Why Is Migraine More Common in Women Than Men?
Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health · Dr. Joseph Mercola
December 18, 20257m 55s
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Show Notes
- Migraines affect women three to four times more often than men, largely due to hormonal fluctuations that sensitize the brain's pain pathways and increase vulnerability to stress, poor sleep, and inflammation
- Estrogen both primes and triggers migraine attacks — high levels heighten sensitivity, while sudden drops before menstruation or after childbirth cause the electrical instability that sparks pain
- Natural progesterone helps counteract estrogen's pro-inflammatory effects, calming nerve excitability and reducing migraine frequency during hormonally active years
- Mitochondrial dysfunction is a major driver of migraines; reducing linoleic acid from seed oils and restoring nutrients like magnesium, CoQ10, and B vitamins strengthens your brain's energy supply and resilience
- Supporting melatonin through morning sunlight, minimizing blue light exposure at night, and maintaining oral and circadian health naturally lowers inflammation, helping prevent migraines and improve overall brain function