Migraine sufferers misdiagnosed

More than 60 percent of female migraine sufferers have not been properly diagnosed, according to The National Migraine Awareness Group.

Women suffer from headaches more often then men, and experience migraines three times more often. Migraines are categorized by pain on one side of the head, from mild to severe; sensitivity to light and sound; and possible nausea. Sometimes migraines begin with blurred vision.

Because the symptoms and triggers vary widely from person to person, diagnosing migraines is difficult. But researchers are discovering that in women, estrogen levels may play an important role. Studies show that women’s migraines are often triggered by the onset of puberty. Synthetic estrogens in birth-control pills and hormone-replacement therapy can also trigger migraines. Migraine occurrence may increase after giving birth, when estrogen levels decline, the Society for Women’s Health Research reports.

Migraines are treatable with medication, such as pain relievers and betablockers, and by learning to avoid triggers. Learn more about migraines and take a risk-assessment quiz at http://www.womenshealthresearch.org/site/PageServer?pagename=migraine.