Celebrating Women’s Health: Understanding Migraines This Women’s Month
- SOOTHIE HOODIE
- Mar 6
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
March is International Women’s Month, a time to celebrate women, their achievements, and their health. It’s also a perfect moment to talk about a health issue that affects women far more than men: migraines.
Migraines aren’t “just headaches.” They are a complex neurological condition that can disrupt work, school, and daily life.
In fact, women are nearly three times more likely to experience migraines in a year and twice as likely to get them in their lifetime. Hormonal changes play a big role in why migraines hit women harder—and understanding these patterns can help you take control of your health.
Migraine and Your Hormones: Why Women Are More Affected
Women experience many hormonal milestones throughout life:
Menarche (first period) – migraines often start after this.
Menstruation – migraines spike just before or during your period.
Pregnancy – for many women, migraines improve.
Menopause – symptoms may worsen during the transition but often ease afterward.
Why this happens: Estrogen and progesterone influence your brain and blood vessels. When these hormones drop suddenly—like right before your period or during the “pill-free” week of certain contraceptives—migraines can strike.
Quick facts:
Menstrual migraines are usually longer, more intense, and harder to treat than non-period migraines.
Pregnancy often brings relief, but migraines usually return after delivery.
Menopause can be unpredictable—some women see improvement, others notice temporary worsening.
Birth Control & Migraines: What Women Should Know
Hormonal contraceptives, like combined oral contraceptives (COCs), can affect migraines differently:
Some women get worse migraines.
Some notice no change.
A few even see improvement.
⚠️ Important: Women with migraine with aura have a higher risk of stroke if they use certain contraceptives. Extra caution is needed, especially if you smoke, are over 35, or have other risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes.
Other options like progesterone-only pills or IUDs may be safer for women with migraine.
Migraines and Heart & Vascular Health
Migraines, especially with aura, aren’t just painful—they’re linked to heart and vascular health risks:
Higher chance of ischemic stroke
Increased risk of heart disease
More pronounced in women than men
Your hormones can protect your heart. Estrogen helps blood vessels relax, reduces inflammation, and supports overall heart health. But sudden drops or fluctuations in estrogen can weaken this protection, which partly explains why migraines and vascular risks are linked.
Tips for Women This International Women’s Month
Track your cycle and migraines – Apps, diaries, or notes help identify patterns.
Talk to your doctor about birth control options – Especially if you have migraine with aura or other risk factors.
Know your triggers – Sleep, stress, and diet can make migraines worse.
Use the Soothie Hoodie – If you have headaches or migraines, wearing a Soothie Hoodie can help relieve pressure and soothe pain with gentle cooling and compression.
Celebrate small wins – Every migraine-free day counts!
This Women’s Month, take time to honor your body, understand your migraines, and make choices that protect your health. 💪
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