The Pain We’re Told to Push Through

You know that moment when your head is pounding, the lights feel too bright, and someone casually suggests you “just take some Advil”? Cute, but no. For millions of women, migraine isn’t just a headache — it’s a full-body takeover. It hijacks your focus, your plans, your relationships, even how you feel about yourself.

And here’s the part no one talks about: intimacy. In Rescripted's recent survey with Pfizer, 98% of people with migraine said it affects their sex life or relationships, yet only 1 in 5 have ever mentioned it to their doctor. That silence leaves too many women carrying guilt, turning down sex, canceling plans, or pretending everything’s fine while craving connection. 

Hormones only make things more complicated. Migraines often flare around periods, pregnancy, and menopause — the exact times we’re already told to “just deal with it.” If men experienced migraine at the same rate, we’d probably be calling it a public health crisis. Instead, women are expected to quietly power through.

Here’s the truth: you don’t have to minimize your pain or your needs. Migraine deserves space in the conversation, with your partner, your friends, and your doctor. Talking about it isn’t oversharing; it’s advocating for yourself. And that’s not just self-care; it’s strength.

Ask Clara: How do I know when to see a migraine specialist?