A new European survey reveals a significant gap in migraine care for women in Greece. Findings show that nearly 7 in 10 women with migraine do not receive personalized treatment, especially for attacks linked to hormonal changes like menstruation or menopause. The European Migraine and Headache Alliance (EMHA) presented these concerning results at the European Parliament on March 10, coinciding with International Women's Day.[tovima]
Many Women Live Without a Diagnosis
The study, titled "Migraine in Women – The Invisible Hormonal Pattern," surveyed 5,410 women across 13 European countries, including 504 participants from Greece. The results highlight a widespread problem of underdiagnosis and a lack of tailored care. In Greece, nearly 1 in 2 women who took part in the survey had never received an official migraine diagnosis.
Many women suffering from migraine symptoms do not seek medical help. The survey found that 43.7% of Greek women had not consulted a doctor for their migraines. Among these, 8 in 10 tried to treat their condition themselves. This suggests a significant number of women are managing a serious neurological disorder without professional guidance.[tovima]
Konstantinos Bilias, General Secretary of the Greek Society of Migraine and Headache Patients, emphasized the problem. He stated that migraines in women are often not recognized or diagnosed correctly. Doctors sometimes simplistically attribute the symptoms to hormonal changes without a proper evaluation.[tovima]
Hormones Play a Key Role, But Are Often Ignored
The survey clearly shows a strong link between hormones and migraine attacks for many women. Two in three women reported a possible connection between their migraine episodes and their menstrual cycle. Furthermore, 9 in 10 women said their attacks during menstruation are more intense, last longer, and are harder to manage compared to other times.
Despite this clear pattern, 7 in 10 women have never been offered a tailored treatment plan for migraine episodes related to their hormones. This includes migraines linked to menstruation or menopause. Dr. Michail Vikelis, a neurologist and scientific advisor to the Greek Society of Migraine and Headache Patients, stressed that healthcare providers must systematically consider hormonal factors in clinical practice.[tovima]
Migraine is a complex neurological disorder, not just a severe headache. It affects women disproportionately, with females making up 3 out of 4 migraine sufferers, especially during their reproductive years. This highlights an urgent need for healthcare strategies that consider gender-specific factors.[tovima]
Migraine's Heavy Impact on Daily Life
Migraines cause more than just pain. They involve pulsing headaches, nausea, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. These symptoms significantly limit a woman's ability to function daily. Migraine is a leading cause of disability worldwide, and it ranks as the first cause of disability among young women.[tovima]
The condition heavily impacts job performance and overall quality of life. Studies in Greece show that migraines create a substantial financial and psychological burden for patients. Many patients miss work or experience reduced productivity. A 2023 survey of Greek migraine patients found that 35.2% lose 1-2 working days per month, and 36.6% have reduced productivity for 1-2 days per month. These impacts can even lead to reduced monthly income for over a quarter of patients.[jofph+4]
Women often face severe problems at work due to a lack of understanding from colleagues and employers about migraine's burden. They are often forced to change their daily activities to avoid attacks. The journey to diagnosis and effective treatment can be long and frustrating, with patients often visiting multiple medical specialists before finding help.[pmc+2]
Call for Patient-Centered Solutions
Experts are calling for urgent action to address the unmet needs in migraine care for women. They emphasize the importance of recognizing, diagnosing, and treating hormonally related migraines. Better training for healthcare providers, targeted therapies, and improved communication between patients and doctors are crucial steps.
While traditional oral preventive treatments have often left patients dissatisfied, newer options offer some hope. A 2023 survey found that patients treated with anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) expressed optimism about their future with migraine. Over 88% were optimistic about living with their condition, and nearly 83% expected improvements in their quality of life.[pubmed]
The findings from Greece underscore the need for a more patient-centered approach to migraine care, particularly for women who bear a disproportionate share of the disease's burden. Addressing the hormonal patterns and providing personalized treatment could significantly improve the lives of countless women.[pmc+2]
