Migraines are more than just headaches—they are intense, disabling neurological events that disproportionately affect women. In Australia, about three million people suffer from migraines, with women three times more likely to experience them than men, largely due to hormonal fluctuations. Understanding migraines, their triggers, effective treatments, and preventive strategies can empower Australian women to significantly improve their quality of life.
Migraines are more than just headaches—they are intense, disabling neurological events that disproportionately affect women. In Australia, about three million people suffer from migraines, with women three times more likely to experience them than men, largely due to hormonal fluctuations. Understanding migraines, their triggers, effective treatments, and preventive strategies can empower Australian women to significantly improve their quality of life.
A migraine is a severe, throbbing headache usually affecting one side of the head, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, and smell. Migraines typically last between 4 to 72 hours and can severely impair daily activities.
Migraines occur in various stages:
Prodrome Stage: Warning signs like fatigue, mood changes, food cravings (occurs hours or days before).
Aura Stage (in some individuals): Visual disturbances or sensory changes (lasting 20–60 minutes).
Attack Stage: Severe headache with associated symptoms (painful and debilitating).
Postdrome Stage: Fatigue and cognitive difficulties following an attack.
Hormonal fluctuations are a major factor in why women experience migraines more frequently. Migraines often start at puberty and can become more intense during menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, or hormonal contraceptive use.
Understanding personal triggers helps reduce migraine frequency and severity. Common triggers include:
Hormonal Changes: Menstruation, menopause, pregnancy, oral contraceptives.
Dietary Triggers: Alcohol (especially red wine), caffeine withdrawal, aged cheeses, processed foods containing MSG, chocolate, artificial sweeteners.
Environmental Triggers: Bright lights, loud sounds, strong odours, weather changes.
Physical and Emotional Factors: Stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, physical exertion, dehydration, skipped meals.
Several migraine types commonly affect women:
Migraine without Aura: Severe, one-sided headaches without sensory disturbances.
Migraine with Aura (Classic Migraine): Includes visual disturbances, tingling, or speech difficulty preceding headaches.
Menstrual Migraines: Specifically linked to hormonal changes during menstruation.
Chronic Migraines: Occur at least 15 days per month, significantly impacting quality of life.
Migraine management combines acute treatments for immediate relief and preventive strategies to reduce future attacks.
Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter medications (ibuprofen, paracetamol), stronger prescribed medications (triptans).
Anti-nausea Medication: Relieve nausea and vomiting during attacks.
Quiet, Dark Environment: Resting in a calm environment helps alleviate symptoms during attacks.
Preventive Medications: Beta-blockers, antidepressants, anti-seizure medications, and new CGRP inhibitors for chronic migraines.
Botox Injections: FDA-approved for chronic migraine prevention.
Magnesium Supplements: Proven beneficial for reducing migraine frequency.
Effective migraine prevention involves proactive lifestyle management:
Identify and Avoid Triggers: Maintain a headache diary to track triggers.
Consistent Sleep Schedule: Establish regular sleep routines.
Regular Meals: Avoid skipping meals to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Stress Management: Practice meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or other relaxation techniques.
Regular Exercise: Moderate physical activity reduces stress and migraine frequency.
Exciting developments in migraine treatment and prevention include:
Digital Health Tools: Apps for tracking triggers, symptoms, and medication use, enabling personalised management.
Wearable Devices: Devices that detect migraine onset and potentially prevent attacks through biofeedback and electrical stimulation.
Personalised Medicine: Genetic research to tailor treatments based on individual genetics and lifestyle factors.
Migraines can severely affect women's productivity, attendance, and overall workplace wellbeing. Severe migraine attacks may require temporary absence from work or adjustments to workload and environment.
Inform employers or HR departments of your condition.
Request flexible work hours, remote working options, or workplace accommodations (e.g., adjustable lighting, quiet areas).
Regularly take short breaks and stay hydrated throughout the workday.
Severe migraines can disrupt your ability to work or study. Doctors Note simplifies obtaining medical certificates (doctor’s sick notes), offering quick, stress-free documentation to support your recovery:
Complete our easy-to-use online form—no face-to-face appointment or consultation needed.
A qualified Australian doctor promptly reviews your request.
Receive your medical certificate swiftly, allowing you to prioritise rest and recovery.
For further information, support, and resources:
Australian women don’t have to accept migraines as an unavoidable burden. Effective treatment, preventive lifestyle strategies, workplace accommodations, and reliable medical support empower women to significantly improve their quality of life.
If migraine attacks disrupt your work, daily responsibilities, or studies, conveniently request your Doctor’s Sick Note through our straightforward online form at Doctors Note today.
