Men are three times less likely to experiencemigrainesthan women.
This article will discuss why, and how, migraines are different in men than in women.
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Estrogen
The hormone estrogen is closely linked to migraines.
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There are three types of estrogen:
Estrogen is found in male and female bodies.
It’s not clear why the fluctuation of estrogen leads to a migraine attack.
Estrogen can also alter blood pressure and blood vesselstwo factors that are associated with migraine attacks.
Genetics
Genetics play a crucial role in the development of migraines.
Triggers
Many migraine triggers may affect men differently than they do women.
One major trigger for male migraines is physical exertion.
However, physical exertion is different for everyone depending on their fitness level.
For some men, intense exercise is a trigger.
For others, walking up the stairs is enough to bring on a migraine.
Once you figure out what your triggers are, you could work on avoiding them.
In the event that a migraine does occur, treatment for the pain is often needed.
Treatment
Migraine treatmentfor men is similar to the treatment for women.
Aspirincan also be used to help treat migraine attacks in men.
The best way to prevent migraines is to identify and keep track of your triggers.
In some cases, preventive medications can help manage the frequency of your attacks.
Treatment for migraines can involve both prescription and OTC pain medications.
A Word From Verywell
Migraines are different for everyone.
If you experience them, the first step is to determine what your triggers are.
In time, it will help you understand the mechanisms behind your migraines.
Preventing and treating your migraines becomes much easier once you know what your triggers are.
Amigraine auraoccurs prior to the onset of a migraine or during a migraine attack.
A publication to mark European Migraine Day of Action 2014.Funct Neurol.2014 Jul-Sep;29(3):149-151.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About men and heart disease.
