Why Migraines Hit Women Harder: Michigan Neurosurgeon Explains the Hidden Hormonal Link

Post by : Saif Nasser

Many women experience painful migraines that seem to strike at the worst possible moments—especially right before their periods. These headaches can feel stronger than regular pain and often make daily tasks difficult. According to Dr. Jay Jagannathan, a well-known neurosurgeon from the Michigan Neurosurgery Institute, women are not imagining this pattern. Hormonal changes play a major role in why migraines tend to hit women harder than men.

In a recent video, Dr. Jagannathan explained that the female body goes through many hormonal shifts during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and even after childbirth. These changes affect how the brain handles pain, making women more sensitive to migraine triggers.

He highlighted that fluctuations in oestrogen, the main female hormone, have a direct impact on the brain’s pain pathways, blood vessels and chemical signals. This is why many women notice their migraines getting worse right before their period, calming down during pregnancy or suddenly increasing around menopause.

Another key point Dr. Jagannathan shared is that women often have more sensitive trigeminal pathways—the nerve system responsible for migraine pain. Because this pathway is triggered more easily, migraine attacks can feel sharper, longer or more frequent.

To help women manage these symptoms, Dr. Jagannathan shared several simple but effective tips based on his years of experience with patients.

First, he stressed the importance of stable sleep. Good rest helps keep the brain’s pain pathways calmer. Second, he said that having regular eating habits prevents dips in blood sugar, which can trigger migraines for many people. Staying well hydrated and keeping electrolytes balanced also helps reduce irritation in the body’s blood vessels.

Dr. Jagannathan added that even small steps to manage daily stress—such as deep breathing, short breaks or light stretching—can lower the number of migraine episodes over time. Finally, he encouraged women to understand their hormonal cycle so they can predict when a migraine might occur and prepare for it.

The neurosurgeon reminded women that migraines are a medical condition, not an overreaction. Hormones genuinely affect symptoms, and untreated migraine attacks can make the brain more sensitive in the future. Paying attention to the body’s signals, keeping a routine and seeking medical help when needed can make a major difference.

Dr. Jagannathan’s message offers reassurance and practical guidance to millions of women who deal with these painful episodes. By understanding the connection between hormones and migraines, women can take better control of their symptoms and find healthier ways to manage their daily lives.