Addressing Sex Bias in Migraine Studies: A Call for Balance

Research Summary

A systematic review published in Cephalalgia reveals significant sex bias in migraine provocation studies. Analyzing 58 studies from 1972 to 2025, researchers found women constituted 82% of participants, while men made up just 18%. Alarmingly, none of the studies performed sex-stratified analyses, and sex was seldom discussed as a biological variable. Female-specific factors like menstrual cycles were unreported in over 90% of cases, with inconsistent consideration of hormonal contraception and pregnancy. Despite the importance of these models in developing anti-CGRP therapies, the lack of sex-disaggregated analyses limits understanding of their applicability across sexes.

Study Details

📄 Title: Where are the men? A systematic review of sex bias in human provocation models of migraine.

👥 Research Team: Pellesi L et al.

📚 Published In: Cephalalgia

📅 Publication Date: 2026 Mar

⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This summary is generated automatically from recent migraine research. Always consult with healthcare professionals for medical advice.