Why do men suffer from migraine?

Agency
Mexico City.- Men with high levels of estrogen, "female sex hormones," appear to be more susceptible to migraines than those with lower amounts, according to a study of the Center. Doctor from the University of Leiden, the Netherlands.

Migraine is a high-intensity headache that handicaps the patient. It is thought that is caused by an abnormality in a major chemical used by brain cells, called serotonin. During a migraine attack, changes in serotonin affect the blood vessels of the brain, reports the portal Very Interesting

You may also be interested: Attention! You could have HPV without knowing it

In Mexico, nearly 20 million patients suffer from this disease. "The first episode usually occurs in childhood, but persists throughout life, the biggest peaks occur between 25 and 45 years, and extend up to 65", said Felipe Arturo Vega, an academic at the Faculty of Medicine of UNAM.

Levels of Estrogen in the Blood They Influence the Frequency and Severity of Migraine in Women ; However, "it is not known if sex hormones also affect migraine in men," said study author, Dr. W.P.J. van Oosterhout

The Scientific Study

For this reason, Oosterhout designed research involving 17 men, with an average age of 47, who experienced migraine at least three times a month In the past two years, who were compared to 22 other men without migraine

"Our research found elevated estrogen levels in migraine men, as well as lower testosterone symptoms" said the expert. For the test, the researchers measured the levels of estradiol (an estrogen) and testosterone in the blood. They took four blood samples from each participant in one day, every three hours. For those who suffer from migraine, the first were taken in a day without headaches, then daily until the participant suffers from migraine

The study published in the Neurology review, revealed that men with this condition had higher levels of estradiol between their periods of migraine, which means that a lower testosterone to estrogen ratio, of those who do not report no headaches.

All participants were asked about the symptoms that they experience with deficiencies in testosterone levels; in particular, affects his mood, energy and sexual performance. 61% of men with migraine reported presenting these symptoms frequently, compared with 27% of men who did not suffer.

Although it was only a small sample, van Oosterhout commented that more teams should analyze how these hormonal patterns can affect the onset of migraine headaches.