Each June, attention turns to two important health priorities: Men’s Health Month and Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, or MHAM. While headache and migraine are commonly associated with women, 1 in 10 men push through pain daily. The misconception that migraine is a woman’s disease often prevents men from seeking treatment. This month is an important opportunity to break the stigma around chronic pain in men.
A Hidden Burden
Migraine can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. Although men are less likely than women to experience migraine due to hormonal differences, ten percent are still living with the disease. Many of these men are less likely to be diagnosed, less likely to seek care, and less likely to be included in public health and policy conversations about migraine.
The gap of migraine care in men has consequences. Migraine and headache disorders can lead to presenteeism and absenteeism in the workforce, accounting for $78 billion lost in tax revenue. Including more men in the conversation of migraine care can lead to earlier opportunities for diagnosis, treatment and management.
Barriers to Diagnosis and Care
Men often face significant barriers to migraine and headache care, including cultural stigma and gender bias. Other barriers may include:
Men may be less likely to discuss symptoms with a provider or seek medical attention.
Providers may not immediately recognize migraine in men, leading to delays or misdiagnosis.
Headache awareness messaging campaigns may not reach or target men.
Opportunities to Close the Gap
This year’s theme for Migraine and Headache Awareness Month calls for a path toward better days. This month offers an important opportunity to broaden awareness of migraine by recognizing not only its impact on women, but also the experiences of men who live with the disease. Steps that can be taken this month and beyond include:
Increasing awareness campaigns that reflect the full spectrum of individuals affected by migraine.
Equipping clinicians with tools to recognize and diagnose migraine.
Investing in policies, such as the Headache Education, Access, Diagnosis, and Care Health Equity (HEADACHE) Act to support timely diagnosis, specialist access, coverage for evidence-based treatments, as well as headache and migraine research.
A Call to Broaden the Conversation
MHAM and Men’s Health Month remind the public that meaningful progress in the migraine conversation begins with visibility. By acknowledging the unique challenges men face in recognizing and treating migraine, stakeholders across the health care system can take meaningful steps towards more equitable and effective care.