A deep-dive by Rescripted, supported by Pfizer Medical Affairs
“Not Tonight, I Have a Migraine Headache”
Migraine is often brushed off as "just a headache," but for millions of women, it's a chronic, invisible illness that disrupts daily life, sex, relationships, and emotional well-being. In a new survey from Rescripted and Pfizer, 98% said migraine affects intimacy — yet only 1 in 5 have talked to their doctor about it.
Many report canceling dates, turning down sex, or feeling guilty, even when the desire is still there. Hormonal shifts make things worse, and symptoms are often overlooked. If men faced this, it might be a public health crisis. For women, it's something they're expected to quietly endure.
Download the Full Migraine & Intimacy Report
See what women shared about sex and migraine
Read It HereHormones & Migraine ~ A Complex Connection
Women are three times more likely than men to experience migraine, and hormones are a big part of the story. Fluctuations tied to periods, pregnancy, and menopause can make attacks more frequent or intense — yet women's pain is still too often dismissed or downplayed.
1 in 4 feel fully like themselves (clear-headed & energized) for only one week or less each month.
Migraine & Intimacy ~ The Silent Struggle
For many women, migraine isn't just pain — it's distance. Canceled plans. Turned-down intimacy. The guilt of wanting connection but not having the capacity. Our research reveals a powerful truth: migraine disrupts intimacy, but talking about it remains rare.
55% of women with migraine have canceled sex because of a migraine attack.
Work & Life ~ When Migraine Interrupts Your Day
Women with migraine carry an extra burden: managing symptoms while navigating stigma at work. Because migraine is so often misunderstood, many hide their pain, afraid of being seen as unreliable or weak. It adds emotional weight to an already exhausting struggle.
92% said they push through at work to avoid being judged, afraid they may face negative consequences.
Emotional Toll & Stigma ~ The Hidden Weight
Migraine is a chronic neurological disease that often coexists with anxiety and depression. Symptoms are frequently overlooked by both loved ones and doctors, leaving many women feeling isolated. Too often, they have to fight just to have their pain taken seriously.
More than half say their symptoms have been dismissed or minimized by a healthcare provider.
The Path Forward ~ Better Treatment, More Talk
“I wish people understood how deeply migraines affect my ability to show up fully — as a partner, professional, and myself. It's not 'just a headache.' There's guilt in canceling plans, strain in relationships, and fear of being seen as unreliable.” ~Rescripted Community Member
84% believe more effective migraine treatment would help them feel more supported in maintaining intimacy & relationships.
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Despite its widespread impact, migraine remains deeply misunderstood and under-treated, especially for women. It's not just a headache; it's a complex, life-altering disease that touches every part of daily life, from intimacy to mental health.
What women need isn't just better medications. They need treatments that fit their realities, and healthcare providers who truly listen, believe, and understand. It's time for more awareness, more empathy, and more comprehensive care.