According to the World Health Organization, migraine is one of the most common neurological disorders in the world, affecting millions of people. Doctors say that migraine is not just an ordinary headache; rather, it is a severe, throbbing pain often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Studies show that migraine is more common in women than in men, and one of the main reasons is hormonal changes in women’s bodies. These changes, which occur during the period, pregnancy, and even daily stress, can make the pain worse.
In Afghanistan, low awareness and limited access to healthcare services have caused this condition to receive little attention. In Faryab, several women have shared their difficult experiences with migraine.
Farzana, a 26-year-old woman who suffers from migraines, says the pain usually starts when she is tired or after using her mobile phone for a long time. She adds that migraines become more severe during her period and make it difficult for her to carry out daily activities.
“Most of the time, when I am tired or use my phone too much, my headache starts. The pain becomes very severe, and I cannot carry out my daily activities. I suffer more, especially during my period,” she says.
Shakila, a 23-year-old woman, is another migraine sufferer. She says stress and lack of sleep are among the main causes of her pain. According to her, the headaches are sometimes accompanied by nausea and completely disturb her peace of mind. She explains,
“Whenever I am stressed or do not get enough sleep, the pain starts. It is very intense and is sometimes accompanied by nausea. During my period, it becomes more intense, which forces me to rest.”
Mozhgan, a 22-year-old woman, has a similar experience. She says that bright light and tiredness cause her migraines. The pain is usually felt on one side of her head and can last for a long time.
“Bright light and tiredness start the pain. The pain is very severe and mostly affects one side of my head. During my period, it becomes more intense and lasts for a long time,” she adds.
Ahmad Naseri, a neurologist, says migraine is a severe, throbbing headache often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. He emphasizes that this disease is two to three times more common in women than in men, and that factors such as stress, fatigue, and hormonal changes play an important role.
“Migraine is a severe, throbbing headache often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. This condition is more common in women, and factors such as stress, fatigue, and hormonal changes contribute to it,” he says.
Meanwhile, Fatima Hossaini, a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology, emphasizes the important role hormones play in this disease. She says hormonal fluctuations, especially during menstruation, are among the main reasons migraines worsen in women, while in many cases the condition decreases during pregnancy. She says,
“Hormonal changes, especially during menstruation, worsen migraines. During pregnancy, migraines decrease in many cases; however, in some women they continue and should be monitored by a doctor.”
Migraine is not only a physical condition; it also deeply affects women’s mental well-being, daily activities, and quality of life. Nevertheless, raising awareness, seeking timely medical care, and following health recommendations can help control the condition and provide sufferers with a calmer and healthier life.
