Published on 11 November 2026
Attacks of migraine are much more common in women than in men.
Indeed, women are about three times more likely to have these attacks. The main reason is usually the effects of hormones, particularly oestrogen.
If you are a woman coping with migraines, you will recognise a pattern of them occurring. You may experience the following:
- Attacks in the days before or during a period. This is because oestrogen levels fall
- A reduction in migraines during pregnancy
- A return of migraines after childbirth. There is a rapid drop in hormone levels after delivery
- A worsening of migraine patterns during perimenopause and menopause due to hormonal fluctuations. There is often an improvement after menopause
When to seek help
You are advised to talk to a healthcare professional if your migraine attacks are seriously disrupting your everyday life.
It is particularly important to seek help if:
- Migraines are frequent or worsening in intensity
- Over-the-counter medication is not helping
- You develop new neurological symptoms
- Headaches suddenly become severe or different from your usual pattern
What do private neurology services offer?
These services assess the history of your migraine attacks and examine any existing current pattern.
A neurologist can help determine if migraines are hormonally related and discuss treatment options, which may include medication, lifestyle changes, or specialist therapies.
A neurology consultation can be followed up with blood tests and possibly an MRI scan.
Specialist therapies include Botox® treatment for chronic migraine and CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) therapy. Both involve a course of injections.
How Benenden Hospital can help you
Benenden Hospital offers private migraine assessment and treatment through its neurology service.
The hospital’s neurologists can help diagnose migraine, identity triggers, rule out other neurological conditions, and develop a treatment plan.
Accessing treatment
You can contact Benenden Hospital’s Private Patient Team om 01580 363158. A GP referral is required for a neurology appointment.