Migraine prevalence and treatment challenges highlighted in new data

New data from the CBS Health Survey 2025 indicates that migraine affects women significantly more often than men. Approximately 18 percent of women report migraine symptoms, compared to 8 percent of men. Research suggests that migraine attacks in women last nearly twice as long as those in men, resulting in a total disease burden more than double that of men.

The disparity is largely attributed to estrogen fluctuations. Rapid drops in estrogen levels, such as those occurring before menstruation, act as a primary trigger. This pattern is evident in the increased prevalence of migraines in females following puberty and during menopause, whereas stable estrogen levels during certain pregnancy trimesters can lead to a decrease in attacks.

Separately, the patient association Hoofdpijnnet is calling for changes to migraine care protocols regarding medication overuse headache (MOH). Currently, the preferred treatment in the Netherlands involves a two-to-three-month ‘detox’ period of complete cessation of all painkillers, a process patients describe as extremely difficult. Hoofdpijnnet advocates for earlier access to effective maintenance medication, noting that such practices are already implemented in neighboring countries. The association also warns that using painkillers for more than 10 days per month can lead to increased frequency and severity of attacks.