A lot of people suffer from these half-head or migraine headaches, but doctors say this intense form of headache affects women far more than men. Men do get it too, but the number is significantly higher among women.
Why does it happen? What could be a solution?
A recent study seems to have unravelled the mystery. Conducted under the leadership of an Indian medical scientist at the University of Virginia (UVA) School of Medicine in the US, the research pins the blame on one particular female hormone-progesterone. Tests carried out on mice also showed that if the body's progesterone receptors are blocked with a specific drug, the chances of a migraine attack fall almost completely.
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Statistics have shown that one out of every five women suffers from migraine or cluster headaches, while in men, the ratio is about one in twenty. Out of four migraine patients, three are usually women. But the reason behind this gender gap had long remained unclear-until now.
According to the study led by Jaydip Kapoor-neurologist, director of the UVA Brain Institute, and the principal investigator, while trying to find out why women are more prone to migraines, the team discovered the role of progesterone. To confirm this, they blocked the progesterone receptors in mice, which significantly reduced migraine episodes.
Pain-management specialist Dr Gautam Das describes the findings as “path-breaking.” He says the study not only explains why women are more likely to develop migraines but also points toward a possible treatment. However, he also warns that more extensive research is needed to understand whether blocking progesterone receptors might lead to other side effects.
Another pain-management expert, Dr Debanjali Roy, agrees to a large extent. But she adds that this study primarily focused on women in the reproductive age group. Since progesterone is a steroid-based female hormone, its role has been highlighted. She believes the role of another key female hormone, estrogen, should also be looked at.
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Doctors also say physiological factors can't explain why headaches are more prevalent in females. Certain social habits play a part, too. According to medicine specialist Dr Alokesh Kole, most females tend to stay on an empty stomach for long hours. This lowers their blood glucose and increases the chances of a migraine attack. According to another medicine specialist, Dr Arindam Biswas, the women eventually end up consuming leftovers more often. Leftover foods contain higher amounts of an amine compound known as tyramine, which, when consumed, can initiate the processes for a migraine.
