[Headache in female].

Significant correlation is observed between the prevalence of headache (tension type headache and migraine) and such variables as gender and age. The prevalence of migraine in reproductive-aged females is 4 to 5 times higher than that in males. However, the prevalence in headache does not differ with gender before puberty. Female life stages include the pre-pubertal period, pubertal period, reproductive period (pregnancy, parturition, and puerperium), menopausal period, and postmenopausal period. During these life stages, serum estrogen levels change dynamically. Even during the menstrual cycle, serum estradiol levels change dynamically. These changes definitely differ from changes in serum testosterone levels in males. Headache or migraine during the menstrual cycle is more frequently observed during the period of menstruation. However, the prevalence of headache and migraine become lower after menopause. These findings suggest that the occurrence of headache is in part associated with the decline in serum estradiol levels.