Migraine affects one billion people worldwide, is one of the top chief concerns of patients presenting to primary care, and affects women more than men (by up to four-fold post puberty) and is a leading cause of disability. Providers working in pain management should have knowledge of migraine epidemiology, prevalence, and management throughout the lifespan in women.
The primary goal of this presentation is to enhance healthcare provider clinical skills, knowledge and confidence when considering care for this patient population. Options for treatment during certain phases of life require specific considerations regarding shared decision making to weigh the risks and benefits (for example, risk or future plans for pregnancy, during pregnancy and lactation, or the use of estrogen containing oral contraception in women who have migraine with aura). Educating healthcare professionals on this topic will help to increase patient satisfaction and care, with the goal of reducing disability and poor quality of life for many women who have migraine.
Learning Objectives:
Discuss how hormonal changes throughout the female lifespan can contribute to migraine symptoms.
List contraindications to certain migraine treatments during different phases in a woman's life.
Identify current evidence for migraine treatment in women along with limitations.
Review vascular risk factors associated with migraine throughout the lifespan in women.
