In the collective imagination, women are more prone to migraines than men. Is this a reality or are there nuances to be aware of? A neurologist answers.
In France, it is estimated that 20% of adults regularly suffer from migraines. If in the collective imagination it is just “of a headache”, however, migraine is a real brain disease which attacks neurons. When these are affected, the membrane of the nerve cells releases serotonin, which causes the unpleasant symptoms that we all know. It is quite common to think that women are more prone to migraines than men. Is this information true? Well yes, and Claude Mekies, neurologist at the Cedars clinic in Cornebarrieu (Haute-Garonne), could have found the reasons. Of the 20% of adults who suffer from migraines, there are three women for one man. And for good reason, the specialist specifies that people prone to this disease are mostly anxious and depressed in nature.
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Migraines in women: why do more of us suffer from them?
“If women are more prone to migraine, this is also the case for anxious and depressed personalities, even if this is not systematic. Studies on the subject have shown that more than 50% of migraine sufferers have an anxious and depressive tendency”, he explains. With regard to anxiety disorders, they are twice as common in women as in men, according to the Health Insurance website. When you suffer from depression, you are automatically more prone to migraines. So, when do we worry and decide to consult? As soon as migraines become too frequent (several times a week) or too intense. It is recommended to consult a neurologist as soon as possible since effective solutions exist to block seizures.