Why Are Women More Likely To Suffer From Migraines?

Why are women more likely to suffer from migraines?

Recently published data demonstrate the mechanism of development of migraine, which could potentially explain why women suffer from this problem more often than men.

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Recently published data demonstrate the mechanism of development of migraine, which could potentially explain why women suffer from this problem more often than men.

A study published in the journal Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences suggests that sex hormones affect the cells around the trigeminal nerve and the associated blood vessels in the head. At the same time, estrogens, the activity of which is maximum in women of reproductive age, play an important role in increasing the sensitivity of these cells, which causes migraines. Research results open up the promise of personalized migraine treatment for scientists.

“In our experimental model, we can observe significant differences between men and women and try to understand the molecular correspondences of such differences. Although this is a complex process, we believe that modulation of the trigeminal vascular system by sex hormones plays an important role in this case, although this process has not yet been sufficiently studied,”explains Professor Antonio Ferrer-Montiel from Spanish University of Miguel Hernández (Universitas Miguel Hernández).

Ferrer-Montiel and his team investigated a variety of work on sex hormones, migraine sensitivity, and cellular response to migraine triggers to determine what role specific hormones play in a given case. Some hormones (like testosterone) seem to protect against migraines, while others (like prolactin) make migraines worse. Migraine-enhancing hormones create ion channels in cells that control cell responses to external stimuli that are more or less vulnerable to migraine triggers.

Much more research is needed on the role of certain hormones. However, it is estrogen that scientists identify as a key factor in understanding the causes of migraines. At first, it was noticed because of the greater prevalence of migraine in women during menstruation, and the connection of some types of migraine with changes in hormone levels depending on the menstrual cycle. Currently, data from the research team show that estrogen and changes in its level increase the sensitivity of cells located around the trigeminal nerve. Thus, it contributes to the onset of migraines.

However, Ferrer-Montiel warns that their work is preliminary. The role of estrogen and other hormones in migraine headaches is complex and requires much more research to understand. The authors emphasize the need for long-term research on the relationship between menstrual hormones and migraines. Their current work is based on laboratory and animal studies that are not easily translated into migraine sufferers.

Nonetheless, Ferrer-Montiel and his colleagues see their findings as promising for the treatment of migraines. They intend to continue their research using preclinical human models that are more similar to real patients. “If successful, we will help improve personalized medicine in the treatment of migraines,” said Ferrer-Montiel.