I am sure you have heard many of these myths before, but despite the advances in modern medicine, migraine myths and misconceptions still abound. These myths perpetuate themselves and feed the stigma associated with migraines.

​​​​​​​Let’s take a look at 5 of the top migraine myths so that next time someone tries to confront you with one of these myths, you are armed with the true facts:

Myth #1: Only Women Get Migraines.

Fact:  Both men and women suffer with migraines, although they are more common in women.

Approximately 18 percent of women in American suffer from migraines compared to 6 percent of men. 

Myth #2:  If I Have Migraines, So Will My Children.

Fact: While there is a strong genetic basis to the development of migraines,  that does not necessarily mean your children will have migraines. Likewise, just because you have a family history of migraines, does not mean you will develop migraines.

Another way to think about it is that just because you do NOT have a family history of migraines does not mean you will NOT have migraines yourself.

Myth #3: If You Don’t See Flashing Lights Then You’re Not Having A Migraine

Fact:  Just because you don’t have migraine aura, that doesn’t mean you don’t have a migraine. In fact, only about one-third of migraineurs have an aura. Auras typically consist of visual, sensory, and/or language disturbances that are reversible and last up to about an hour.

When I first started suffering with migraines, I always had an aura, but it has now been many years since I had an aura prior to the onset of a migraine. So even if you have had an aura in the past, that doesn’t define your migraine patterns. 

Myth #4: Migraines During a Women’s Menstrual Cycle Are in Her Head. (Doesn’t this one just irritate you?!)

Fact: Headaches during your menstrual cycle could very well be migraines,and very often men and women both have their first migraine with some hormonal change.

They are not “in your head” or related to depression/mood changes, as your spouse or friends may insinuate.

This goes back to the fact that while migraines occur in men, they are more common in women. This is likely due to the influence of the hormones estrogen and progesterone on migraine occurrence, frequency, and severity. For instance, migraine frequency increases immediately before or during a women’s menstrual cycle (menstrual migraines), when her estrogen levels have decreased. On the other hand, many women experience relief of their migraines during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, a high estrogen state.

An great way to diagnose menstrual migraines is by keeping a migraine diary, paying particular attention to record both headache symptoms, as well as the start and stop of your menstrual cycle. Also, you should check with your doctor regarding oral contraceptive or hormone replacement therapy, as this can also affect migraine patterns.

Myth #5: Migraines Don’t Last for Days, and Noone has a Migraine Every Day.

Fact: A “typical” migraine lasts from 4 to 72 hours, but can last longer. They sometimes last days, weeks, or even months. However, when they last longer than 72 hours, you should contact your doctor. Unfortunately, some people do have Migraines nearly daily and even daily. As I’ve told you before, that was my almost daily pattern before my investment into the holistic approach. Chronic Migraine is unfortunately, all too real. By definition, chronic migraine is having migraines or tension-type headaches 15 or more days per month. The reality is that many people with chronic migraines have a migraine or headache every day. 

Summary

If you suffer from migraines, be proactive in your healthcare. Seek out truthful information sources and always speak with your healthcare provider about any concerns or questions you have. Most migraines can be treated and/or prevented effectively. But you must advocate for yourself and your health. Also, remember the holistic and natural remedy approach can add just what you  need to reduce the frequency and severity of your migraines. Check out my Migraine Immersion Program for some 1-on-1 real relief-finding coaching and education. Being in the program will change your life like it did mine.