Abstract

Migraine is a painful condition that predominantly affects women. Aside from the headache pain, migraine sufferers can experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, fatigue, and increased levels of stress, anger, and apprehension both during and between attacks (the cycle of migraine). Moreover, migraine is associated with the impairment of social, family, and work-related activities. Unfortunately, clinicians tend to focus treatment on the frequency and severity of migraine and often fail to address the overall functional impairment associated with this disorder. The goal of this review is to highlight the cycle of migraine and discuss its impact on the health and well-being of women. The frequency and severity of migraines, including interictal symptoms, should be considered when deciding on the most appropriate migraine therapy. Attention should also be given to the potential association between migraine and the physiological and hormonal changes that occur during menarche, pregnancy, or perimenopause. Healthcare providers should ask specific questions and be encouraged to expand dialogue with patients to reveal the full impact that migraine has on the daily activities of women both during and between attacks. This can help improve treatment strategies for the patient, with the goal of substantially improving symptoms, interictal distress, and the performance of their daily activities.