Further, headaches decrease productivity in the workplace and increase absenteeism in schools. Researchers believe that women may be more prone to headaches than men. One reason is the fluctuation of estrogen and progesterone occurring during the menstrual cycle. Hormone levels play a large part in the occurrence of headaches.
Women often report fewer migraines during pregnancy due to more consistent hormonal levels.
Since hormonal levels decline after menopause, post-menopausal women have fewer headaches. Migraines are sometimes reported to increase when taking oral contraceptives. Currently, no definite cure or prevention of headaches is known. Although some of these triggers are outside one's control, women need to be aware of what they are. They include, but are not limited to, premenstrual syndrome, chocolate, alcohol and changes in the weather.