# Migraine prevalence and hormonal influences > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/migraine-prevalence-and-hormonal-influences > Updated: 2026-09-10T13:54:52.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2. Medical experts and recent survey data highlight the significant impact of hormonal fluctuations, particularly estrogen levels, on migraine prevalence and severity in women. Specialists note that rapid changes during perimenopause can cause migraines to become more frequent or intense, often exacerbated by secondary factors like sleep disruption and stress. Data from the CBS Health Survey 2025 confirms this gender disparity, reporting that 18 percent of women experience migraine symptoms compared to 8 percent of men, with attacks in women lasting nearly twice as long. In the Netherlands, the patient association Hoofdpijnnet is advocating for updates to care protocols regarding medication overuse headache (MOH). The group is calling for earlier access to maintenance medication to replace the current ‘detox’ period of complete painkiller cessation, which patients find extremely difficult. The association also warns that using painkillers for more than 10 days per month can increase the frequency and severity of attacks. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-10: Migraine prevalence and treatment challenges highlighted in new data New data shows women suffer from longer and more frequent migraine attacks than men, often linked to estrogen. Meanwhile, advocates call for better management of medication overuse headaches. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/migraine-prevalence-and-treatment-challenges-highlighted-in-new-data ### 2026-08-26: Hormonal changes in menopause can trigger migraine attacks Neurologist Dr. Songül Turğut warns that estrogen fluctuations during menopause and perimenopause can trigger more frequent and severe migraine attacks. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hormonal-changes-in-menopause-can-trigger-migraine-attacks --- Cite as: Migraine prevalence and hormonal influences. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/migraine-prevalence-and-hormonal-influences