Neurologist Marc Schlosberg says the difference may be attributed to monthly hormonal changes among women. In women there is a strong association between migraines and estrogen.

"In particular it's an abrupt drop in the estrogen level and this occurs towards the end of the period. It can also occur at the end of pregnancy," says Schlosberg.

Experts believe migraine symptoms are likely to be worse among some women taking birth control pills.

The good news according to Schlosberg: many women report their migraines go away after menopause when estrogen levels stop fluctuating.