks – often alongside symptoms like hot flashes or night sweats.xiii
Migraine’s Impact Beyond the Pain: The Missed Days
For those living with migraine, it may affect time spent with loved ones, personal and work relationships, and some individuals may feel misunderstood or isolated.
The sudden onset of a migraine attack can cause people to cancel plans, miss events, and reduce participation in everyday activities. Between attacks, some may experience anxiety, uncertainty, or concern about future attacks.xiv
More Days for Her, Not Migraine
Despite its far-reaching impact, many women with migraine still feel dismissed or misunderstood, including within the healthcare system.xvi,xvii,xviii At Organon, we envision a future where this condition receives comprehensive, empathetic care, women’s voices are heard, and the full impact of migraine, both during and between attacks, is fully recognized.