Do Migraines Get Worse or Better With Age?

Migraines don’t stay the same throughout your life. In fact, they often shift in frequency, intensity, and even in the symptoms they cause. According to the Mayo Clinic, for many people, migraines peak during midlife and improve as they get older. Women, in particular, tend to see dramatic changes related to hormonal fluctuations during different life stages. Men may experience fewer changes, but migraines can still evolve in presentation over time.

How Migraines Evolve Over Time

At the Migraine Relief Center, we’ve observed that migraine symptoms often follow a pattern that correlates closely with a person’s age and hormonal development. Let’s take a look at how these changes typically unfold over the decades.

Childhood and Adolescence

Migraines can begin in early childhood, sometimes as young as five years old. These early migraines are often shorter in duration than adult migraines and may present differently—for example, as abdominal pain or nausea without a headache. Boys are slightly more prone to migraines before puberty, but after puberty, the trend reverses. Rising estrogen levels increase the likelihood of migraines in adolescent girls, and many begin to notice headaches that coincide with their menstrual cycle.

Early Adulthood: 20s to 30s

During your 20s and 30s, migraines often become more consistent and more severe. Hormonal fluctuations, lifestyle stress, lack of sleep, and dietary habits all play a role. Women may find that their migraines follow a predictable monthly cycle, often worsening in the days leading up to menstruation. Many people report their highest migraine frequency during this period of life.

Midlife: 40s to 50s

As women approach menopause, hormone levels begin to fluctuate unpredictably. This transitional phase, known as perimenopause, can temporarily worsen migraines. Some experience longer, more intense attacks or notice changes in their usual symptoms—such as more pronounced aura or dizziness. For men, this period tends to bring fewer changes, though some still see an increase or shift in migraine activity due to lifestyle or health changes.

Later Life: 60 and Beyond

Many people find relief as they age. After menopause, women often experience a notable reduction in both the frequency and intensity of migraines—especially those whose migraines were tied to their menstrual cycle. For both men and women, older age tends to bring more stable hormone levels, less reactivity in the nervous system, and fewer triggers overall. However, migraines may not disappear entirely. Some individuals begin to experience more aura symptoms, such as visual disturbances or vertigo, without the accompanying headache. This is sometimes referred to as a "migraine equivalent."

It’s important to keep in mind that any new or changing headache pattern after age 50 should be evaluated by a specialist to rule out other causes.

Why Migraines Change With Age

Several factors contribute to how migraines evolve over time. Hormonal changes—especially fluctuations in estrogen—are one of the biggest influences, particularly for women. As hormone levels shift during puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, and menopause, the brain’s sensitivity to migraine triggers also changes.

Neurological development plays a role as well. As we age, the brain’s pathways involved in pain processing tend to become less reactive. At the same time, lifestyle patterns often become more stable, which may help reduce common triggers like sleep disruptions, dietary changes, and irregular schedules.

Age-related medical conditions and medications can also affect how migraines are experienced. For example, certain blood pressure medications or antidepressants may have the added benefit of reducing migraine frequency, while others might make migraines worse.

Migraine Differences Between Men and Women

Migraine affects women about three times more often than men, and hormonal differences are largely responsible for this gap. Estrogen has a direct impact on migraine frequency and intensity, which explains why many women notice attacks in sync with their menstrual cycle. Pregnancy and menopause also have a significant influence—some women find relief during pregnancy, while others experience a spike in symptoms.

Men, by contrast, tend to have more consistent migraine patterns over their lifespan. Without the same hormonal fluctuations, men’s migraines may be easier to manage long-term, though they still face the same challenges in identifying triggers and effective treatments.

When to See a Migraine Specialist

It’s common for migraines to change over time, but if you notice a sudden shift in frequency, intensity, or the way your symptoms present, it’s wise to speak with a specialist. This is especially important if:

• Your migraines become significantly more frequent or disruptive

• Your symptoms change in nature—such as an increase in aura without pain

• You develop new headache symptoms after the age of 50

At Migraine Relief Center, we help patients of all ages understand how their migraines are evolving and what treatments are best suited to their current needs.

Final Thoughts: Migraine Relief at Every Stage of Life

While migraines can be unpredictable, they often become less intense and less frequent with age—particularly for women after menopause. Understanding how migraines change over time can help you manage symptoms more effectively and prepare for what’s ahead.

If you're navigating new migraine symptoms or feel like your current treatments aren’t working as well as they once did, it may be time to revisit your plan. Relief is possible—at any age.

Need expert help? Schedule a consultation with Migraine Relief Center and take the next step toward a life with fewer migraine days.