Hormonal changes caused by pregnancy or the use of oral contraceptives, as well as a longer life expectancy, are among the reasons why women have a higher incidence of strokes than males, according to experts on World Stroke Day on Tuesday.

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and mortality among all individuals globally. However, it is the third biggest cause of mortality in women, killing more women than men, according to the American Stroke Association.

Dr. Atul Prasad, Principal Director & Head of Neurology at BLK – MAX Super Speciality Hospital, told IANS that higher life expectancy, hormonal aspects caused by pregnancy and childbirth, oral contraceptives, and menopause.

Other key risk factors include hypertension, cardiac problems such as atrial fibrillation (an abnormal heart rhythm), and pollution.

“Women with a history of migraine with aura are more likely to have a stroke, particularly if they smoke or use oral contraceptives. Another is preeclampsia, a prenatal condition that doubles the risk of stroke afterward but is rarely evaluated.” Dr. Sumit Singh, Chief-Neurology at Artemis Hospitals

According to the experts, women frequently exhibit atypical or lesser-known stroke symptoms such as fatigue, general weakness, confusion or disorientation, nausea, or vomiting, which adds to delayed identification and treatment.

“Slurred speech, abrupt weakness, and facial drooping are common symptoms in both genders; however, women’s symptoms are frequently masked as dizziness, weariness, nausea, and even hiccups. Such unusual symptoms frequently cause a delay or misdiagnosis, and they have a significant role in deteriorating the outcome,” Singh said.

While the treatment and prevention of ischemic stroke are largely comparable in men and women, post-stroke rehabilitation programs for women must be more gender tailored.

“Women have worse outcomes, with depression and cognitive decline occurring more frequently and taking longer to recover than males. As a result, stroke recovery must be treated more holistically, with mental health care, social integration, and tailored physical therapy,” the doctor stated.

The primary strategies for preventing ischemic stroke are the same for men and women: control blood pressure, manage cholesterol, quit smoking, and live a healthy lifestyle.

Prasad did, however, emphasize the importance of women monitoring their stroke risk on a regular basis whether they are on birth control pills or undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Women with a history of preeclampsia require long-term follow-up.