Sex differences in prevalence of migraine trigger factors: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aim To examine the effect of sex on migraine trigger factors. Methods Prevalence of 11 frequently reported trigger factors was determined in a cross-sectional study among migraine patients from a validated migraine database (n = 5725 females and n = 1061 males). Female-to-male odds ratios were calculated for each trigger, using a logistic regression model with attack frequency and migraine subtype (with or without aura) as covariates. Additionally, the effect of sex on total number of triggers per individual was determined. Results The top three most reported triggers in women were menstruation (78%), stress (77%), and bright light (69%). Men reported stress (69%), bright light (63%), and sleep deprivation (60%) most frequently as provoking factors. The following triggers were more often reported by women than men: Bright light (odds ratio 1.29 [95% CI 1.12–1.48]; p = 0.003), stress (1.47 [1.27–1.69]; p < 0.001), skipping a meal (1.24 [1.09–1.42]; p = 0.015), sleep deprivation (1.37 [1.20–1.57]; p < 0.001), high altitudes (1.70 [1.40–2.09]; p < 0.001), and weather changes (1.35 [1.18–1.55]; p < 0.001). Women reported more triggers than men, even when menstruation was disregarded (mean ± SD: 4.6 ± 2.3 and 4.3 ± 2.3; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Women report migraine trigger factors to be provocative of their attacks more frequently than men, which may be related to a lower migraine threshold due to sex hormonal changes.