14.doc

Discussion of the Literature Impact on Gender The Ophthalmology group has previously discovered that migraines typically affect females more often than males. This finding prompted the research group to attempt to identify the reason for this occurrence using an evidenced based approach. The article titled Prevention of Migraine in Women Throughout the Life Span (Tozer et al., 2006) addressed the impact of hormones on the development of migraine headaches in the female population. The researchers in this article have identified that differing levels of hormones are present when a woman menstruates, becomes pregnant, takes oral contraceptives, experiences menopause, and participates in hormone therapy. During these times of hormonal imbalance, a woman is at an increased likelihood of experiencing a migraine headache. These findings are important because it increases awareness of assessing women during these times of hormone imbalance. With knowledge of these risk factors and prompt assessment of these patients, early identification and intervention can be possible. Consequently, this may decrease the severity of the symptoms experienced by the individual. Finally, with further research it may be possible to identify the particular hormones imbalances that influence the development of a migraine headache. If studies could identify a particular hormonal imbalance, medications could be used to fix the imbalance. Tozer et al. (2006). Prevention of migraine in women throughout the life span. Mayo Clinic Proceedings 81(8), 1086-1092