Back to Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health
Why Is Migraine More Common in Women Than Men?
Episode 7 min 55s

Why Is Migraine More Common in Women Than Men?

From Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health Dr. Mercola
  • 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

You May Also Like

Success Playbook

Success Playbook

Motivation

You Are Heroic with Brian Johnson

You Are Heroic with Brian Johnson

Brian Johnson

Good Thinking: Positive Affirmations

Good Thinking: Positive Affirmations

Just Curious Media

Relaxing White Noise

Relaxing White Noise

Relaxing White Noise, LLC

The Reality Revolution Podcast

The Reality Revolution Podcast

Brian Scott

Good Sleep: Positive Affirmations

Good Sleep: Positive Affirmations

Optimal Living Daily | Sleepy Meditation

Inspiration Quotes

Inspiration Quotes

Inspiration Quotes

Johannes Hansen Podcast

Johannes Hansen Podcast

Johannes Hansen

Be Calm and Relaxed with Rain and Thunder for Sleeping

Be Calm and Relaxed with Rain and Thunder for Sleeping

ColoredJuice Podcast Studio

Guided Meditation

Guided Meditation

Guided Meditation

Community discussion

Join the conversation