Migraine Awareness Week – What Every Woman Should Know
Dr. Bláthnaid Carlin from Duality Healthcare shares expert insights on what’s really happening when migraines strike, why women are more at risk, and how to take back control.
Migraines Are More Than “Just a Headache”
Migraines aren’t ordinary headaches. They are a complex neurological condition that can be three times more common in women, often linked to changes in hormones.
For some, migraines hit hard with throbbing pain, light or sound sensitivity, nausea, and sometimes even visual disturbances (aura). For others, the creeping onset can disrupt work, family life, and social plans.
The Hidden Health Links
Migraines don’t just cause pain – they also come with wider health concerns.
Women who experience migraines, especially those with aura, may have a slightly higher risk of cardiovascular issues like stroke. That doesn’t mean every migraine is dangerous, but it’s important to pay attention to heart and brain health.
Your GP can help you look at the bigger picture: blood pressure, cholesterol, lifestyle, and habits that may protect your future health while also tackling the migraines themselves.
The Food Trigger Myth – Cravings vs Causes
Many people have heard: “Don’t eat chocolate, it’ll trigger your migraine.”
But research shows cravings often come first. This “early warning” stage – the prodrome – can start hours or even a day before the pain itself. Your brain chemistry is shifting, making you crave something sweet, salty, or comforting.
So, if you find yourself rummaging through the cupboards before a migraine hits, it’s not the chocolate’s fault – it’s your brain signalling what’s to come.
Migraine Triggers and Hormonal Headaches
While cravings aren’t the villain, many other factors can play a role:
- Dehydration
- Stress
- Poor sleep
- Skipped meals
- Hormonal changes
For women, the drop in oestrogen during a period or perimenopause can trigger hormonal migraines. These often last longer and feel harder to shift.
Tracking symptoms, adjusting routines, and (if needed) using preventive strategies or medication can really ease the burden.
Migraine Myth-Busters
- Myth 1: Migraines are just bad headaches.
Truth: They’re a neurological condition with multiple symptoms. - Myth 2: You can “push through.”
Truth: Rest and treatment help recovery – ignoring it often makes things worse. - Myth 3: Only women get migraines.
Truth: Men do too, but hormonal factors make them more common in women. - Myth 4: Chocolate and cheese cause migraines.
Truth: These foods are often a craving, not a cause. - Myth 5: There’s nothing you can do to prevent them.
Truth: With the right plan, many people reduce migraine frequency and intensity.
Top 5 Tips for Living Well with Migraine
- Know Your Early Clues – Prodrome symptoms are your chance to act early.
- Keep a Headache Diary – Spot patterns with food, sleep, stress, and lifestyle.
- Stay Hydrated & Prioritise Sleep – Simple but powerful for prevention.
- Work with Your GP – Preventive options and tailored treatments are available.
- Protect Your Heart Health – Women with migraines and aura need to take cardiovascular health seriously.
Living Well with Migraine
Migraines don’t have to control your life. With the right mix of treatments, lifestyle tweaks, and medical support, many sufferers find they can live well.
And if migraines are stealing your energy, mood, or focus, don’t ignore them – help is available. At Duality Healthcare, expert, compassionate care is always close by.
📍 Duality Healthcare – Newry, Galgorm, Omagh
🌐 www.dualityhealthcare.com
📞 Tel: 028 3083 3666
