Common Stressors
Hormones in men with migraine
Testosterone, estrogen and stress hormones matter in men too.
3 min read · 4 research sources · Based on the Mastering Migraine courses by Dr. Adam Harcourt
Migraine is often thought of as a women’s condition, but about 1 in 10 men have it as well 1.
Hormones still play a role
Men with migraine can show differences in sex hormones, including the balance between testosterone and estrogen 2. The reproductive and stress hormone systems are interconnected in men as in women, and long-term stress can shift both 3.
How migraine differs in men
Men and women with migraine show differences in brain structure, attack features and treatment response 2,4. Men may also be less likely to seek care, which can delay effective treatment.
What this means for care
In Dr. Harcourt’s framework, hormone evaluation is considered for men as well when the history suggests it, alongside the nutritional, musculoskeletal and neurological pillars. See Hormones: testing and balance.
This article is educational and does not replace a personal evaluation. Talk with your clinician before making changes to medications, supplements or diet.
Research cited on this page
- Burch R, Rizzoli P, Loder E. The Prevalence and Impact of Migraine and Severe Headache in the United States: Figures and Trends From Government Health Studies. Headache. 2018;58(4):496-505. PubMed 29527677 · DOI
- Delaruelle Z, Ivanova TA, Khan S, et al. Male and female sex hormones in primary headaches. J Headache Pain. 2018;19(1):117. PubMed 30497379 · DOI
- Li W, Diao X, Chen C, et al. Changes in hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in migraine patients. J Clin Neurosci. 2018;50:165-171. PubMed 29366620 · DOI
- Borsook D, Erpelding N, Lebel A, et al. Sex and the migraine brain. Neurobiol Dis. 2014;68:200-14. PubMed 24662368 · DOI
Mastering Migraine is an educational resource and is not a substitute for individualized medical care. Always talk with your own doctor before changing medications, starting supplements, or beginning a new treatment.
